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San Jose Earthquakes hire Andres Deza as Girls’ DA Director
By News Desk / May 1, 2017


SAN JOSE, California (Via San Jose Earthquakes) – The San Jose Earthquakes have hired Andres Deza as the Director for the club’s Girls’ Development Academy program. U.S. Soccer’s Girls’ Development Academy features 74 clubs in six regional divisions nationwide and will begin play in the fall of 2017.

“I am thrilled to join the Earthquakes in this role and to help them grow youth soccer on the female side,” said Deza. “I am very honored to join an MLS club seriously interested in investing in female soccer long-term. I am joining the Quakes with the intention to contribute to their overall club vision and excited to lead their Girls’ Development Academy program.”

Deza, 49, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to San Jose. Past roles on his résumé include time as a coach and as the director of coaching for the Gryphons Soccer Club in San Mateo, a stint as the technical director for the De Anza Force Girls’ ECNL program, and a two-year stretch as the NorCal U.S. Training Center Liaison and member of the national team camp coaching staff for U.S. Soccer.

“This is a special day for girls soccer in San Jose and the Bay Area,” Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli said. “Andres is a great coach and academy director with a track-record that few can fall back onto in women’s football. Having appreciated the amount of feedback and interest from players and families throughout the Bay Area, we wanted to work with the best coach that identifies with our vision in terms of player development and forming a one-club game identity.”
Spending significant time as a head coach at the club level, Deza led the De Anza Force 98G ECNL to a national championship at the U-14 level in 2013.
A native of Barcelona, Spain, Deza has coached nearly a dozen players born between 1998 and 2003 who have gone on to earn invites to U.S. Youth National Team or U.S. Women’s National Team camps.

Deza currently resides in Belmont, California, with his wife Izumi and daughters Momo and Luca.

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San Jose Earthquakes hire Andres Deza as Girls’ DA Director
By News Desk / May 1, 2017


SAN JOSE, California (Via San Jose Earthquakes) – The San Jose Earthquakes have hired Andres Deza as the Director for the club’s Girls’ Development Academy program. U.S. Soccer’s Girls’ Development Academy features 74 clubs in six regional divisions nationwide and will begin play in the fall of 2017.

“I am thrilled to join the Earthquakes in this role and to help them grow youth soccer on the female side,” said Deza. “I am very honored to join an MLS club seriously interested in investing in female soccer long-term. I am joining the Quakes with the intention to contribute to their overall club vision and excited to lead their Girls’ Development Academy program.”

Deza, 49, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to San Jose. Past roles on his résumé include time as a coach and as the director of coaching for the Gryphons Soccer Club in San Mateo, a stint as the technical director for the De Anza Force Girls’ ECNL program, and a two-year stretch as the NorCal U.S. Training Center Liaison and member of the national team camp coaching staff for U.S. Soccer.

“This is a special day for girls soccer in San Jose and the Bay Area,” Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli said. “Andres is a great coach and academy director with a track-record that few can fall back onto in women’s football. Having appreciated the amount of feedback and interest from players and families throughout the Bay Area, we wanted to work with the best coach that identifies with our vision in terms of player development and forming a one-club game identity.”
Spending significant time as a head coach at the club level, Deza led the De Anza Force 98G ECNL to a national championship at the U-14 level in 2013.
A native of Barcelona, Spain, Deza has coached nearly a dozen players born between 1998 and 2003 who have gone on to earn invites to U.S. Youth National Team or U.S. Women’s National Team camps.

Deza currently resides in Belmont, California, with his wife Izumi and daughters Momo and Luca.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/...academy-teams/

Sky Blue–PDA starting tryouts for U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy teams
Sky Blue–PDA starting tryouts for U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy teams
Girls from around the state will have a chance to make the roster for PDA-Sky Blue over the course of the next month (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
By Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on April 11, 2017 7:30 AM, updated April 12, 2017 9:29 AM
Initial tryouts will be held by Sky Blue–PDA for its U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy teams starting on Tuesday.

Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Players Development Academy Soccer Club (PDA) partnered over the summer to establish Sky Blue–PDA. That club was soon after named as a founding member of the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy.

