Girls Academy (GA)
Youth & DevelopmentA premier youth soccer league for girls in the United States, formed after the dissolution of the Development Academy.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
NCAA Eligibility Center
The organization that certifies whether high school athletes are academically valid to play college sports in the US.
Joystick Coach
A derogatory term for a coach who constantly yells specific instructions to players ('pass there', 'shoot now') rather than letting them make their own decisions.
Competitive (Comp) Soccer
The tier of soccer above recreational, involving tryouts, professional coaches, higher fees, and travel. Also known as Select or Travel soccer.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
The U.S. Girls Youth Soccer Pyramid: A Parent's Guide to League Tiers in 2025/2026
November 6, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
August 2, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.
Youth Soccer Birth Year vs School Year Change Explained
August 1, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
The age group cut-off date is moving from a January 1st birth year to an August 1st school year system.