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.
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: USSF A License | United Soccer Coaches (Formerly NSCAA) Director of Coaching Diploma | United Soccer Coaches National Youth Diploma | United Soccer Coaches Level I & II Goalkeeping Diploma
Coaching Experience:
Birmingham United Soccer Academy (Director) | Birmingham United Soccer Academy (Assistant Director) | Birmingham United Soccer Academy Boys (Assistant Director) | Tennessee SC Girls (Director) | Tennessee SC Boys (Director) | Tennessee Futbol Club (Director)
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)
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.
The leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States.
The GA is 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 GA 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.
As a league, the GA 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.
THE PLAYERS' VOICE MATTERS
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.
“The Girls Academy Advisory Panel is super important to the GA and its values as it gives the players a chance to have their voices heard, and their ideas implemented. Being a member of the panel allows you to improve important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving.”
– Addi Egger | Pacific Northwest Conference | Seattle Reign Academy
AN ALIGNMENT OF VALUES – NUSA & THE GA
The Goal of the Girls Academy is to “empower our players’ pursuit of excellence as an athlete and a person,” which is closely aligned with our NUSA Vision Statement of “Creating players for life and developing champions of character.” With the addition of GA, we will further empower our female athletes to grow as leaders on and off the field and have a voice within their own character development.
NUSA Principles: Player movement
All players grow and develop at different rates and at NUSA we are constantly evaluating players to put players in a training environment which allows them to have a good balance between success and being challenged. Too much of one or the other is not fun or conducive to long-term player development. In line with the rest of NUSA and the club’s philosophy on player development, there is potential for player movement throughout the year. Players could receive opportunities to be moved between NUSA’s GA and NUSA’s Maroon team(s). Selected players from NUSA’s Maroon teams will have opportunities to train up once per week with the NUSA GA team. This is no different than the current weekly player movement which takes place throughout the club.
EXPERIENCED & PROFESSIONAL COACHING STAFF
The NUSA GA program will be led by an experienced coaching staff and directors, dedicated to building a strong foundation for the program’s success. Teams will train 3 days a week, compete in the Girls Academy South Central Conference and the primary focus is on both player development and character development.