Girls’ Soccer Clinic Targets Dropout Surge
The Washington Spirit and Vienna Youth Soccer announced a joint clinic at Oakton High School on Sunday, aiming to curb a nationwide pattern in which girls leave organized sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14.
Backed by Brazilian beauty brand Sol de Janeiro, the event will bring together more than 200 participants between seven and 14, offering them a chance to train under licensed female coaches and meet players from the Spirit roster.
Oscar Leon, director of operations at Vienna Youth Soccer, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting that the dropout gap has widened dramatically over the past decade and that early‑age engagement can reverse the trend.
The clinic, running from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., marks the first Washington Spirit‑sponsored session in Northern Virginia, though similar programs have previously taken place in the District of Columbia. Registration, priced at $50, was nearly full as of Friday, prompting organizers to open a waitlist for additional applicants.
Beyond skill development, the gathering seeks to foster mentorship and community, giving young athletes role models who reflect their own experiences on the field.