What ages and program levels does Grassroots Soccer Academy offer?Grassroots Classes cover ages 2–4, Grassroots Clinics cover 5–7, and Grassroots REC Teams, Grassroots Select Team, and Grassroots EDP serve ages 5–12. The Developmental Academy recruits boys and girls ages 5–12 for Sam Soccer League play. Indoor futsal nights include youth sessions for ages 6–12 plus separate adult options.
Grassroots Soccer Academy
Clarksburg, Maryland
About
Grassroots Soccer Academy is a Maryland youth soccer academy based around Clarksburg, Damascus, and Germantown. Dave Steele founded the program in November 2016 to give local players more chances to train and play with an emphasis on fundamentals, fun, and growth for children who are just starting out or have a few seasons behind them.
What the club offers
Year-round programming includes Grassroots Classes for ages 2–4, Grassroots Clinics for ages 5–7, Grassroots REC Teams for ages 5–12, Grassroots Select Team for ages 5–12, and Grassroots EDP. The club also builds teams for ages 5 and older to compete in nearby leagues, and it runs class instruction for neighborhood groups. The Developmental Academy places boys and girls ages 5–12 in the Sam Soccer League at the Maryland Germantown Soccerplex, with one weeknight training session and eight league games against other local teams. Indoor futsal nights use elementary school gymnasiums in the area, including Clearspring Elementary; youth sessions use small-sided teams in a round-robin format with a 20-player cap per session, and adult futsal blocks are offered separately. Families interested in extra program details for ages 4–13 can complete the academy’s Jotform interest form; the Developmental Academy invites email outreach for participation details.
Coaching and philosophy
Dave Steele serves as head coach and holds a UEFA B license, with a long coaching background before launching Grassroots. Additional coaches include Jamie Thomas, Eli, Joe, Albert, and Paige. Instruction centers on teaching core soccer skills in upbeat sessions while keeping the tone supportive for a wide range of ability levels. The academy’s expectations include fun sessions, an educational training environment, player safety, clear communication with parents, professional coaching, and pathways that match each player’s stage. A parent and player code of conduct underscores respect for coaches, teammates, and the learning atmosphere.
Operations and policies
Independent contractor coaches working under the Grassroots banner receive academy-branded coaching apparel, field permit support, TeamSnap scheduling and communication help, participant registration handling, insurance coverage, promotional support, and parent updates coordinated with administration. Coaches complete registration and background checks, wear Grassroots apparel during sessions and games, route families through academy registration, and prioritize safe, professional, and enjoyable experiences. For seasonal programs, refunds are not issued once a season has begun unless a physician removes the player from participation and documentation is provided before the season starts.
How to reach Grassroots Soccer Academy
Call +1 301-820-8545 or email grassrootsocceracademy@gmail.com with questions about classes, clinics, teams, futsal nights, or the Developmental Academy. Complete the online Jotform interest form for ages 4–13 when you want program details, or email when you want to join the Sam Soccer League developmental track.
Explore more teams
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Frequently asked questions
Where does Grassroots Soccer Academy train or play?The academy focuses on the Clarksburg, Damascus, and Germantown corridor. Developmental Academy teams train and play in the Sam Soccer League at the Maryland Germantown Soccerplex. Futsal nights run indoors at local elementary gyms, including Clearspring Elementary. Other classes, clinics, and neighborhood groups use fields and indoor spaces announced per session.
How do registration and team placement work?Families can call +1 301-820-8545 or email grassrootsocceracademy@gmail.com for guidance. An online interest form collects extra information for players ages 4–13. Players interested in the Developmental Academy should email the club for next steps. Futsal nights use separate Jotform signups for each dated session, and rosters close when capacity is reached.
What is Grassroots Soccer Academy’s mission and coaching approach?Since 2016 the academy has aimed to grow local players through fundamentals-first training, welcoming any ability level while prioritizing beginners and players with limited seasons of experience. Dave Steele leads as head coach with a UEFA B license and long coaching experience, supported by additional Grassroots coaches. Expectations call for fun, educational, and safe sessions, steady parent communication, and professional coaching that helps players advance at their own pace.
What is the refund policy for seasonal programs?Season fees are not refunded after the season begins unless a physician documents that the player must stop participating, and that documentation is provided before the season starts.
How can families contact Grassroots Soccer Academy?Phone +1 301-820-8545 or email grassrootsocceracademy@gmail.com. Complete the Jotform interest form for ages 4–13 when you want program details, email for Developmental Academy participation, and use the futsal signup links for specific indoor session dates.
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