The Girls Academy is sanctioned by US Youth Soccer and it serves as their top-level girls platform. The GA is also partnered with boy’s top-level league MLS NEXT and plans to use that relationship to grow the technical side of the game and bring together the development of the game in the US for both men’s and women’s soccer.
This Post Contains:
The Girls Academy's origins
The Girls Academy was the product of a lot of work from leaders of various clubs working together crazy hard in an effort to salvage the damage caused by USSF pulling the plug on the DA, an act which left hundreds of high-level teams without a league essentially overnight. While a number of DA clubs moved over to the ECNL (or MLS Next for some of the boys) the GA was able to retain a large number of clubs and launch their league pretty much right away.
Here’s a good video from 2020, when players and clubs were having to decide what to do about their future:
In an interview with the Girls Soccer Network, GA commissioner Lesle Gallimore said of the league’s start, “Looking back, after U.S. Soccer dropped the Development Academy on April 15, 2020, I don’t think many would believe that not only would a league like ours exist today but that we would be cemented in the landscape and looking to thrive into the future.”
Grow your confidence through preparedness.
Subscribe to our email list to
Get your FREE Weekly Soccer Planner!
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Member clubs and leagues
League play and national events
"When asked what they wanted as part of their Girls Academy experience, the players were excited about implementing an aspirational competition within the league and Champions League was formed. It gives teams and clubs the opportunity to earn more high-level playing opportunities, provides a memorable experience, and will be fun for everyone."
Why players choose the Girls Academy
The Girls Academy Advisory Panel
“The Advisory Panel separates the Girls Academy from any other league in the country. Players are able to advocate for themselves on what exactly they would like to see implemented or changed and panel members work directly with league administration to impact social media campaigns, showcase event improvements, and even nationwide charity initiatives. The Advisory Panel is a crucial way the league shows how active and willing they are to truly engage the players’ voice.”
(Pictured below are Elise Evans and Lesle Gallimore)
How do I play in the Girls Academy?
Other top leagues for high-level play in girls soccer
Hi everyone! I’m Jenn and I create content to help female soccer players and coaches maximize individual and team potential by developing healthy mindset skills. Join other subscribers and sign up for the newsletter for all my best tips and advice!
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
