DC Soccer Club

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Here are some important questions that deserve answers and for those trying to downplay the situation, we all know who you are. That alone speaks volumes about the leadership at DCSC:

1) Was it appropriate for a CXO to initiate repeated personal or intimate communication with a subordinate, especially after that subordinate clearly declined?

2) In any professional environment, wouldn’t such behavior typically lead to disciplinary action or even termination, given the clear power imbalance and ethical concerns?

3) Why has the Executive Director consistently defended and protected the CXO, despite multiple red flags and concerns raised internally?

4) Why has the board remained silent instead of being transparent with the families who placed their trust in this club?

5) If the roles were reversed, would a male employee have been treated the same way or held to a different standard?

6) If leadership failed to address this openly, is it really wrong for someone to defend their reputation when no one else is willing to speak up?


As a lawyer, wholly disconnected from DCSC leadership, there are two issues with this line of questioning:

1) individual sexual harassment or hostile work environment claims are rarely publicized to customers of the company and in fact they may not be able to do so for legal reasons.
2) most sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims (whether involving a male or female) do not result in termination of the employee even if validated after internal or external investigation.



Thank you for your legal perspective, but with all due respect, this isn’t just a legal issue, it’s also a leadership, ethical, and community trust issue.

1) While it’s true that legal constraints often limit public disclosure, transparency isn’t about revealing every detail of an investigation, it’s about acknowledging that something serious occurred and assuring families that it was handled appropriately. In a youth organization, silence and vague responses only fuel more distrust.

2) The fact that many sexual harassment cases don’t lead to termination isn’t justification, it’s a problem. Especially when the accused is in a position of power and the organization chooses to protect leadership over accountability. That’s how toxic workplace cultures persist.

This isn’t about legal technicalities, it’s about the example being set for staff, players, and families. And right now, the lack of accountability speaks louder than any policy.


DP. You’re trying to turn this into a much larger thing. How did this alleged harassment-which happened last year—impact the players and families? I’m willing to bet you didn’t even know about any of this until TW sent emails to families. So I’m genuinely curious to hear your answer. Like it or not, when an employee makes a claim of harassment, it does become a legal issue and is governed by the law. There is pending litigation so the parties really shouldn’t be speaking out on it at all. It was really poor form for TW to have sent that email to all the travel families.



When leadership at a youth organization is involved in serious allegations, especially those involving abuse of power, it absolutely becomes relevant to families. It’s not just about the original incident; it’s about the way the organization chooses to handle it.

The concern isn’t just legal, it’s cultural. If a director felt compelled to go public, it suggests they felt unheard or unsupported internally. That reflects a breakdown in leadership, trust, and accountability. And when those in power are protected without transparency, families start asking: what else is being hidden?

Even if the incident didn’t directly involve players, the environment created by leadership decisions does impact the club as a whole. Silence doesn’t build trust, transparency does.


Leadership at the club is weak, but TW has an axe to grind. If you look at the timeline it seems the club went out of house to hire the director of soccer just about a year ago. That matches up with the falling out of the TW/DCSC relationship.

This isn’t a “cultural” issue or something the club needs to bring to the “community”. The dude had a chummy relationship with the cxo and used that to try to retaliate against the club. This lines up. He was not retaliated against. He’s the one retaliating.

You don’t bring that to the wider community if you’re in DCSC’s shoes. You solve that through a legal process internally. My guess is the legal process is complete and TW didn’t get what he wanted and decided to try to burn the house down to spite the club. He’s in a dangerous spot if that’s what happened.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:DC Stoddert was forced to settle with African American coaches who were wrongfully terminated simultaneously. DC Stoddert settled for hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a Glover Park Family it’s incredibly frustrating to see our club continue to not get it right. Name change, new logo, new board of directors, new leadership, and it still isn’t working. My kids haven’t been in the club for a while but this isn’t surprising to see. The egos involved here are at an all time high and it’s all at the expense of the players.


I did not know that. When was that? I have my complaints about DCSC but minority representation among the coaches is really high.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Just curious—did you actually read the complaint? This all started over a year ago. And yeah, it’s his account, but I’d assume he has documentation to support it. From what I can tell, he took all the right steps to stop the harassment and protect himself, and the club didn’t take it seriously. They kept putting him in situations he clearly asked to be removed from. On top of that, DCSC didn’t follow through on their promises to the teams and families Tom brought over from BFC.

