GIRLS PROGRAMS
We are inspired by the Girls and Women in our community! Explore our competitive youth programs below and stay connected with us on social media for announcements and important dates throughout the year! As the top tier affiliate of the Carolina Ascent we have a direct pathway to the pros for our girls and women. In addition to the professional team, we support our very own USL W League team, made up of current and former players who are in the midst their collegiate playing careers.
GET TO KNOW OUR COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
STATE (COMPETITIVE)
The State Teams are for the competitive player in the U11-U19 age groups. Teams are selected based on age group and location.
GIRLS ID SESSIONS
More ID Session Dates Coming Soon.
GIRLS ID SESSIONS
REGIONAL ACADEMY
North, South, & Matthews (U13 - U15 Girls, Birth 2013-2011).
Supplemental Tryouts, South Players (U16- U15 Girls, Birth 2010-2009).
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PLAYERS
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL
We're thrilled to be a part of the Girls Academy League and excited to contribute to the growth and development of young athletes starting in the 2025 Fall season!
ABOUT THE GIRLS ACADEMY
The Girls Academy is the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. We are the only national youth soccer platform that represents the collective vision of member clubs and actively engages the voice of the players to take real ownership of the league. We embrace the desire of club members and players to maintain an unrivaled standard of excellence in coaching, competition, and regional and national showcase events throughout the year.
We are committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their best potential as an exceptional athlete and human being by celebrating the player’s journey with a lifelong love of the game through competition, showcases, and camaraderie.
GET TO KNOW GA
In the 2024/25 season, there are over 100 member clubs with teams in the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups. The member clubs are split into eleven conferences that make up our national footprint. League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July. Additionally, qualifying teams compete in a separate, aspirational platform created to add additional quality competition for the most competitive clubs in the GA.
THE PLAYERS' VOICE MATTERS
What makes the GA unique and different is the active role the league’s players have in shaping the direction of the league. How? Introducing the Advisory Panel, which affords the players the opportunity to nominate and maintain a player-led board that represents the thoughts, opinions, and vision of the players. The Advisory Panel is active in suggesting ways to improve the league, engaging in sponsor opportunities, organizing charitable initiatives, shaping league merchandise offerings, and more.
GIRLS ACADEMY FAQs
What is the Girls Academy (GA)?
The Girls Academy (GA) represents the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. GA is also distinguished by the active role the league’s players have in shaping the direction of the league through their player Advisory Panel. GA is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their best potential as an exceptional athlete and human being.
• In 2024/25, GA boasted over 100 member clubs, with over 14,000 players ages U13-U19, and divided into eleven conferences nationwide. League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July; the most competitive teams qualify for an additional competition.
The GA provides players with elite, high level competition in a structured national league providing:
o Maximized college exposure through showcases, tournaments, club hosted College ID evenings and partnerships
o Reduced league travel commitments while maintaining top-tier competition
o A player-first environment with leadership opportunities (GA Players Advisory Panel)
What is the college coach exposure like in the Girls Academy (GA)
The Girls Academy (GA) has rapidly emerged as one of the leading platforms for college recruiting. In just three years, it has achieved remarkable success:
- Over 1,200 GA players have committed to college soccer programs.
- More than 700 players from the Class of 2024 alone have committed to NCAA programs.
- GA showcases consistently draw hundreds of college scouts, including those from top-tier Division I programs such as UNC, Stanford, and Duke.
Moreover, GA has forged valuable partnerships with top college recruiting platforms like ScoutingZone and Veo. These collaborations offer players video analysis and direct exposure to college coaches. The college recruiting journey is multifaceted, with coaches actively seeking players who can make a significant impact on their programs. As a result, top college programs attend every GA event.
Will this impact travel expectations?
While travel details will be confirmed in the coming weeks, we are mindful of the balance between high-level competition and reasonable travel commitments.
Will this change impact teams going in the 2025 Spring season?
No, all current teams will finish their Spring 2025 season and postseason play in their existing league. The transition to Girls Academy will take full effect after the Spring 2025 season to ensure a smooth transition for players and families.
What will travel be like in Girls Academy (GA) for league games?
Travel in the GA platform varies among programs. We anticipate that our National Academies will travel in the Mid Atlantic and our Regional Academies will travel in the Carolinas.
What are the benefits of being a part of the Girls Academy?
The Girls Academy (GA) focuses on developing female soccer players both athletically and personally. It provides a unique platform where players have a voice in shaping the league, ensuring their needs and perspectives are heard. The academy emphasizes holistic growth beyond just soccer, fostering leadership and development that extends into life skills.
COLLEGE RECRUITING
The College Recruiting Process is different for every player. This guide is to help aid players and parents as they navigate College Recruitment starting as a High School Freshman. This is an evolving process that requires players and families to be proactive as the search for the best college fit.
Playing College Soccer, things to consider: Academics, Athletics, Social, and Financial considerations.
THE INDEPENDENCE WAY
CHARACTER
COMMITMENT
COMMUNICATION
COMPETITION
COMMUNITY
PURPOSE
Our purpose is to develop leadership, accountability, selflessness, humility and character. We challenge our players to respect the game by respecting themselves, the referee, the opponent and the coach. We strive to develop players in an environment that encourages individual expression, as well as responsibility to the team. We dare our players to take risks, play on the front foot, and to embrace challenges. Our players must play with personality and bravery.
We develop the person first…then the player.
IDENTITY
Our players and teams should reflect a passion, hunger & desire to succeed on the field. Our players want to support and play for our team with mutual respect & competitiveness.
When we do not have the ball, we should be
hard working
to win the ball back. When we have the ball, we should be positive,
forward thinking &
aggressive with the ball. We have a
purpose to our play
where we increase our chances of scoring through each possession. Our players will
pass forwards and run forwards.
Our players will be allowed to display their individual soccer personalities and to express themselves as we learn to play for fun, for the love of the game and with the competitive nature that comes from rigorous competition on the soccer field.
Energy in everything that we do.
Interested in playing for our USL W League team?
Interested players may complete a prospective player questionnaire.
For any additional information about the team, please reach out to Greg Ashton.
Resources
Book your Hotels
Visit our travel information center with T2C Sports to view your hotel booking options for league play and event accommodations.
