The D.C. United Academy has added Luciano Emilio Soccer Academy (LESA) FC as the seventh Official Academy Affiliate Club Member. LESA FC was founded and is run by former D.C. United player Luciano Emilio. Under the Affiliation agreement, LESA will serve as a source for D.C. United in identifying and developing top youth talent in the region. United will share its coaching resources and will work with the Club to develop players. Top players in the LESA system, once identified, will have the opportunity to be integrated into D.C. United’s Academy system.

“I am honored to partner with the Club that has given me so many exciting opportunities,” said Emilio. “Giving back to the DC area at this point in my life is so important. Our Club is young and a step this big and this early on gives everyone that is involved a sense of belonging and involvement with a nationally and internationally recognized organization.”

In addition to the player identification and development component of the Affiliate Agreement, LESA FC will have the opportunity to be outfitted with D.C. United and adidas-branded training gear, uniforms and coaching gear. Affiliates also receive special D.C. United ticketing opportunities for players and their families.

“We are excited to connect our youth programs with Luciano’s new Club,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He means a lot to the history of D.C. United and we look forward to working with one of our former stars in a youth development capacity. Anything we can do to increase our outreach to local players will benefit the community and future of the Club.”

About LESA FC

LESA FC was established in 2013 by former D.C. United and Brazilian soccer player Luciano Emilio and operates out of Silver Spring, Md. Emilio wants to help each individual player discover their potential to grow in every area of their lives through sports.

About Luciano Emilio

Emilio was born in Ilha Solteria, Brazil, and played professional soccer for over 16 years. He has played for FC Koln (Germany), Toros Neza (Mexico), CD Olimpia (Honduras), Rio Branco (Brazil) and D.C. United (USA). In 2007, Emilio was named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player, awarded the Golden Boot for most goals (20) scored in a season and was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year for. He founded LESA FC to spread his knowledge and love for the game and to help develop players.