As I understand it, Tom had a two-year contract with DCSC that ended after this seasonal year. If he was dealing with ongoing harassment and a hostile work environment from his boss, why would he want to stay? DCSC made a money grab and failed to deliver.

Full disclosure—we’re a legacy BFC family. We were sold on better field access and more training opportunities in the NE area. Instead, we got dumped on one of the worst NW fields in the club’s inventory: Ft. Stevens. It’s mostly dirt, pitted, no lights—and not even close to NE. I’ve heard kids have been injured (even one kid breaking a bone) tripping over equipment in the dark, and when parents and coaches pushed for something as basic as more portable lighting, we were told no, because “the board didn’t approve it.”

Then in spring, all club nights were scheduled only at Jellef, despite being told there would be options in both NW and NE. When parents asked for a more central location like Roosevelt, they were shut down again. And then they took away our third tournament. We got one in fall, played in Winterfest, but the promised spring tournament never happened. Tom ended up paying out of pocket to get the Brookland and Petworth teams into a spring tournament—because that’s the kind of guy he is.

What DCSC is doing to his reputation is honestly disgusting. But it’s classic DCSC. I’ve been around youth sports in this city for a long time—my older kids played in other DC and VA clubs—and I was skeptical from the start about this merger. Unfortunately, DCSC is living up to expectations


FWIW, my kid was on a regular DCSC team, not a Brookland team, and they were also practicing on Fort Stevens in the dark/dust, for basically the whole year. I don't think this was specifically a failure to live up to whatever promises were made to Brookland families.
Anonymous
This is all interesting and gossipy, but I can't figure out why I keep getting all these e-mails about this. My kids have only ever played DCSC rec soccer, I have no idea who this person is and know nothing about the Brookland club other than the e-mails I got telling me to have my kid join the new version and the e-mails from DCSC telling me that he shouldn't have e-mailed me. It reminds me of all the back and forth e-mails I got from the people fighting in Northwest Little League because someone wanted to coach an all-star team or something. My kids hadn't played in that league for over 3 years and yet I still got every e-mail from both sides.

While the sexual harassment claim should certainly be addressed internally and litigated as appropriate, I can't figure out why I (and it seems many, many others) keep getting roped into their back and forth.
Anonymous
Here is the letter from Tom Walsh:

“Dear DCSC Travel Families,

It comes with great anger and sadness that my relationship with my childhood club has gone down a horrific path. While only one side of the story has been made public so far, there is more to the entire picture at play here. In May through Mid-June of 2024, I was a victim of sexual harassment, and the club's inability to course correct the situation has led us to this very point. Attached is the written complaint made to the DC Office of Human Rights as well as one example of inappropriate messages/behaviors from my boss Michelle Alioto.

I am disgusted with the people who hide behind the Chat GPT DCSC Badge and their incapacity to stand up for what is ethically, morally and legally right. Sexual harassment, retaliation, and lack of transparency are disgusting tools used by disgusting people. I am proud to say that I will never be a part of this organization of people again; however, I hope this organization changes course immediately in order to foster a loving, welcoming, and communal environment for KIDS and adults, who happen to love the game of soccer because I too love soccer.

I am a 4th Generation Washingtonian, born in Brookland, proud creator of a soccer club, and I stand by everything in the below statement in regards to my experience with DC Soccer Club in regards to the sexual harassment claim.

Best, Tom Walsh”
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Here is the letter from Tom Walsh:

“Dear DCSC Travel Families,

It comes with great anger and sadness that my relationship with my childhood club has gone down a horrific path. While only one side of the story has been made public so far, there is more to the entire picture at play here. In May through Mid-June of 2024, I was a victim of sexual harassment, and the club's inability to course correct the situation has led us to this very point. Attached is the written complaint made to the DC Office of Human Rights as well as one example of inappropriate messages/behaviors from my boss Michelle Alioto.

I am disgusted with the people who hide behind the Chat GPT DCSC Badge and their incapacity to stand up for what is ethically, morally and legally right. Sexual harassment, retaliation, and lack of transparency are disgusting tools used by disgusting people. I am proud to say that I will never be a part of this organization of people again; however, I hope this organization changes course immediately in order to foster a loving, welcoming, and communal environment for KIDS and adults, who happen to love the game of soccer because I too love soccer.

I am a 4th Generation Washingtonian, born in Brookland, proud creator of a soccer club, and I stand by everything in the below statement in regards to my experience with DC Soccer Club in regards to the sexual harassment claim.

