Mid-America Conference
Nashville United Soccer Academy Girls Academy Teams Join Mid-America Conference for 2025/26 Season NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville United Soccer Academy (NUSA) is proud to announce that, beginning in the 2025/26…
What is the Girls Academy?
The leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States.
The Girls Academy is the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. They 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. The Girls Academy embraces 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.
They are 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.
The Culture
In the 2024/25 season, there were over 100 member clubs with teams in the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups. The member clubs are split into eleven conferences that make up the national footprint. League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July. NUSA competes in the South Central Conference and the top tier of the Girls Academy.
The Voice
What makes the GA unique and different is the active role the league’s players have in shaping the direction of the league. How? Introducing the Advisory Panel, which affords the players the opportunity to nominate and maintain a player-led board that represents the thoughts, opinions, and vision of the players. The Advisory Panel is active in suggesting ways to improve the league, engaging in sponsor opportunities, organizing charitable initiatives, shaping league merchandise offerings, and more.
115
Clubs
11
Conferences
14000
Players
The Belief
Through true collaboration with players and clubs, the GA will lead the most dynamic soccer development platform imaginable, empowering individuals to grow both on and off the field.
The Goal
Empower our players’ pursuit of excellence as an athlete and a person, while encouraging leadership, growth, and a strong sense of purpose in every environment they step into.
The Alignment
By joining the Girls Academy, we empower female athletes to lead, grow, and have a voice – aligning with NUSA’s vision of creating players for life & developing champions of character.
Our Girls Academy Coaching Staff
Experienced. Professional. Passionate. Player-Focused.
License: USSF National D License
Player Experience: Blackburn Rovers Ladies, 2010-12 | Murray State University, 2012-2016 | Chicago Red Stars (WPSL & First Team), 2017
Coaching Experience: Head Varsity Soccer Coach - Paducah Tilghman High School (KY), 2016-2017 | Head Coach - Pumas Futbol Club (KY), 2016-2017 | Assistant Coach - North Park University (IL), 2017-2019 | Head Coach - Elite Soccer Club (IL), 2017-2019 | Assistant Coach - Murray State University (KY), 2019-2021 | Head Coach TOCA Soccer (TN), 2021-2023 | Director of Operations TOCA Soccer (TN), 2023-2024
License: UEFA - UEFA B license | USSF - National D license
Coaching Experience: Vale Wanderers u15 | Vale Wanderers First Team | Drogheda Boys/Girls - U17 Coach | Soccer Academy USA - Summer Camp Coach | Football Association of Ireland (FAI) - Summer Soccer Schools Coach | Institute of Technology Carlow - First Team Performance Analyst | FAI - Men’s College & Universities National Team Analyst | FAI - Men’s U18 Home Based Roster Analyst | UKIS/AYSO - Program Lead Coach/Summer Camp Director | Tennessee Soccer Club - U12, U14-U17 Coach | Pre-College Development Academy - Assistant Coach | Lexington SC - Video Scout
Player Experience: St. Kevins Boys | Drogheda United | Institute of Technology, Carlow
Glebe North | Duleek AFC | Drogheda Town FC | Music City Soccer Club (UPSL)
License: UEFA C License | Bermuda FA C License | USC Advanced National Diploma | USC Premier Diploma Candidate | USSF C License Candidate
Player Experience: Raith Rovers F.C. - Professional Team in Scotland | University of Montevallo, Alabama
Coaching Experience: Tampa Bay United | West Florida Flames (Director) | Liverpool FC Academy (Director) | TUSC (Director)
License: USSF A License | USSF Coach Educator | UEFA B License | United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma | FAW C Certificate | US Futsal Level 2
Player Experience: San Diego Sockers (MASL) - 2011-2019 | Louisville Lightning (PASL) - 2009-2011| University of Kentucky - 2007-2009 | St. Louis University - 2005-2006
Coaching Experience: Fort Wayne United - Boys DOC | Cardiff Sockers - Head Coach & Rec. Soccer Director | MN Eclipse - Girls Academy Assistant DOC | St. Mary’s University - Assistant Coach | Spalding University - Assistant Coach
Player Experience: Association sportive de Saint-Étienne, ASSE, (2022-2023) (D2 Champions) | Middle Tennessee State University, C-USA & MTSU All-time goals leader, 58 career goals, C-USA All-time points leader, 127 career points (2017-2021) | Tennessee Soccer Club (2010-2017),USYS National Champions (2016 & 2017)
Coaching Experience: NUSA Assistant Coach (2024-present) | Kings Hammer Assistant Coach (2018-2021)
Player Experience: BUSA (2012-2018) | WPSL (2018-2021) | USL (2022-2023) | Lipscomb University (2018-2023) | Jamaica National Team (2020-2023)
Coaching Experience: Lipscomb Soccer Camps (2018-present)
Girls Academy News
Girls Academy Cost Structure 2025/26
u13/14 GA (2012 & 2013)
- Registration Fee: $450
- Monthly Club Dues: $311
- Team Fees per Season: Included
- Uniform Cost: $256
- Commitment: 10 months
- Payment Plan: 11 months starting July
u15-19 GA (2007-2011)
- Registration Fee: $450
- Monthly Club Dues: $311
- Team Fees per Season: Included
- Uniform Cost: $256
- Commitment: 7 months
- Payment Plan: 11 months starting July
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule?
The Girls Academy season varies slightly by age group.
U13–U14: The season runs from August through May and includes league games along with one Regional GA event.
U15–U17: The season begins in November and runs through June, featuring league play and two National GA showcase events.
U18/19: The season runs from November through May and includes one National GA showcase.
This structure provides players with consistent high-level competition and exposure throughout the year.
What is the level of commitment?
The commitment level for NUSA’s Girls Academy teams is high and should be considered a top priority for participating players. Athletes are expected to attend team trainings, league matches, and mandatory GA events. This includes traveling for away games – many of which may require weekend stays – as well as participation in regional and national showcases throughout the year. Consistent attendance and full engagement are essential to maintaining the standards of the Girls Academy and supporting both individual and team development.
How do I Join NUSA's Girls Academy Teams?
To be considered for NUSA’s GA teams, players must attend official tryouts. These teams are made up of the top-performing players in the club. In keeping with NUSA’s player development philosophy, there is potential for player movement throughout the year. Players may move between GA and Maroon teams based on performance, and selected Maroon players may also be invited to train weekly with the GA team. This structure supports continual development and opportunity across all levels.
What are the benefits of participating in the Girls Academy?
Joining the Girls Academy offers players exposure to college coaches across all divisions, access to elite-level competition, and a player development pathway that sharpens individual skill and tactical understanding. GA athletes also participate in regional and national showcase events and have the opportunity to connect and compete with top youth players from across the country, both on and off the field.
Can a player play in the GA & for their middle / highschool team?
Yes, a player can play in both the Girls Academy and for their middle school or high school team.