GIRLS ACADEMY
Beginning with the 2025/26 seasonal year, Loudoun Soccer's top girls teams in the U13 through U19 age groups will transition to the Girls Academy (GA) league.
As the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer athletes in the US, the Girls Academy (GA) offers an unrivaled standard of excellence in coaching, competition, and regional and national showcase events throughout the year, with top-notch competitive structures including league games, showcase events, and player development opportunities for players looking toward a post-high school soccer career.
Learn more about GA in the FAQs below. To register your player's interest in our GA program, complete the form below.
Girls Academy FAQs
What is the Girls Academy League?
The Girls Academy (GA) is the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. 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. 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.
What is the GA player pathway?
Girls Academy has a two-division system.Girls Academy and Aspire. LS GA teams will play in the top division. In the 2025/26 season, GA will include over 100 member clubs with teams in the U13-U19 age groups. The member clubs are split into 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. Additionally, qualifying teams compete in a separate, aspirational platform created to add additional quality competition for the most competitive clubs in the GA.
What are the benefits of playing in GA?
The GA is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their potential as an exceptional athlete and human being through competition, showcases, and camaraderie.
Benefits:
- The leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players.
- GA is on Top of the pyramid by U.S. Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer
- GA and MLS NEXT announced strategic alliance for 2025-2026 to enhance player development and grow the sport in North America.
- Attend top ranked regional college showcases (U15-U19).
- Attend top ranked regional tournaments (U13-U14).
- U12, U13 & 14 teams participate in GA East Regional Showcase.
- GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID event for nominated players
- More Value for Less travel, less expensive, less overnight stay for League games = more value than other National Pathway leagues
- Matches attended by U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Scouts and College Coaches
Can I play for my High School team?
Yes! Girls Academy players are eligible for high school play.
What is the training commitment?
GA teams train three days during the week in the fall and spring season, and two days during the week in the winter. Practice days and times will not be confirmed until approximately one month prior to the beginning of the season.
Who are the coaching staff?
2025/26 Technical and Coaching Staff:
John O’Hara, Technical Director
Dave Bucciero, Assistant TD
Nicole Brower, Girls GA Director
Courtenay Kaplan, GK Coach
Kent Legg, Sports Performance Coach
Coaches
2013 GA: Nicole Brower
2012 GA: Nicole Brower
2011 GA: Alberto Starace
2010 GA: Shane Kellogg
2009 GA: Shane Kellogg
2008/2007: Dave Bucciero
What are the projected roster sizes?
Roster sizes for 2025/26 remain unchanged:
- U13: 16-17 Players
- U14: 16-17 Players
- U15: 16-18 Players
- U16: 18-20 Players
- U17: 18-20 Players
- U18/19: 18-20 Players
Will our teams continue to go to the Jefferson Cup, WAGS, Raleigh Showcase, etc?
Yes, Loudoun Soccer GA teams will continue to attend top-tier showcases that provide elite competition and enhanced college exposure. These events will be strategically selected based on:
Competition level
College recruiting opportunities
Player development goals
Premier tournaments such as Jefferson Cup, WAGS, and Raleigh Showcase will remain part of our event calendar to ensure our players are consistently competing in highly-scouted, elite-level environments.
Will this change impact teams going into the Spring 2025 season?
NO, all current teams will finish their spring seasons and post season play in their current league.
What are the Club fees for Loudoun Soccer GA?
Club fees for the 2025/26 season are:
U13-U17: $2950
U18/19: $2850
Please note that Club fees do not include additional items such as uniform or team fees.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for players identified who demonstrate talent, commitment, and need. For more information on our scholarship program, visit the Financial Assistance form our website.
GIRLS ACADEMY
ID DATES
GIRLS ACADEMY ID SESSIONS HAVE CONCLUDED. IF YOUR PLAYER IS INTERSTED IN OUR GA PROGRAM, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM HERE.
GIRLS ACADEMY STAFF
U18/19 (2008/07) | Dave Bucciero
U17 (2009) | Shane Kellogg
U16 (2010) | Shane Kellogg
U15 (2011) | Alberto Starace
U14 (2012) | Nicole Brower
U15 (2013) | Nicole Brower
TECHNICAL STAFF
John O'Hara | Technical Director
Dave Bucciero | Assistant Technical Director
Nicole Brower | U13-U19 Girls Director of Coaching
Courtenay Kaplan | Staff GK Coach
Kent Legg | Sports Performance Coach
GA TECHNICAL STAFF
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Dave Bucciero
Assistant TD/U13-U19 Asst DoC/Director of GK/Director of College Placement
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Nicole Brower
U13-U19 Girls Director of Coaching
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Courtenay Kaplan
Staff GK Coach
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Kent Legg
Staff Coach
GA COACHES
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Nicole Brower
U13-U19 Girls Director of Coaching
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Alberto Starace
Staff Coach
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Shane Kellogg
Staff Coach
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Dave Bucciero
Assistant TD/U13-U19 Asst DoC/Director of GK/Director of College Placement