Best, Tom Walsh”


Right, and as someone who has kids in rec and nothing to do with this guy, why am I getting copied on his sexual harassment claim e-mail including the details of his compliant and the screenshots of text messages?
Anonymous
[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Here is the letter from Tom Walsh:

“Dear DCSC Travel Families,

It comes with great anger and sadness that my relationship with my childhood club has gone down a horrific path. While only one side of the story has been made public so far, there is more to the entire picture at play here. In May through Mid-June of 2024, I was a victim of sexual harassment, and the club's inability to course correct the situation has led us to this very point. Attached is the written complaint made to the DC Office of Human Rights as well as one example of inappropriate messages/behaviors from my boss Michelle Alioto.

I am disgusted with the people who hide behind the Chat GPT DCSC Badge and their incapacity to stand up for what is ethically, morally and legally right. Sexual harassment, retaliation, and lack of transparency are disgusting tools used by disgusting people. I am proud to say that I will never be a part of this organization of people again; however, I hope this organization changes course immediately in order to foster a loving, welcoming, and communal environment for KIDS and adults, who happen to love the game of soccer because I too love soccer.

I am a 4th Generation Washingtonian, born in Brookland, proud creator of a soccer club, and I stand by everything in the below statement in regards to my experience with DC Soccer Club in regards to the sexual harassment claim.

Best, Tom Walsh”[/quote]

Right, and as someone who has kids in rec and nothing to do with this guy, why am I getting copied on his sexual harassment claim e-mail including the details of his compliant and the screenshots of text messages? [/quote]

Please post the screenshots/text messages if you can.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Here is the letter from Tom Walsh:

“Dear DCSC Travel Families,

It comes with great anger and sadness that my relationship with my childhood club has gone down a horrific path. While only one side of the story has been made public so far, there is more to the entire picture at play here. In May through Mid-June of 2024, I was a victim of sexual harassment, and the club's inability to course correct the situation has led us to this very point. Attached is the written complaint made to the DC Office of Human Rights as well as one example of inappropriate messages/behaviors from my boss Michelle Alioto.

I am disgusted with the people who hide behind the Chat GPT DCSC Badge and their incapacity to stand up for what is ethically, morally and legally right. Sexual harassment, retaliation, and lack of transparency are disgusting tools used by disgusting people. I am proud to say that I will never be a part of this organization of people again; however, I hope this organization changes course immediately in order to foster a loving, welcoming, and communal environment for KIDS and adults, who happen to love the game of soccer because I too love soccer.

I am a 4th Generation Washingtonian, born in Brookland, proud creator of a soccer club, and I stand by everything in the below statement in regards to my experience with DC Soccer Club in regards to the sexual harassment claim.

Best, Tom Walsh”


Right, and as someone who has kids in rec and nothing to do with this guy, why am I getting copied on his sexual harassment claim e-mail including the details of his compliant and the screenshots of text messages?


Because he’s an idiot. His attorney should be negotiating a settlement between the parties. I can only imagine the headache this public spectacle has caused for his case.

Obviously we’re all getting spammed with this drama. I feel like I’m back in high school.
Anonymous
The allegations are directed toward the CXO, and the ED who are involved in all aspects of the club, including the Recreation program. That’s likely why the communication was shared with all families, not just those connected to the individual making the claim.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Maybe I'm just jaded because I'm a lawyer who won't be affected either way but, based on Tom's version, I would characterize DCSC's response as "fine" based on the circumstances even if it could have been improved in certain ways. But even in the perfect version of the response, I don't see why I would have had hear about it.

Thank you for the considered post. Summarizes my thoughts well.


Same here. I'm not a lawyer and want TW to prevail because I distrust all things DCSC leadership and think BFC was good for soccer in DC. But I think this is the right answer.

DCSC's handling of the CXO's (real) sexual harassment was base-level acceptable, the bare minimum. Smart? No, but just enough so they could later claim they did something.

However how this has been entwined with TW's departure and the family contact info and databases is where things get messy and unclear. The real sexual harassment, and how it was swept under the rug, doesn't add up to this messy business breakup.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Here is the letter from Tom Walsh:

“Dear DCSC Travel Families,

It comes with great anger and sadness that my relationship with my childhood club has gone down a horrific path. While only one side of the story has been made public so far, there is more to the entire picture at play here. In May through Mid-June of 2024, I was a victim of sexual harassment, and the club's inability to course correct the situation has led us to this very point. Attached is the written complaint made to the DC Office of Human Rights as well as one example of inappropriate messages/behaviors from my boss Michelle Alioto.

