eliteGirlsCollege Pathway

Girls Academy

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

149Clubs

40States

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

Read our GA parent guide Girls Academy vs DPL: A Parent's Guide to the GA Pathway

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

Not sure if GA is the right fit?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with clubs in your area.

Take the Quiz

Clubs in GA

149 results

1974 Newark FC

Newark, CA

Competitive

CompetitiveECNL RL BoysGA+2

AFC Lightning

Fayetteville, GA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

ALBION SC Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

ALBION SC Merced

Merced, CA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Albion SC San Diego

San Diego, CA

Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTNPL+1

Alexandria SA

Alexandria, VA

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Almaden FC

San Jose, CA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTNPL+1

Atlantic United SB/LGN SC

New York, NY

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

PremierGA ASPIREGA+1

Atletico Dallas Youth

Richardson, TX

Competitive

CompetitiveNPLPre-ECNL Girls+4

Baltimore Armour

Baltimore, MD

Development

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+2

Baltimore Celtic

Baltimore, MD

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteNPLECNL RL Boys+3

Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club

Baltimore, MD

Development, Competitive

CompetitiveGAEDP

Bayside FC

East Providence, RI

U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17,...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Beadling SC

Pittsburgh, PA

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

EliteMLS NEXTNPL+2

Bend FC Soccer Club and Indoor Facility

Bend, ME

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

Black Diamond FC

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Competitive, High School & Elite

PremierGA ASPIREGA

Blues FC

Rocklin, CA

Competitive

CompetitiveNPLGA

California Football Academy

Unknown, CA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

Cap City SC

Austin, TX

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveGA

Carolina Core FC Youth

Unknown, NC

Competitive

EliteGA

Cedar Stars Academy

Carlstadt, NJ

Development, Competitive

EliteGAUSL Youth+2

Cedar Stars Academy - Bergen

South Hackensack, NJ

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Cedar Stars Academy - Monmouth

Tinton Falls, NJ

Development, Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA+2

Central Illinois United

Rantoul, IL

Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveGAUSYS

Century United Soccer

Pittsburgh, PA

Competitive

EliteGA

Charlotte Development Academy

Charlotte, NC

Development, Competitive

EliteGADPL

Charlotte Independence SC

Charlotte, NC

Development, Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Chicago FC United

Glenview, IL

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTNPL+1

City SC

Carlsbad, CA

Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteGA

City SC Southwest

Unknown, CA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

City SC Utah

Riverton, UT

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+2

Clovis Crossfire

Clovis, CA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteNPLECNL RL Boys+1

Club Ohio

Columbus, OH

CompetitiveNPLGA+1

Columbia Premier SC

Vancouver, WA

Competitive

CompetitiveECNL RL BoysGA+2

Columbia Premier Soccer Club

Columbia, SC

Competitive

EliteGA

Columbus United

Columbus, OH

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveGA

Coppermine SC

Baltimore, MD

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

DUSC

New York, NY

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

EliteGA

Elmbrook United

Unknown, WI

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

FC Pittsburgh Soccer Club

Leetsdale, PA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

FC Richmond

Richmond, VA

EliteMLS NEXTNPL+1

FC Tucson

Tucson, AZ

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteGA

Florida United

Miramar, FL

Development, Competitive

EliteGA

Fox Soccer Academy of the Carolinas

Unknown, NC

Development, Competitive

EliteGADPL

Frisco Fusion

Frisco, TX

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

ElitePre-ECNL GirlsGA+1

FUTBOL Island

Farmingdale, NY

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveGA

Georgia Impact SC

Unknown, GA

Development, Competitive

CompetitiveGADPL

Ginga FC

Boston, MA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

PremierGA ASPIREGA+2

Heir FC

Valley Ranch, TX

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteGA ASPIREGA

Hoover-Vestavia Soccer

Birmingham, AL

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+1

Houston Surf Soccer Club

Houston, TX

Development, Competitive

CompetitiveGADPL

Huntingdon Valley AA

Huntingdon Valley, PA

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

PremierGA ASPIREGA+1

IFA

Boston, MA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

PremierGA ASPIREGA+4

IMG Academy

Bradenton, FL

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Indy Premier SC

Indianapolis, IN

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveGA

Inter Atlanta FC

Atlanta, GA

Development, Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+2

James Island Youth SC

James Island, SC

Development, Competitive

EliteGADPL

KC Fusion

Kansas City, MO

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

KC Legends

Kansas City, MO

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

Keystone FC

Lancaster, PA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+2

LA Surf Soccer Club

Los Angeles, CA

Development, Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Lamorinda SC

Moraga, CA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Las Vegas Sports Academy

Las Vegas, NV

Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Lexington Sporting Club

Lexington, KY

Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTPre-ECNL Girls+5

Long Island SC

Oakdale, NY

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteGATNL+1

Los Gatos United

Los Gatos, CA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

ElitePre-ECNL GirlsECNL RL Boys+4

Lou Fusz Athletic

St. Louis, MO

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Loudoun Soccer Club

Leesburg, VA

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Madison 56ers

Madison, WI

Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveGAUSYS

McLean YS

McLean, VA

EliteGAEDP

Michigan Jaguars FC

Novi, MI

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGANAL

Midwest United

Grand Rapids, MI

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

Mt. Rainier Futbol Club

Mount Rainier, WA

Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

NEFC

Boston, MA

U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17,...

