The St. James Football Club
The St. James Football Club is the DMV's premier boys club and has created the preeminent destination for boys football in the region. TSJFC has created a holistic training and competitive environment like no other in the region. Our world class staff, facilities and developmental structure provides elite boys players a professional academy environment which will allow players to reach their full potential.
We are proud to accept membership into MLS Next for the 2026-2027 season as new members of the MLS Next 2 Program.
Under the leadership of Interim MLS Next Academy Director: Adam Baumgardner, we are confident that the future is bright for our Boys Academy program.
2026-2027 Season: TSJFC MLS Next Academy will hold player ID sessions/centers throughout the year for the 2026-2027 soccer year. These events are open to ALL players regardless of club affiliation.
All trials and ID sessions/centers are free of charge. If you are interested in having your son(s) attend an Academy evaluation session or ID Center, please fill out the form via the link below and look at the schedule on this page. If you can't make one of the ID Center sessions, please contact us to come out on another date.
Birth Years for Player Evaluations: 2008/2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2026-2027 Coaching Slate: Coaching Slate listed below
Player ID Session Schedule:
- Wednesday, February 18th
Missed Tryouts? Contact the following coaches to set up an evaluation:
- Herve Diese- MLS Next Academy Director: herve.diesethestjames.com
2026-2027 COACHING SLATE
2008/2009 Head Coach: Alex Martinez
2010 Head Coach: Phil Nana
2011 Head Coach: Amine El-Hachimi
2012 Head Coach: TBD
2013 Head Coach: Amine El-Hachimi
2014 Head Coach: Herve Diese
Goalkeeper Coach: Justin Cook
Performance Coach: Coming Soon
academy faqs
There are many benefits of playing in the MLS Next. These benefits include:
Consistent, high level training environment
Professional, highly licensed coaches
More meaningful games
Schedule designed to improve periodization and help reduce the risk of injury
College exposure at first class events, matches, and training
Matches attended by US Soccer Scouts and Coaches
Holistic training approach that includes athletic development as well as mental training
GPS monitoring for all players to improve player monitoring and injury prevention
All games videotaped and analyzed for players
Proven track record of developing players and sending them off to college and beyond
Character and leadership development activities to help further develop the players for their futures
Our coaching and Technical Staff are well versed in supporting players into the collegiate game. With over 60 years of coaching experience and a track record of placing our players in the top colleges and universities throughout the United States, the TSJFC staff can support all aspects of the recruitment process.
TSJFC utilizes SportsRecruits system which streamlines the college recruitment experience and makes players very accessible to college coaches
College coaches regularly attending training and league matches to watch TSJFC play.
College coaches will be given access to video of MLS Next matches to evaluate players (through our video capabilities).
TSJFC teams attend other Girls Academy approved college showcase events to further increase exposure.