I am disgusted with the people who hide behind the Chat GPT DCSC Badge and their incapacity to stand up for what is ethically, morally and legally right. Sexual harassment, retaliation, and lack of transparency are disgusting tools used by disgusting people. I am proud to say that I will never be a part of this organization of people again; however, I hope this organization changes course immediately in order to foster a loving, welcoming, and communal environment for KIDS and adults, who happen to love the game of soccer because I too love soccer.

I am a 4th Generation Washingtonian, born in Brookland, proud creator of a soccer club, and I stand by everything in the below statement in regards to my experience with DC Soccer Club in regards to the sexual harassment claim.

Best, Tom Walsh”


Right, and as someone who has kids in rec and nothing to do with this guy, why am I getting copied on his sexual harassment claim e-mail including the details of his compliant and the screenshots of text messages?


Because he’s an idiot. His attorney should be negotiating a settlement between the parties. I can only imagine the headache this public spectacle has caused for his case.

Obviously we’re all getting spammed with this drama. I feel like I’m back in high school.


Understood! But if Michelle A. did nothing wrong, why should there be a settlement at all?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
FWIW, my kid was on a regular DCSC team, not a Brookland team, and they were also practicing on Fort Stevens in the dark/dust, for basically the whole year. I don't think this was specifically a failure to live up to whatever promises were made to Brookland families.


Yep, field allocation was honestly a sh*tshow for all this year.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:The allegations are directed toward the CXO, and the ED who are involved in all aspects of the club, including the Recreation program. That’s likely why the communication was shared with all families, not just those connected to the individual making the claim.


It's interesting that you believe TW shared this with all families out of a concern for them. He shared it (presumably against his attorney's instructions because no attorney would sanction this kind of thing) to burn down the house on his way out. It's so transparent.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Maybe I'm just jaded because I'm a lawyer who won't be affected either way but, based on Tom's version, I would characterize DCSC's response as "fine" based on the circumstances even if it could have been improved in certain ways. But even in the perfect version of the response, I don't see why I would have had hear about it.

Thank you for the considered post. Summarizes my thoughts well.


Same here. I'm not a lawyer and want TW to prevail because I distrust all things DCSC leadership and think BFC was good for soccer in DC. But I think this is the right answer.

DCSC's handling of the CXO's (real) sexual harassment was base-level acceptable, the bare minimum. Smart? No, but just enough so they could later claim they did something.

However how this has been entwined with TW's departure and the family contact info and databases is where things get messy and unclear. The real sexual harassment, and how it was swept under the rug, doesn't add up to this messy business breakup.



Ding ding ding! Now you're catching on. It seems pretty clear that the real dispute between Tom and DSCS has nothing to do with the alleged sexual harassment last year--which, by Tom's own account, was addressed by the club so I'm not sure it's accurate to say it was swept under the rug.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Here is the letter from Tom Walsh:

“Dear DCSC Travel Families,

It comes with great anger and sadness that my relationship with my childhood club has gone down a horrific path. While only one side of the story has been made public so far, there is more to the entire picture at play here. In May through Mid-June of 2024, I was a victim of sexual harassment, and the club's inability to course correct the situation has led us to this very point. Attached is the written complaint made to the DC Office of Human Rights as well as one example of inappropriate messages/behaviors from my boss Michelle Alioto.

I am disgusted with the people who hide behind the Chat GPT DCSC Badge and their incapacity to stand up for what is ethically, morally and legally right. Sexual harassment, retaliation, and lack of transparency are disgusting tools used by disgusting people. I am proud to say that I will never be a part of this organization of people again; however, I hope this organization changes course immediately in order to foster a loving, welcoming, and communal environment for KIDS and adults, who happen to love the game of soccer because I too love soccer.

I am a 4th Generation Washingtonian, born in Brookland, proud creator of a soccer club, and I stand by everything in the below statement in regards to my experience with DC Soccer Club in regards to the sexual harassment claim.

Best, Tom Walsh”


Right, and as someone who has kids in rec and nothing to do with this guy, why am I getting copied on his sexual harassment claim e-mail including the details of his compliant and the screenshots of text messages?


Because he’s an idiot. His attorney should be negotiating a settlement between the parties. I can only imagine the headache this public spectacle has caused for his case.

Obviously we’re all getting spammed with this drama. I feel like I’m back in high school.


Understood! But if Michelle A. did nothing wrong, why should there be a settlement at all?


Cost to defend, risk of tw getting nothing. Meet somewhere in middle.

This is the way the world works buddy
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