The Girls Academy and the Development Player League are proud to announce the formal execution of a Management Services Agreement for GA Aspire, along with a sanctioning agreement that brings DPL under The Girls Academy sanctioning structure beginning with the 2026/27 season.
This important step formalizes the continued relationship between The Girls Academy and DPL, strengthens the connection between GA Tier 1, GA Aspire, and DPL, and creates a clearer, more connected ecosystem for elite girls’ soccer clubs, teams, and players across the country.
GA Aspire was launched in February 2025 as the Tier 2 platform within The Girls Academy. Through the newly executed Management Services Agreement, DPL will continue to serve as the exclusive management services partner for GA Aspire, supporting the league through operational leadership, logistics, staffing, scheduling support, and collaboration with The Girls Academy.
The agreement also reinforces DPL as the Premier Pathway to The Girls Academy and GA Aspire, creating a standards-driven structure for clubs to enter the ecosystem where they fit today, while providing a clear view of where they can grow tomorrow.
In addition, DPL will move its sanctioning to The Girls Academy beginning with the 2026/27 season. This creates greater alignment and consistency for clubs competing across multiple levels, including player registration, health and safety protocols, administrative processes, and overall league standards.
“The Premier Pathway starts with the DPL. This alignment gives clubs a clear place to enter the Girls Academy ecosystem based on where they are today, while providing a real view of where they can go tomorrow. For some clubs, that pathway may lead through DPL, into GA Aspire, and ultimately toward The Girls Academy. For others, it creates a stronger structure to support multiple levels within the same club. The goal is simple: keep clubs connected, reduce fragmentation, and create a standards-driven environment built around opportunity, development, and long-term growth for young female athletes. Bringing DPL into The Girls Academy sanctioning body also creates a more centralized and streamlined structure for player registration, health and safety protocols, and administrative consistency. This is the gold standard in youth soccer,” said Barry Ritson, President of the Development Player League.
The Girls Academy and DPL will continue to collaborate on league operations, club placement, competitive standards, marketing strategy, and long-term pathway development. Together, the organizations are focused on building a connected, player-centered platform that supports clubs at every stage of their development.
“Our commitment has always been to create meaningful opportunities for players and clubs while continuing to strengthen the landscape of girls’ soccer,” added Trish Hughes, Commissioner of the Girls Academy. “As we enter the second year of Aspire, our alignment with the Development Player League as our preferred pathway is an important step in expanding access and creating greater opportunities for clubs and players. Together, we are establishing a clear progression that supports player development, provides meaningful competitive environments, and allows clubs to grow within a connected pathway. Our shared commitment is to raise standards, investing in the long-term development of young women, and building a stronger future for the game. We are excited to work alongside DPL leadership as we continue to create more opportunities for players across the country.”
This announcement marks a significant step forward in the alignment of The Girls Academy, GA Aspire, and DPL through a shared mission: to elevate the girls’ game, support strong clubs, and provide meaningful competitive environments for players across the country.