What is the Girls Academy League?

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.

The Girls Academy is 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.

What Age Groups Play in the Girls Academy?

U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19.

How Many Players Can Be on a Girls Academy Roster?

The GA allows 18 players on the game day roster.

How Much Travel is Involved in Girls Academy Play?

The GA NW Conference includes competition within Washington, and Oregon. There is no team travel for conference games in Washington and Oregon.

What are the Girls Academy National Events?

The GA National Events are set up as the best college recruiting events in the country while also providing our teams with meaningful non-conference games. The Spokane Sounders typically attends two National events per season. These events are held in Florida, California, North Carolina or New Jersey. Over 300 coaches attend these events, held at outstanding facilities, and they are regarded in college coaching circles as must attend weekends.

Do Players Travel Together to Girls Academy National Events?

Yes – teams travel together to National Events. The club makes travel arrangements for all players, coaches and team managers. This includes group flights, hotel and rental vans.

Can Girls Academy Teams Participate in Non-GA Showcases, Games, and Events?

Yes.

Where are Girls Academy Trainings Held and How Often Do Teams Train?

Spokane Sounders GA teams train primarily at the Polo Fields in Airway Heights. During the winter months, training is held at Dwight Merkel Complex. GA teams train 2 – 3 times a week.

How long is the GA season?

League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July. Additionally, qualifying teams compete in the Champions League – an aspirational platform created to add additional quality competition for the most competitive clubs in the GA. Training typically begins the first week of June and ends mid-August for U15 – U18/19 teams. These age groups start training again mid-November as they prepare for league games to begin. U13 & U14 teams begin training the first week of June and continues until May.

What are the costs associated with playing on a Girls Academy team?

Costs associated with participating on a GA team include club dues, player, team manager and coach travel fees, tournament fees and uniform fee. Financial Assistance is available for players who qualify based on free/reduced lunch benefits, income, or special circumstances. When awarded, financial assistance is applied to club dues only.

How is participating in the GA beneficial for college recruiting?

Girls Academy teams attract college coaches given the level of play associated with this league. Additionally, the showcase events provide a convenient opportunity for college coaches to attend in order to evaluate and recruit numerous players and teams.

###