by Per Gary Moody
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the first and only men’s league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that District Elite FC has joined the league as an expansion team. The club will begin play in 2025.
“It’s exciting to see the NPSL brand grow and expand into Washington, D.C.,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “Soccer has been an integral part of our nation’s capital for decades, and we are looking forward to the positive contributions that District Elite FC will make in the area.”
The club will be led by Joao Brusamolin, Mitch Dubensky, and Gabriel Torres.
“District Elite Football Club’s mission is to create a competitive, international soccer community with strong ties to Brazil while developing a pathway for youth players to transition into higher levels of soccer,” Brusamolin said.
Brusamolin, who serves as club’s executive director, will be responsible for the strategic direction and daily management of the club. He has extensive experience coaching college soccer at the NCAA Division II and III levels, along with professional playing experience in Brazil and Ireland. Brusamolin has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master’s Degree from Catholic University of America. He was a standout player at UDC and has moved into the coaching ranks there as an assistant coach with the men’s soccer program.
“We were impressed by the league’s marketing efforts, especially the teams’ ability to create an engaging gameday environment that truly connects with the community,” Brusamolin added. “The visibility of having a competitive NPSL team will significantly boost our youth club.”
Dubensky, who serves as the club’s director of operations, manages the administrative and operational aspects of the club. With over 25 years of experience in government and corporate sectors, he founded a successful youth soccer club with over 300 players in Washington, DC.
Torres, a member of the club’s board of directors, is a professional soccer player with USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. He will play a key role in player recruitment, using his professional experience and connections to help build a competitive team for the inaugural NPSL season.
District Elite FC is a successful youth club with over 300 players located in Northwest D.C. Founded in 2012 with the goal of providing competitive soccer in a healthy and supportive environment, the club established connections in Brazil. Their methodology, developed by renowned Brazilian coaches from clubs such as Santos, leverages the international flavor of soccer as their unique differentiator. They maintain strong relationships with Brazilian professional teams, bringing coaches to Washington, DC, and organizing trips for players to experience Brazilian soccer and culture firsthand.
The club will play home matches at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC.
Fans and supporters can visit districtelitefc.org or follow the team on Instagram (@districtelitefc) and Twitter/X (@districtelitefc).
More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.
