WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C United announced today that their U-17 boys Academy youth team has accepted an invitation to play in the Mundialito tournament in Albacete, Spain this August 25 through September 3, 2006. The team is coming off a 10-0 season in the United Soccer League (USL) Super Y-League's Mid-Atlantic division and as the regional finalist in the USL National Finals tournament in Tampa last November.
The Mundialito tournament is celebrating its second anniversary this August and will have 16 teams from across the globe participating including Real Madrid FC, Betis, FC Barcelona, Milan AC, Valencia CF, Feyenoord, Partizan Belgrade, FC Porto, Boca Juniors, Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), Yaon In (Korea), Albacete, Sao Paulo, Universidad Catolica, Pumas, and D.C. United. Boca Juniors won the inaugural tournament in 2005.
"We are extremely excited and proud to accept this invitation for our D.C. United Academy team, said John Harkes, D.C. United's Director of Youth Development. "In only my third year in this position, we are now receiving international recognition for the caliber of play in our youth system. This will be a fantastic experience for the players and our organization to compete with the best clubs in the world."
The team, which is coached by former D.C. United player Kris Kelderman, is not currently holding any more tryouts for the 2006 season.
For more information on the D.C. United U-17 soccer program or to receive more information, please contact Greg Steininger, Youth Development Coordinator at 202-587-5468 or gsteininger@dcunited.com.
