What is Achilles F.C. Foundation?It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in June 2018 that delivers recreational and competitive co-ed soccer for underserved youth across the DC Metro area, with school clinics, family-centered coaching, and scholarships that keep travel soccer within reach for low-income players.
About
Achilles F.C. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in June 2018 to give disadvantaged and underserved youth across the DC Metro area a real shot at recreational and competitive soccer. The mission is straightforward: match desire with opportunity—kids who love the game should get serious coaching and structure even when pay-to-play club fees would normally screen them out. Values line up with how the U.S. Soccer Foundation talks about sports-based youth development: soccer as a platform for growth on and off the field, not just trophies.
Programs and access
The organization runs co-ed programming built around fundamentals, joy, and steady improvement. One pillar is school partnerships: staff work with local schools to run cost-effective clinics so students pick up core skills during the week without the family logistics of a standalone club night. Another pillar is competitive pathway support—scholarships for low-income families to help cover travel soccer when a player earns that step and the passion is there. Every family enters on the same terms regardless of income, with scholarships and school partnerships there to keep competitive soccer within reach.
Culture and coaching
Fair play, steady long-term development, and a family-style environment matter here—encouragement lands before criticism, and players of different ages and abilities train side by side with mutual respect. Co-founders Ricardo Loaiza (head coach) and Vincent Caccavale (executive and day-to-day operations) lead the staff alongside head coaches such as Stephen Harlan and Jesse Lauritsen. Sessions blend technical fundamentals with social-emotional growth, soccer IQ, and relationships built to last beyond one season.
What families might sign up for
An eight-week co-ed school clinic has been offered at $195 for one professional-led hour each week. The Achilles Players League—when it runs—is an elementary co-ed weekend league: 6v6 with referees, an eight-game schedule, Sunday morning games at St. John’s College High School (2607 Military Rd NW, Washington, DC), customized team jerseys included, and about $1,000 per team for rosters of six to ten players. After-school hubs have moved across DC-area elementary schools with different weekday windows each term; call (301) 538-8824 to learn which location or league cycle is open now.
Connect and support
Call (301) 538-8824 for registration, scholarships, or partnerships. Donations and many sign-ups run through BetterUnite campaigns linked from achillesfcfoundation.org, and the foundation keeps Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram active under the Achilles FC name.
Explore more teams
Compare Achilles F.C. Foundation with other youth soccer options in your area before making a decision. These directory links make it easier to review local clubs, broader District of Columbia programs, and nearby team options in one place.
Frequently asked questions
How does Achilles keep soccer affordable?The foundation emphasizes scholarships for low-income families, school-based partnerships that lower the cost of entry, and an explicit stance against shutting out families solely because of money. Donor support and registration campaigns help fund that model.
What programs or price points has Achilles used?Expect roughly $195 for an eight-week school clinic with one coach-led hour per week, plus—when the league is offered—the Achilles Players League for elementary co-ed teams: Sunday 6v6 games at St. John’s College High School, eight fixtures, jerseys bundled in, and about $1,000 per team for six to ten players. After-school sites rotate each school term, so dial (301) 538-8824 for the current schedule.
Who leads coaching and operations?Co-founders Ricardo Loaiza (head coach) and Vincent Caccavale (executive leadership) anchor the staff alongside other head coaches such as Stephen Harlan and Jesse Lauritsen.
How do families reach Achilles F.C. Foundation?Call (301) 538-8824. achillesfcfoundation.org carries program summaries, BetterUnite links to register or donate, and a contact form for written questions.
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