Player Progression Academy

What soccer programs and age groups does PPA offer?PPA separates development soccer—local leagues from Pre-K through eighth grade with team formation, balanced divisions, and optional pro coaches—from Premier travel for birth years 2008 through 2019. Younger beginners can start in KiddoBall for roughly ages 2.5–5. Premier players follow a year-round calendar with league games, tournaments, and winter training, and the pathway includes MLS NEXT Academy for older boys and Girls Academy Aspire for elite girls, alongside other regional and national league play.

Where does PPA train and play?Soccer activity is centered on Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, Maryland, including Northwest DC and neighborhoods such as Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Takoma Park, Potomac, Kensington, and Silver Spring. Development and tots programming use local fields and gyms; summer soccer camps rotate through Georgetown Day School in Northwest DC, Maret in Chevy Chase, and Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda depending on the camp week. Premier ID sessions have used Montgomery Blair High School, the University of the District of Columbia, and Maret School for scheduled evaluation blocks.

How do tryouts and placement work for Premier soccer?Premier teams use tryouts and elite ID sessions for placement into Girls Academy Aspire, National League / EDP-style play, and MLS NEXT Academy tracks where applicable. Families register for U13–U19 ID sessions through the club’s ID session registration form. Players who miss scheduled ID sessions can still be considered through a practice evaluation requested via the club’s evaluation form. Age groups shift to an August 1 cutoff for the 2026–2027 soccer year, and PPA offers age-change guidance for families adjusting to the new cycle.

What are example fees families should plan for?For spring 2026, KiddoBall is $175 for the younger age band and $185 for the older band over a seven-week Sunday season. Premier uniform kits purchased through Soccer.com are expected to total under $350 for the required home and away kits, training gear, warm-ups, and accessories, and uniform costs are separate from program registration fees on a two-year Nike cycle. Specific Premier team tuition and development-league season fees change by cycle; families should confirm current amounts in the registration portal or with staff.

What is PPA’s approach to development and inclusion?PPA promotes PPALife as its cultural frame—developing players between the lines and outside them—and encourages multi-sport participation rather than forcing early specialization. PPA has served more than ten thousand players in the last decade, won seven Maryland state championships in five years, and staffs a large professional coaching bench. Need-based access runs through PPAforAll scholarships, and the related nonprofit Open Door Sports expands free programming for kids with special needs and underserved communities.

How can families register or get help?Development leagues, camps, and many add-on programs register through PPA’s online registration portal. Premier soccer questions and tryout support go to premiersoccer@ppateam.com, with responses typically within about one to two business days during the week. Scholarship requests for programs such as summer camp use info@ppateam.com to obtain the PPAforAll form. KiddoBall families can also reach charlie@ppateam.com for weekday class options.