IMG Academy Set to Host Elite Finals Event March 5–10, 2026
The Girls Academy is thrilled to announce the official participants for the 2025–2026 Champions Cup, one of the most competitive and prestigious events of the league season. Returning to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL from March 5–10, 2026, the Champions Cup Finals will feature top-tier talent from across the country in a high-stakes, single-elimination format.
This pinnacle event will showcase the top 16 teams from Champions Cup group play, all vying for the coveted title of age group champion, as well as the prestigious overall Club Champion Award which is presented to the club that earns the most points across all age groups.
In addition to the Finals bracket, the event will include a Showcase component where select U14–U19 teams will compete against non-conference opponents, offering expanded competition and valuable exposure.
2025–2026 Champions Cup Finalists
| Club | Conference | |
|---|---|---|
| HTX | Frontier | |
| Lou Fusz Athletic | Frontier | |
| Indy Premier SC | Mid-America | |
| Michigan Jaguars | Mid-America | |
| Beadling SC | Mid-Atlantic | |
| Virginia Revolution SC | Mid-Atlantic | |
| Galaxy SC | Midwest | |
| Utah Celtic | Mountain West | |
| NEFC Red | Northeast | |
| New York SC | Northeast | |
| Lamorinda SC | Northwest | |
| Spokane Shadow | Pacific Northwest | |
| Tophat Gold | Southeast | |
| Florida United | Southeast | |
| City SC White | Southwest | |
| FRAM SC | Southwest |
Wildcard Participants by Age Group
2012 (rising U14)
Cincinnati United Gold, Chicago FC United, Rhode Island Surf, SJEB FC
2011 (rising U15)
Cincinnati United Gold, Columbus United, Real Futbol Academy, Union KC
2010 (rising U16)
Columbus United, SJEB FC, South Valley Surf, West Florida Flames
2009 (rising U17)
Louisiana Elite, SC del Sol, St. Louis Development Academy, Syracuse Development Academy
2008 (rising U19)
IMG Academy, Sporting Athletic Club, STA, West Coast FC
Event Format
Finals (Top 16 teams per age group)
- Single-elimination bracket
- Four total matches per team
- Placement game on Day 4 determines points toward the Club Championship
- Only Finals matches count toward the overall Club Champion tally
(1st Place = 16 points, 2nd = 15, etc.)
Showcase (U14–U19)
- Three group play games
- Fourth crossover match vs. same-ranking team from opposite bracket
(A1 vs. B1, A2 vs. B2, etc.)
Match Schedule by Age Group
| Age Group | Match Dates |
| U13 | March 5, 7, 8, 9 (Thu, Sat, Sun, Mon) |
| U14 | March 6, 7, 8, 10 (Fri, Sat, Sun, Tue) |
| U15 | March 6, 7, 9, 10 (Fri, Sat, Mon, Tue) |
| U16 | March 6, 7, 9, 10 (Fri, Sat, Mon, Tue) |
| U17 | March 5, 6, 8, 9 (Thu, Fri, Sun, Mon) |
| U19 | March 5, 6, 7, 9 (Thu, Fri, Sat, Mon) |
All age groups will play 4 games across 5 days, with a maximum of one game per day.
Kickoff Times
- First Kick: 8:00 AM EST
- Last Kick: 1:30 PM EST
Some exceptions may apply and will be communicated in advance.
Location & Links
- Location: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
The GA Champions Cup continues to raise the bar for elite-level competition, and we can’t wait to see which clubs rise to the occasion in 2026. Congratulations to all teams who qualified—we’ll see you in Florida!
Stay tuned for more announcements and coverage as we build toward the event.