MUST-READ: Coaches fear change with creation of Sky Blue-PDA

The academy will hold tryouts for its U14 and U15 teams on Tuesday, April 11, and will then have tryouts for its U19 and U17 teams on Thursday, April 15. Sky Blue-PDA will also hold tryouts next month, with its U14 and U19 tryouts on May 1 and its U15 and U17 tryouts on May 3.

Sky Blue-PDA has said that its players won't have to choose between high school soccer and club soccer this upcoming season, but did not rule out that decision will have to made in the future.

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http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/...academy-teams/

Sky Blue–PDA starting tryouts for U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy teams
Sky Blue–PDA starting tryouts for U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy teams
Girls from around the state will have a chance to make the roster for PDA-Sky Blue over the course of the next month (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
By Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on April 11, 2017 7:30 AM, updated April 12, 2017 9:29 AM
Initial tryouts will be held by Sky Blue–PDA for its U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy teams starting on Tuesday.

Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Players Development Academy Soccer Club (PDA) partnered over the summer to establish Sky Blue–PDA. That club was soon after named as a founding member of the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy.

MUST-READ: Coaches fear change with creation of Sky Blue-PDA

The academy will hold tryouts for its U14 and U15 teams on Tuesday, April 11, and will then have tryouts for its U19 and U17 teams on Thursday, April 15. Sky Blue-PDA will also hold tryouts next month, with its U14 and U19 tryouts on May 1 and its U15 and U17 tryouts on May 3.

Sky Blue-PDA has said that its players won't have to choose between high school soccer and club soccer this upcoming season, but did not rule out that decision will have to made in the future.

http://www.soccerwire.com/news/clubs...pment-academy/

NC Courage joins U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy
By News Desk / April 6, 2017


Cary, NC (April 6, 2017) – The North Carolina Football Club has announced the launch of the NC Courage Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academy program.

The program will create a clear path for the identification and development of young female players and facilitate the development of homegrown professional players for the North Carolina Courage pro team. Beginning July 1, veteran youth coach Sean Nahas will direct the Girls’ DA teams as they prepare to take the field this fall wearing the same crest and colors as the NWSL team.

The Girls’ DA will maximize player development with a 10-month training program, professionalized coaching, and the opportunity for youth players to train with the pro team. NC Courage Academy is one of 69 clubs that will be competing in the inaugural Girls’ DA season this fall. Player trials are currently underway to field U-14, U-15, U-16/17, and U-18/19 teams, which will compete in the southeast division featuring teams including IMG Academy, Charlotte Soccer Academy, Boca United FC, Concorde Fire, and NTH Tophat among others.

+READ: Seattle Reign Academy expands with Seattle United FC, Eastside FC

Nahas is no stranger to U.S. Soccer. Currently, he serves as an assistant coach with the U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team – a team that that won the U20 Women’s CONCACAF Championship (2015) and was a semi-finalist at the 2016 U20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea. He was also a staff coach for the U-14 U.S. Youth National Team (2011-2013) and served as a U.S. National Team youth scout during that same time. Nahas knows the ins and outs of the U.S. Soccer development model, player pathways, and the expertise to create the best training environment for NC Courage Girls’ DA players.


“Sean is a very successful coach and has proven himself in every position he has held,” said North Carolina Football Club President and GM Curt Johnson. “His experience with the U.S. National Teams, paired with his knowledge of the Triangle area and North Carolina youth soccer, is an added benefit to our goal of developing young female players in our community. The NC Courage DA teams will be able to identify and develop top local talent for years to come. In addition, we look forward to collaborating with NWSL to develop the league’s first homegrown player rules.”

In addition to his U.S. Soccer coaching responsibilities, he has dedicated the past 13 years developing players across all ages and levels of play at the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL). He helped more than 20 CASL female players make their way to U.S. youth and full national teams and more than 100 players sign on to play in college. In addition, he developed a club wide curriculum and player development pathway for players ages 8-19.

“I am very excited about this new opportunity for the growth of the female game in our area and across the country,” said Nahas. “I am honored to have been asked to oversee the Girls’ Development Academy and continue the development pathway for female players in our area.”

