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Girls Academy

National-level pathway program with college showcase events and year-round competition.

2Clubs
1States
U13–U19Ages

What is GA?

The Girls Academy (GA) is an elite youth soccer league for female players in the United States, established to provide a top-tier competitive platform focused exclusively on girls' soccer development. The league was created in the wake of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy's closure in 2020, filling the need for a high-level national girls' competition alongside the ECNL.

Girls Academy clubs are selected for their commitment to player development, coaching quality, and organizational standards. The league operates with a conference-based structure, featuring regular season play, national showcase events, and a championship playoff. GA emphasizes a development model that prepares players for collegiate and, increasingly, professional women's soccer pathways.

For parents of female soccer players, the Girls Academy represents one of the two premier national options (alongside ECNL Girls). The league attracts top talent and provides significant college recruiting exposure through its showcase events. Parents should be aware that GA has historically not allowed players to participate in high school soccer, requiring a year-round commitment to the club — though policies may evolve, so it is important to confirm current rules with your specific club.

Key Features

  • Elite national league exclusively for girls' soccer
  • Created to fill void left by U.S. Soccer Development Academy closure
  • Conference-based structure with national championship (GA Cup)
  • Strong college recruiting exposure at showcase events
  • Selective member club model with development standards
  • Year-round competitive programming
  • Growing professional pathway connections with NWSL development

At a Glance

Age Range

U13–U19

Season

Fall (September–December), Spring (February–May), GA Cup Playoffs (June–July)

Cost Range

$3,000–$6,000 per season (club-dependent, excludes travel)

Travel

Regional conference play plus 2–3 national showcase events and potential post-season travel

Tryout Window

April–June

Coverage

National — conferences across the United States

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Clubs in GA

2 results
Seacoast Express United logo

Seacoast Express United

Concord, NH

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA
Seacoast United - Hampton logo

Seacoast United - Hampton

Hampton, NH

Recreational, High School & Elite

EliteMLS NEXTGA+2

Parent Questions About GA

What is the Girls Academy?
The Girls Academy is an elite national youth soccer league for female players in the United States. Founded in 2020 after the U.S. Soccer Development Academy closed, it provides top-level competition through conference play, national showcases, and a championship event. It is one of two premier national girls' soccer platforms alongside ECNL Girls.
How much does Girls Academy cost?
Club fees for Girls Academy teams typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 per season, depending on the club and region. Additional travel costs for away games, showcase events, and playoffs can add $2,000 to $5,000 or more per year. Some clubs may offer financial assistance or scholarship programs.
What is the difference between Girls Academy and ECNL Girls?
Both are elite national leagues for girls' soccer. Girls Academy was founded in 2020 and has historically required year-round commitment (limiting high school soccer participation), while ECNL Girls was founded in 2009 and typically allows high school soccer. Both offer strong college recruiting exposure and national championship events. The competitive level is comparable, though the specific clubs in each league vary by region.
Can my daughter play high school soccer and Girls Academy?
The Girls Academy has historically restricted players from participating in high school soccer to maintain a year-round development environment. However, policies can vary and may evolve over time. Check directly with the specific GA club you are considering for their current policy on high school participation.
Is Girls Academy good for college recruiting?
Yes, the Girls Academy provides significant college recruiting exposure. The league hosts showcase events attended by college coaches from Division I, II, and III programs. The GA platform is well-recognized by college coaches, and many GA players go on to play college soccer at competitive programs.
When are Girls Academy tryouts?
Most Girls Academy clubs hold tryouts between April and June for the following season. Some clubs may hold additional evaluation sessions. Check individual club pages on ClubScout for specific tryout dates and registration details.

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