Girls Academy Launches ASPIRE: The New Second-Tier Soccer League

BySoccerNovo Editorial Team Published on
Girls Academy Aspire

The Girls Academy (GA) is shaking things up in elite girls’ soccer by launching ASPIRE, their new second-tier league. They’re partnering with the Development Player League (DPL) to run it, bringing seven seasons of experience to the table.

TL;DR:

  • The Girls Academy is creating ASPIRE as its official second-tier league, managed by DPL, to build a clear development pathway for elite girls’ soccer players and clubs.
  • Clubs must meet specific competitive and developmental standards to join ASPIRE.
  • The league will feature regional play, national showcases, and championships for ages U13-U19, with strong connections to U.S. Soccer and college recruitment opportunities.

ASPIRE is designed to give ambitious clubs and players a clear path to Girls Academy. To join ASPIRE, clubs need to meet specific standards in areas like competition level and player development – it’s not just an open door.

For existing GA clubs, ASPIRE offers a solid platform for their second teams, helping them develop promising talent. For other clubs, it’s a chance to prove they’ve got what it takes to potentially move up to GA’s top tier.

The league will organize regional matches, national showcases, and age-group championships (U13-U19), giving players plenty of opportunities to catch the eye of college scouts. Plus, since GA is connected with U.S. Soccer, ASPIRE teams will benefit from additional resources and player safety protocols.

Patricia Hughes, GA Commissioner, sees this as a game-changer: “We’re expanding opportunities for young women to challenge themselves and grow within a structured pathway.” Barry Ritson, DPL President, adds that this merit-based system ensures “players win, and performance is rewarded.”

Link to full press release: https://girlsacademyleague.com/2025/02/girls-academy-launches-aspire-a-new-competitive-platform-to-elevate-player-development-and-club-progression/

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