UPDATED Photo Slideshow: DC United Women Soccer Clinic

Players from the DC United Women's soccer team treated loyal fans to an afternoon of soccer Saturday, during a youth soccer clinic at the team's home stadium at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown.

Head coach Mike Jorden said the clinic was intended to thank fans and let people know that high-level women's soccer is back in Germantown.

"With the Washington Freedom being gone, we had a huge void here as far as women's soccer," he said, referring to the now-defunct team that used to be a member of the Women's Professional Soccer league. 

"But it's back now with DC United Women,” Jorden said. “I just want the young kids to know that if they're fortunate enough to play in college and have the drive to continue playing after that, there's a place to play locally."

The young athletes spent the sunny afternoon learning soccer skills, practicing key drills and playing soccer alongside some of the team's players, including Germantown native, mid-fielder Danielle Malagari.

"It's a great way to get our name out there and do something for the community," said Malagari, who also played at the University of Maryland and also coaches locally.

Jay Matson said he signed up his two daughters because they’d have the chance to learn skills from the area's best.

"Any time you get the chance to work with new coaches and learn new skills is great," Matson said. "But getting the chance to work with these coaches and players definitely added an element of excitement for the kids."

The children were divided into three groups based on age and worked alongside Malagari and her teammates Madyson Brown and goalie Didi Haracic, along with Jorden and staff member Chris Hummer.

The kids, most of whom were proudly sporting their own youth league uniforms, learned core dribbling, passing, and kicking skills, and also practiced drills for hand-eye coordination and teamwork.

"My daughter just starting playing soccer," said season ticket holder Rob Freeman. "So for her, just seeing some of the older kids playing and see how they enjoy the game was important for us."

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This article has been updated from its original version. DC United Women competes in the W-League, which is an amateur sanctioned league. Also, Mike Jorden is name of the team's head coach. Patch regrets the error.