The Arlington Development Program bridges the gap between Arlington Soccer's recreational and travel programs. It is designed for players with above-average ability who are motivated to improve and compete — while maintaining a balanced family commitment.
ADP is not neighborhood-based. Players are not assigned to teams based on where they live or which school they attend — teams are formed entirely by ability.
Scores are not kept. The sole focus is on developing players — not winning teams.
What Sets ADP Apart
All training sessions are led or overseen by licensed professional coaches. Both professional and volunteer coaches are present at every practice and game — ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction at every session.
Results are never recorded. ADP exists solely to develop players — not to win games. This removes pressure from players and keeps the focus entirely on growth, learning, and enjoyment of the game.
ADP training sessions align with Arlington Soccer's travel team curriculum, creating a clear developmental pathway. This supports a smoother transition for players interested in moving into travel soccer, including guest play opportunities.
Each fall, ADP teams participate in an End-of-Season Scrimmagefest — a fun, competitive environment where players showcase their development and celebrate a successful season together as a club.
ADP offers a higher level than recreational soccer with significantly less cost, travel, and time than travel soccer — the right balance for motivated players and busy families.
- Practice twice per week throughout each season
- Approximately Saturdays or Sundays only
- Fall season: late August – early November
- Spring season: late March – early June
- All games and practices within Arlington — no regional travel
- Scrimmagefest held each fall and spring — a full day of end-of-season scrimmages
- Attendance at all practices and games is expected
- Players may participate in Rec soccer, but ADP takes priority
- Players enrolled in travel soccer are not eligible to participate in ADP
- Unlike the Recreation program, players are not assigned to teams by neighborhood — players are placed on teams based on ability and for balance
- Families must commit fully for the duration of each season
- Frequent absences may result in reduced playing time or not being re-invited
ADP serves boys and girls U9–U12. Players try out for the age group matching their birth year. ADP generally does not allow playing up — ensuring players train with others of similar age and ability.
Tryouts consist of small-sided games evaluated by professional coaches. Current players are not required to try out annually. Supplemental tryouts fill open spots on teams in February/March for the spring season and May/June for the fall season.
- Can the player handle the ball under pressure and in tight spaces?
- Are passing, dribbling, and ball control effective in game situations?
- Pure Speed: Move quickly from point A to point B
- Technical Speed: Handle the ball effectively while moving under pressure
- Tactical Speed: Make quick, smart decisions with and without the ball
- Enjoys competing and demonstrates a high work rate
- Positive influence on teammates
- Brings passion and energy to training and games
ADP teams practice twice per week at fields allocated by Arlington County. Both professional and volunteer coaches are present at every session. Teams must train at their assigned location, day, and time.
- — Monday, Wednesday, or Friday
- — Time slot: 5:00–6:15 pm or 6:15–7:30 pm
- — Professional coach leads session
- — Monday or Friday
- — Time slot: 5:00–6:00 pm or 6:00–7:00 pm
- — Both professional and volunteer coaches present
Each player pays a program fee covering the following costs. Uniforms and practice shirts are purchased separately through the club's supplier, Score.