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http://www.soccerwire.com/news/clubs...pment-academy/

NC Courage joins U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy
By News Desk / April 6, 2017


Cary, NC (April 6, 2017) – The North Carolina Football Club has announced the launch of the NC Courage Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academy program.

The program will create a clear path for the identification and development of young female players and facilitate the development of homegrown professional players for the North Carolina Courage pro team. Beginning July 1, veteran youth coach Sean Nahas will direct the Girls’ DA teams as they prepare to take the field this fall wearing the same crest and colors as the NWSL team.

The Girls’ DA will maximize player development with a 10-month training program, professionalized coaching, and the opportunity for youth players to train with the pro team. NC Courage Academy is one of 69 clubs that will be competing in the inaugural Girls’ DA season this fall. Player trials are currently underway to field U-14, U-15, U-16/17, and U-18/19 teams, which will compete in the southeast division featuring teams including IMG Academy, Charlotte Soccer Academy, Boca United FC, Concorde Fire, and NTH Tophat among others.

+READ: Seattle Reign Academy expands with Seattle United FC, Eastside FC

Nahas is no stranger to U.S. Soccer. Currently, he serves as an assistant coach with the U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team – a team that that won the U20 Women’s CONCACAF Championship (2015) and was a semi-finalist at the 2016 U20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea. He was also a staff coach for the U-14 U.S. Youth National Team (2011-2013) and served as a U.S. National Team youth scout during that same time. Nahas knows the ins and outs of the U.S. Soccer development model, player pathways, and the expertise to create the best training environment for NC Courage Girls’ DA players.


“Sean is a very successful coach and has proven himself in every position he has held,” said North Carolina Football Club President and GM Curt Johnson. “His experience with the U.S. National Teams, paired with his knowledge of the Triangle area and North Carolina youth soccer, is an added benefit to our goal of developing young female players in our community. The NC Courage DA teams will be able to identify and develop top local talent for years to come. In addition, we look forward to collaborating with NWSL to develop the league’s first homegrown player rules.”

In addition to his U.S. Soccer coaching responsibilities, he has dedicated the past 13 years developing players across all ages and levels of play at the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL). He helped more than 20 CASL female players make their way to U.S. youth and full national teams and more than 100 players sign on to play in college. In addition, he developed a club wide curriculum and player development pathway for players ages 8-19.

“I am very excited about this new opportunity for the growth of the female game in our area and across the country,” said Nahas. “I am honored to have been asked to oversee the Girls’ Development Academy and continue the development pathway for female players in our area.”

http://www.soccerwire.com/notes/wash...ls-da-coaches/

Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour unveils four Girls’ DA coaches
Posted on April 27, 2017


BOYDS, MD (Via Washington Spirit) – The Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy program has announced its first four coaching placements for the inaugural 2017-2018 season.

Washington Spirit First Assistant Coach and Maryland Development Academy Technical Director Denise Reddy’s staff will feature several coaches who have played at the highest levels of the game, including for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams. In addition to some illustrious playing careers, the staff coaches bring with them a track record of success at the youth level.

“I am very excited to announce the addition of these top level coaches to our Maryland Development Academy staff,” Reddy said. “Every one of these coaches brings expertise and a wealth of coaching experience. We will draw on their impressive amount of pro and international playing experience to create a professional environment within the Academy.”

Bonnie Young, a former professional player and assistant coach with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars, will serve as head coach of the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-18/19 squad. Young had an outstanding college career at Penn State, before going on to play professionally for the New York Power, New Jersey Wildcats, Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Young has more than a decade of coaching experience, highlighted by a five- year tenure at Monmouth University and eight years as Director of Coaching for Illinois-based youth club Naperville Soccer Association.

Pipeline Soccer Club Director of Coaching Danny Skelton and Pipeline SC co-founder Santino Quaranta will pair up to coach the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-15 team.

Skelton, who has successfully developed and managed Pipeline’s core coaching curriculum for all players ages 7-18 since 2011, will be the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-15 head coach. Following a four-year playing career at Towson University and one season with Crystal Palace USA, Skelton has now spent more than a decade coaching some of the top players in the Baltimore area, at the high school, club and amateur levels.

