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)

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.

While travel details will be confirmed in the coming weeks, we are mindful of the balance between high-level competition and reasonable travel commitments.

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.

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.

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. 

MLS Next is a premier youth soccer league in North America, operated by Major League Soccer (MLS). It serves as a pathway for talented players to develop their skills, with the potential to progress into MLS academies and professional soccer careers. 

By joining MLS Next, we’re providing our players with the highest level of competition, development, and exposure. This aligns with our club’s mission to develop young talent and offer them the best possible opportunities to succeed in soccer. 

MLS Next features teams across various age groups, ranging from U13 to U19. We will have teams in all 6 of these age groups at every level of our MLS pathway.

MLS Next is unique in its structure and development focus. It provides a professional-level environment for young players, with access to world-class coaching, facilities, and exposure to MLS scouts. The league prioritizes long-term player development over short-term results, ensuring players are ready for the next stage in their careers.

Elite competition: Players will compete against some of the best youth teams in North America.

College and professional exposure: Players gain access to college scouts and MLS academy scouts.

Advanced development programs: Access to top-tier coaching, training, and facilities to maximize player potential.

Pathway to professional soccer: MLS Next provides a clear pathway for players to progress into MLS academies or even professional teams

Yes, we will continue to offer programs for players who are not part of MLS Next. Our club remains dedicated to developing players at all levels and providing opportunities for those who are on different development paths.

Travel in the MLS varies among programs.  We anticipate that our National Academies will travel in the Mid Atlantic and our Regional Academies will travel in the Carolinas.

Joining MLS Next means your child will be competing at a higher level. They will face players with similar skills and potential, which will challenge them to elevate their game. We believe this is a positive step for their growth as soccer players.

While some players may be recruited based on their skill level, we will also hold tryouts for players interested in joining our MLS Next teams. Players will be evaluated on their technical, tactical, physical, and mental attributes to ensure they are ready for the league.

Players at every level of MLS Next will play a competitive schedule in league play along with several showcase events throughout the year.  The soccer year ends with league playoffs at every level.