Seasonal development
School of Excellence
Fun, competitive and supportive programming that builds technical skill, creativity, confidence and a lifelong love for soccer.
Use the program finder →Mendonça Soccer School · DOCA Futebol Academy
Develop the player.
Inspire the person.
High-quality seasonal training and a year-round developmental and premier academy for aspiring players throughout southeastern Connecticut.
Choose your pathway
A place to learn.
A pathway to compete.
Players can build confidence through seasonal specialist training or pursue a complete August-to-June academy experience.
Year-round academy
DOCA Futebol Academy
Developmental and premier teams for players seeking consistent training, meaningful competition and a clear long-term pathway.
Explore academy levels →Interactive Winter Finder
Find the right training environment.
Select a player’s age and primary goal to see the best 2026–2027 Winter School of Excellence match.
Wide World of Indoor Sports · OakdaleTuesdays · Dec. 1–Jan. 5 and Jan. 12–Feb. 16
Tuition is per six-week session. Placement may also consider experience and current development needs.
DOCA Futebol Academy · 2026–2027
One academy.
Four stages of growth.
For 2026–2027, DOCA follows the school-year model using an August 1–July 31 age-group cycle.
Find your player’s exact age groupEnter the complete date of birth. The finder applies the August 1 school-year cutoff automatically.
Enter a date of birthEligible dates: August 1, 2008–July 31, 2019
2026–2027 tuition
Ready for the next step?
Choose your pathway
and register.
Registration, program inquiries and player information are managed securely through PlayMetrics.
Mendonça Soccer School
Register for Training Programs
Enroll in School of Excellence winter training, including Mini Kickers, Technical, Striker and Goalkeeper programs.
Register for Training →Open the direct Mendonça Soccer School registration form in PlayMetrics.DOCA Futebol Academy
Tryouts & Program Inquiry
Submit player information, explore academy opportunities and begin the DOCA evaluation or tryout process.
Register for DOCA Tryouts →Open the direct DOCA tryout and inquiry form in PlayMetrics.More ways to play
Development beyond
the traditional team.
Every environment gives players a different way to solve problems, express themselves and enjoy the game.
01
Street Soccer League
Player-led small-sided soccer with no sideline coaching—giving players freedom to organize, create and make decisions.
02
Futsal Programs
Fast-paced play in tight spaces that develops first touch, quicker decisions, movement, creativity and confidence.
03
Seasonal Select Teams
Focused training and tournament opportunities that bring motivated players together in a competitive environment.
Coaching & Mentor Initiative
Building coaches. Developing leaders.
Structured opportunities for teens, adults and experienced coaches to grow as leaders, communicators and positive role models within the Mendonça Soccer family.
For high school students
RISE
Role Models in Soccer Education
Earn community service hours while gaining real-world coaching experience and supporting youth player development.
- Leadership and communication
- Coaching support and mentorship
- Accountability and teamwork
For adult volunteers
ASCEND
Adult Support & Coaching Engagement for Next-Gen Development
Parents, alumni and community members contribute through team support, coaching assistance, mentorship and events.
- Team and program support
- Community involvement
- Mentorship and event organization
For experienced coaches
ELEVATE
Education · Leadership · Excellence · Vision · Advancement · Training · Empowerment
A professional network for licensed and experienced coaches committed to education, collaboration and mentoring future leaders.
- Professional development
- Training methodology collaboration
- Mentoring RISE and ASCEND coaches
“Our primary objective is to develop each individual player within a competitive environment that nurtures growth, encourages learning and inspires a lifelong passion for the game.”Mendonça Soccer
How we coach
Standards that shape confident players.
Every session meets players where they are and challenges them to take the next step.
A supportive environment with clear expectations, effort and accountability.
Players learn to recognize situations, solve problems and play with purpose.
Teamwork, discipline, family and love for the game guide the experience.
Family information
Questions, answered.
Clear expectations help players and families choose the right environment.
What is the difference between the School of Excellence and DOCA?
The School of Excellence offers seasonal training, futsal, street soccer and select opportunities. DOCA is a ten-month developmental and premier academy running from August through June.
Can a player participate in both programs?
Yes. Many academy players use School of Excellence programs for additional technical, striker, goalkeeper or futsal development when schedules allow.
How are DOCA age groups aligned in 2026–2027?
DOCA follows the school-year model using an August 1 through July 31 age-group cycle.
What should players bring to training?
Players should arrive ready to train with appropriate training attire, shin guards, a properly inflated ball and water.
How do I know which program is best?
Use the program finder above or contact our staff. Final placement considers age, experience, goals and the player’s current stage of development.
Let’s find the right fit
Start the conversation.
Whether your player is taking their first steps or looking for a higher competitive level, our team can help guide the next move.
Stonington High School176 S Broad St, Pawcatuck
Wheeler High School298 Norwich-Westerly Rd, North Stonington
WWIS Montville2 Sachatello Industrial Dr, Oakdale
Stonington COMO28 Cutler St, Stonington