EliteGA ASPIREMLS NEXT+7

New Mexico Soccer Academy

Albuquerque, NM

Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

New York City FC Girls

New York, NY

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

PremierGA ASPIREGA+1

New York SC

New York, NY

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

EliteMLS NEXTGA

New York Soccer Club

Purchase, NY

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

NJ Premier F.C.

Somerset, NJ

Development, Competitive

PremierGA ASPIREGA+2

North Shore United

Beverly, MA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

North Shore United

Milwaukee, WI

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveGA

Northern Virginia Alliance

Arlington, VA

EliteMLS NEXTGA+2

Oakwood SC

Glastonbury, CT

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteMLS NEXTECNL RL Boys+3

Oakwood Sports Center

Glastonbury, CT

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+1

Oklahoma Celtic

Norman, OK

Competitive

CompetitivePre-ECNL GirlsECNL RL Boys+3

One Knoxville SC

Knoxville, TN

Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

PA Classics

Manheim, PA

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+3

PA Rush

Doylestown, PA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteGAECNL Boys+1

Palm Beach United

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

EliteGAECNL Boys+1

Penn Rising XI

Quakertown, PA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteGAEDP

Phoenix Premier FC

Phoenix, AZ

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Pinecrest Premier

Pinecrest, FL

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteGANAL

Portland City United SC

Portland, OR

Competitive

CompetitiveECNL RL BoysGA

Potomac Soccer Association

Potomac, MD

Development, Competitive

CompetitiveECNL RL BoysGA+3

Rangers FC

Fullerton, CA

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveGA

Real Futbol Academy

Medford, NJ

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+2

Rhode Island Surf

Narragansett, RI

First Kicks, Development, Competitive, High Sch...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+2

RISE Soccer Club

Houston, TX

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveECNL RL BoysGA+3

RNY FC Youth

West Henrietta, NY

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Salvo SC

Rosemount, MN

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteECNL RL BoysGA+1

San Antonio City SC

San Antonio, TX

Competitive

CompetitiveECNL RL BoysGA+2

San Francisco Elite Academy

San Francisco, CA

Competitive

EliteECNL RL BoysGA+3

Santa Barbara Soccer Club

Santa Barbara, CA

Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Santa Clara Sporting

Santa Clara, CA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteGAECNL Boys+2

SC Del Sol

Phoenix, AZ

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

SC Wave

Brookfield, WI

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

SDSC Surf

San Diego, CA

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteECNL RL BoysGA+3

Seacoast Express United

Concord, NH

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Seacoast United - Hampton

Hampton, NH

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteGA ASPIREMLS NEXT+4

Seacoast United Concord Indoor Facility

Concord, NH

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Seacoast United Massachusetts

Amesbury, MA

Development, Competitive

PremierGA ASPIREGA+3

Seattle Celtic

Seattle, WA

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

Seattle Reign Academy

Tacoma, WA

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveGA

SF Glens

San Francisco, CA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveGA

Silicon Valley Soccer Academy

Palo Alto, CA

Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

SJEB FC

Medford, NJ

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteGATNL+2

Skyline Elite SC

Charlottesville, VA

EliteGAECNL Boys

SoCal Reds FC

Irvine, CA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+1

Sockers FC

Chicago, IL

Development, Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

South Carolina Surf

Unknown, SC

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteECNL GirlsECNL RL Boys+3

Southern Soccer Academy

Atlanta, GA

Development, Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+2

Southern Soccer Academy Office

Marietta, VT

U5, U7, U8, U12, U15, U19

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Sporting AC

Wilmington, DE

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

CompetitiveGAEDP

Sporting Athletic Club

Newark, NJ

Development, Competitive

EliteGATNL+1

Sporting Nebraska FC

Omaha, NE

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

Sporting United

Pontiac, MI

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteGA

Springfield SYC Soccer

Springfield, MA

Competitive

EliteGA

Springfield Youth Club

Springfield, VA

EliteGA

St. Louis Development Academy

St. Louis, MO

Development, Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Syracuse Development Academy

Syracuse, NY

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Syracuse Development Academy (SDA)

Syracuse, NY

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA+1

The Football Academy NJ

Parsippany, NJ

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

PremierGA ASPIREGA+2

The St. James FC

Leesburg, VA

EliteGANCSL

Tonka Fusion Elite

Plymouth, MN

Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Tophat Gold

Marietta, GA

Development, Competitive

EliteGA

Tophat Navy

Marietta, GA

CompetitiveGA

Triangle United Soccer Association

Chapel Hill, NC

Development

EliteMLS NEXTGA

Tulsa SC

Tulsa, OK

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveECNL GirlsPre-ECNL Girls+5

VA Revolution

Leesburg, VA

EliteMLS NEXTGA

VA Rush Soccer Club

Unknown, VA

EliteGA

Virginia Development Academy

Woodbridge, VA

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

CompetitiveECNL GirlsGA+2

Virginia Revolution SC

Unknown, VA

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

VSA Rush

Waukee, IA

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteECNL RL BoysGA+2

Wake FC

Raleigh, NC

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteMLS NEXTGA+2

Wasatch SC

Kaysville, UT

Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

Washington Rush

Everett, WA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

West Florida Flames

Pensacola, FL

Development, Competitive

EliteMLS NEXTNPL+3

Western Washington Surf SC

Unknown, WA

Competitive

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

Wisconsin United FC

Unknown, WI

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveMLS NEXTGA

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.

Compare Similar Leagues

elite

Is your club in GA?

Claim your listing to manage your profile, post tryout dates, and reach more families searching for Girls Academy clubs.

Claim Your Club Browse Directory