The Regional Development Program (RDP) is a supplemental, invitation-based training environment designed to identify, develop, and prepare top players across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Winchester and Loudoun County, Virginia, and Frederick County, Maryland for progression into the West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT pathway.

The RDP expands the club’s talent identification footprint while maintaining strong partnerships with local clubs and community programs. The program also serves as an evaluation and identification environment for potential invitation into WV Soccer MLS NEXT programming.

The program operates across three regional hubs within a targeted 35-mile radius of Charles Town, West Virginia:

• Eastern Panhandle, West Virginia – Including Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, operated by West Virginia Soccer
• Loudoun County, Virginia – In partnership with Sterling Soccer
• Frederick County, Maryland – In partnership with FC Frederick

Each location follows a unified curriculum and evaluation standard aligned with MLS NEXT expectations. The RDP supplements a player’s club environment and does not replace participation with their home club.

The Regional Development Program is designed to identify and prepare high-potential players for MLS NEXT standards while providing a clear pathway into the West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT program through professional coaching and strong regional collaboration.

• Identify high-potential players across the region
• Prepare players for MLS NEXT training demands
• Provide a clear and transparent pathway into the West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT program
• Support and collaborate with regional partner clubs
• Deliver professional-level coaching and evaluation

Players may be identified and evaluated for the RDP through multiple channels:

Regional ID Days:
• Hosted throughout the year across West Virginia, Sterling, and Frederick
• Open to players identified through club nominations, scouting, or direct evaluation
• Used to determine RDP placement or invitation-only training opportunities

Player CV Submissions:
Players may submit a Player CV including playing history, positions, club and league participation, video links (if available), and coach references. Selected players may be invited to invitation-only training opportunities within existing West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT programming. Submission does not guarantee placement.

Players accepted into the RDP will participate in:

• Weekly high-level training sessions
• Age-appropriate groupings
• MLS NEXT–aligned coaching staff and curriculum
• Ongoing technical and tactical feedback
• Regular evaluation for advancement opportunities

The RDP is training-focused and does not compete in league play.

Participation in the Regional Development Program provides players with structured evaluation and exposure to the West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT technical staff. Players are assessed on an ongoing basis within the RDP environment and through regional identification events.

Select players may be invited to participate in invitation-only training opportunities with existing WV Soccer MLS NEXT teams. Participation in the RDP does not guarantee placement in the MLS NEXT Academy. All academy decisions are made based on player readiness, development trajectory, and positional needs.

Players remain registered with and committed to their home clubs unless formally invited into the MLS NEXT Homegrown or Academy program.

Local Club Soccer
→ Regional Development Program (RDP)
→ Invitation-Only MLS NEXT Training Opportunities
→ West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT Homegrown or Academy Selection
→ College, MLS NEXT Pro, and Professional Pathways

• Supplemental program that complements club soccer
• Multiple identification and evaluation entry points
• Strong regional partnerships
• Fully aligned with MLS NEXT standards
• Participation does not guarantee MLS NEXT Homegrown or Academy placement