Virginia Phoenix Elite FC

Virginia Phoenix Elite FC is a community-based youth soccer club serving Northern Virginia, committed to providing accessible, high-quality soccer and academic support for all families.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, grow, and succeed, regardless of their financial circumstances.

 

Our Story

In Northern Virginia, hundreds of children aspire to play competitive soccer. Unfortunately, the rising cost of youth sports often places travel and recreational soccer out of reach for many families.

Virginia Phoenix Elite FC aims to change that by partnering with schools, communities, and educators.

Many of our players come from hardworking families who want the best for their children but face real barriers, including:

• Uniform costs
• Tournament fees
• Year-round training expenses

We exist to remove those barriers and create opportunity.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to support the whole child — athletically, academically, and personally.

Virginia Phoenix Elite FC is dedicated to:

• Making travel and recreational soccer accessible to all families, especially those with limited resources
• Providing academic support, including tutoring and IEP assistance, and creating a safe, positive environment where every child feels welcomed and valued

 

Our Core Values

Accessibility

We work to reduce financial barriers so more families can participate in youth soccer.

Education First

Academic success and athletic development go hand in hand.

Community

We build strong relationships with families, schools, and local partners.

Positive Development

We emphasize respect, discipline, teamwork, and growth over results.

Belonging

Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, and included.

 

 

Leadership Structure

Founder 

Rodolfo Castropoland

 

Rodolfo Castropoland is a dedicated educator, coach, and advocate for justice, equity, and fairness. He firmly believes that education and sports are interconnected and, when aligned, can bring out the best in children.

Known as a passionate, demanding, and hardworking coach, Rodolfo is equally recognized for his genuine belief in his players. Guided by his core principle — “There is no ‘I’ in team” — he prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and mutual respect. His leadership is rooted in building trust, helping players feel seen and valued, and supporting them in reaching their full potential.

Rodolfo is deeply committed to collective success. He works tirelessly alongside families, coaches, and community partners to achieve results that go beyond medals or championships. For him, success is measured by confidence built, character developed, and growth achieved — both on and off the field.

With over 20 years of experience as a World Languages and Physical Education educator, Rodolfo brings a strong academic foundation to his coaching philosophy. His background includes high school and travel coaching experience in Virginia and the District of Columbia, professional coaching education through the U.S. Learning Center, and experience as a former semi-professional footballer in Fairfax, Virginia.

Rodolfo founded Virginia Phoenix Elite FC to expand access to youth soccer while reinforcing academic success, positive development, and a strong sense of belonging for every player.

 

Co-Founder

Danielle Castropoland

Danielle Castropoland is the Co-Founder of Virginia Phoenix Elite FC and a dedicated advocate for athlete wellness, inclusivity, and compassionate leadership. As a certified fitness professional, Danielle brings extensive experience in group fitness instruction, Zumba, Aqua fitness, and Strength Training, with a strong focus on safe, age-appropriate physical development.

Beyond her professional credentials, Danielle’s leadership is shaped by remarkable resilience. While managing chronic health conditions including Crohn’s disease, lupus, and mixed connective tissue disease, she continues to lead with empathy, kindness, and a deep commitment to helping others. Her lived experience reinforces her belief in listening to the body, prioritizing wellness, and creating supportive environments where athletes feel safe and understood.

Danielle plays a vital role in ensuring that Virginia Phoenix Elite FC’s programs emphasize health, balance, and long-term development. She advocates for training approaches that respect individual needs, promote injury prevention, and encourage positive relationships with physical activity.

Her passion for service, combined with her professional expertise, helps shape a club culture rooted in compassion, resilience, and community care — values that extend far beyond the field.

 

Julio César Uribe – Technical Director

Virginia Phoenix Elite FC proudly welcomes Julio César Uribe as Technical Director, bringing international experience as both a player and coach at the highest levels of the game.

Uribe is widely regarded as one of Peru’s most technically gifted players of the 1980s, earning recognition across South America for his creativity, vision, and attacking intelligence. He represented the Peruvian National Team internationally and played professionally in multiple countries, including Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and Italy, where he had experience in European football with Cagliari Calcio (Italy).

Throughout his professional career, Uribe played for notable clubs, including:

• Sporting Cristal (Peru)
• América de Cali (Colombia)
• Cagliari Calcio (Italy)
• Clubs in Mexico’s top divisions

Following his playing career, Uribe built an extensive coaching résumé across South America. His experience includes:

• Head Coach – Peruvian National Team
• Coaching roles with multiple professional clubs in Peru
• Coaching experience in Colombia and Bolivia

His leadership reflects decades of experience in elite environments, with a focus on player intelligence, technical excellence, and attacking football.

⚽ TECHNICAL PHILOSOPHY

Under Uribe’s direction, Virginia Phoenix Elite FC implements:

• A player-centered, possession-based model
• Development across technical, tactical, physical, and mental pillars
• Game-realistic training environments
• Emphasis on creativity, decision-making, and confidence

 

 

Héctor Araque ARGENTINA

Video Analysis and Methodology 

Coach

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