Girls Academy integrates DPL as official second tier of GA’s competitive structure

CHARLOTTE – The Girls Academy (GA) has introduced ASPIRE, a tier two league designed to create an unparalleled development structure within elite girls’ soccer. ASPIRE serves as a critical bridge between the GA’s top-tier league and the highly competitive landscape of elite youth soccer, establishing a structured path of performance-based advancement for clubs and players.

This expansion is enhanced through a strategic collaboration with the Development Player League (DPL), which will manage ASPIRE’s league operations. With seven seasons of proven league management expertise, the DPL brings deep insight into the competitive landscape, ensuring a seamless integration of structure, talent identification, and club guidance. This collaboration reinforces the GA’s top-tier status as the pinnacle of elite girls’ soccer, while ASPIRE serves as a proving ground for clubs and players striving to reach the highest level of play.

“The launch of ASPIRE marks a significant step forward in our commitment to player development and competitive success by promising the same GA standards of excellence to a much larger ecosystem. By introducing a tier two league, we are expanding opportunities for young women to challenge themselves, grow within a structured pathway, and prepare for the highest levels of play,” Patricia Hughes, Girls Academy Commissioner, said. “ASPIRE will not only elevate the standard of competition but also strengthen the foundation of youth soccer by fostering long-term sustainability and creating new opportunities for players, coaches, and clubs. We are excited to see the impact the Girls Academy ASPIRE pathway will have in shaping the future of the game.”

A Unified Vision: Strengthening the Competitive Landscape

ASPIRE introduces a performance-driven model where clubs must apply and meet specific criteria for acceptance, ensuring that every team competes at the appropriate level while upholding the highest standards of player and club development. By implementing this rigorous evaluation process, ASPIRE guarantees that only clubs meeting competitive, operational, and developmental benchmarks gain entry, preserving the integrity, ambition, and purpose of the league.

“The confidence of the Girls Academy in taking this step in its evolution is inspiring. The opportunity for the DPL to be included in this alliance, bringing more opportunities to young female players, is something we are immensely proud of, and we thank the GA leadership for their trust,” said Barry Ritson, DPL President. “In creating ASPIRE, a merit-based, connected ecosystem exclusively for girls, we ensure that players win, and performance is rewarded. The DPL stands hand in hand with the GA in delivering this promise across the country.”

The collaboration between GA and DPL underscores a shared commitment to providing opportunities for player development and progression at every level. By integrating these platforms, all clubs—regardless of affiliation—are offered the chance to grow and compete in the most structured and competitive environment in elite girls’ soccer. This new tiered approach reinforces the Girls Academy’s commitment to creating a seamless and progressive pathway across GA’s top-tier, ASPIRE, DPL & DPL Open league competitions. Applications and participation for each tier are considered separately, ensuring that the Girls Academy provides high-level, standards-based programming for clubs at various stages of development.

For GA member clubs, ASPIRE adds a dedicated platform for second teams, allowing them to retain and develop emerging talent while players gain meaningful game experience in a challenging and competitive environment. For external clubs, ASPIRE offers an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level, positioning themselves for potential future placement in the Girls Academy’s top tier.

Elevating Player and Club Development

ASPIRE offers a high-intensity competitive platform that challenges players to develop both technically and tactically while preparing them for collegiate opportunities. The structured merit-based system incentivizes club growth and excellence, allowing teams and individuals to be rewarded for their performance and development. Additionally, ASPIRE will serve as a platform for coaching, refereeing, and administrative development, fostering a professional and structured environment that enhances the quality of the game.

The Competitive Structure & Club Benefits

ASPIRE will feature league play at the regional level, providing clubs with high-level competition while maintaining geographic alignment. Players and teams will have the opportunity to compete in Regional and National Showcases, offering increased exposure to college coaches and scouts.

At the end of each season, ASPIRE will host a National Championship at each age level (U13-U19), allowing top teams to compete for national recognition while players gain meaningful development experiences on a large stage. A core feature of ASPIRE is its individual talent identification program, which will recognize top-performing players
beyond team results. This initiative will allow the best players to receive opportunities they have earned.

A New Era for Girls’ Soccer

With the GA as a full member of U.S. Soccer, ASPIRE clubs and players will also benefit from extended resources, enhanced player safety protocols, and alignment with national development standards, further solidifying ASPIRE as the most structured and competitive tier two leagues in the country. This groundbreaking structure creates an environment where every ambitious club has a place to develop, compete, and succeed at the highest level possible. The GA and DPL’s shared vision is clear: to build the strongest, most competitive, and sustainable model for the next generation of female athletes.

Further details on membership, conference placement, and event schedules will be announced in the coming months.