D.C. United Begins Construction On Training Center In Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — Pro soccer team D.C. United announced it has officially begun construction on a new training facility in Loudoun County. The facility will host Loudoun United FC of the USL, the Washington Spirit of the NWSL, and the D.C. United Academy.

The facilities are being constructed on a 30-acre lot, and the complex is scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer, according to D.C. United. When finished, the facility will feature four full-sized practice fields.

Buddy Rizer, the executive director of economic development in Loudoun County, is optimistic about the future of soccer in Loudoun. "This marks another #LoudounPossible day in our community as we begin construction on the performance center and training facility for the D.C. United organization," he said in a press release. “We are proud that one of the sport’s best franchises has made this long-term commitment to Loudoun, and we are thrilled to add them to our thriving business environment.”

Jason Levien, the CEO and co-chairman of D.C. United, was similarly enthusiastic. "The substantial investment in soccer infrastructure that we have made the last few years demonstrates our commitment to contributing to the powerful growth of our sport in the DMV," he said in a press release. "We live in a hotbed for soccer talent, and this new performance center located in the heart of Loudoun County will allow us to harness the growth opportunity in the region."

In addition to its four practice fields, the new training complex will also contain a new weight room and recovery facility for the athletes. The facility is also planned to host the Audi Performance Center, which will contain educational resources and a film room for the development of players.

D.C. United estimates that more than 130,000 people will visit the new complex on an annual basis. These numbers account for visitors from clinics, tournaments, leagues and camps.