Quaranta, a former U.S. Men’s National Team player and Major League Soccer standout, will be the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-15 assistant coach. Quaranta was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft at age 16, becoming the youngest player at the time to enter the league. He scored 25 goals during his MLS career with D.C. United, LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls. He also earned 15 caps with the U.S. National Team, scoring a goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Honduras.

While coaching at Pipeline, Quaranta and Skelton’s youth teams have risen to national prominence in recent years, winning titles in the Maryland State Cup, Disney Soccer Showcase, US Youth Soccer National Championships and other prestigious events.

Spirit first team assistant coach and Spirit Reserves head coach Kati Jo “KJ” Spisak will serve as the goalkeeper coach for all of the club’s Development Academy teams in Maryland. Spisak was a three-time All-American goalkeeper at Texas A&M University before going on to play at the next level, making 20 appearances with the Washington Freedom from 2007-2009 as part of the W-League and the premier season of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). She went on to join Saint Louis Athletic and the Boston Breakers to continue her WPS career, and in 2014 she made an appearance on the Spirit’s NWSL roster as a reserve goalkeeper. Spisak played international soccer for the U.S. Women’s National Teams at the U-21 and U-23 levels. She helped guide the U-21 side to a Nordic Cup title in 2004.

The full Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour coaching staff for the inaugural U.S. Soccer Girls’ DA season will be announced in May.

Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour Girls’ DA Coaching Staff
Technical Director – Denise Reddy
U-18/19 Head Coach – Bonnie Young
U-15 Head Coach – Danny Skelton
U-15 Assistant Coach – Santino Quaranta
Goalkeepers Coach – KJ Spisak

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http://www.soccerwire.com/notes/wash...ls-da-coaches/

Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour unveils four Girls’ DA coaches
Posted on April 27, 2017


BOYDS, MD (Via Washington Spirit) – The Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy program has announced its first four coaching placements for the inaugural 2017-2018 season.

Washington Spirit First Assistant Coach and Maryland Development Academy Technical Director Denise Reddy’s staff will feature several coaches who have played at the highest levels of the game, including for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams. In addition to some illustrious playing careers, the staff coaches bring with them a track record of success at the youth level.

“I am very excited to announce the addition of these top level coaches to our Maryland Development Academy staff,” Reddy said. “Every one of these coaches brings expertise and a wealth of coaching experience. We will draw on their impressive amount of pro and international playing experience to create a professional environment within the Academy.”

Bonnie Young, a former professional player and assistant coach with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars, will serve as head coach of the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-18/19 squad. Young had an outstanding college career at Penn State, before going on to play professionally for the New York Power, New Jersey Wildcats, Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Young has more than a decade of coaching experience, highlighted by a five- year tenure at Monmouth University and eight years as Director of Coaching for Illinois-based youth club Naperville Soccer Association.

Pipeline Soccer Club Director of Coaching Danny Skelton and Pipeline SC co-founder Santino Quaranta will pair up to coach the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-15 team.

Skelton, who has successfully developed and managed Pipeline’s core coaching curriculum for all players ages 7-18 since 2011, will be the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-15 head coach. Following a four-year playing career at Towson University and one season with Crystal Palace USA, Skelton has now spent more than a decade coaching some of the top players in the Baltimore area, at the high school, club and amateur levels.

Quaranta, a former U.S. Men’s National Team player and Major League Soccer standout, will be the Spirit – Baltimore Armour U-15 assistant coach. Quaranta was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft at age 16, becoming the youngest player at the time to enter the league. He scored 25 goals during his MLS career with D.C. United, LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls. He also earned 15 caps with the U.S. National Team, scoring a goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Honduras.

While coaching at Pipeline, Quaranta and Skelton’s youth teams have risen to national prominence in recent years, winning titles in the Maryland State Cup, Disney Soccer Showcase, US Youth Soccer National Championships and other prestigious events.

Spirit first team assistant coach and Spirit Reserves head coach Kati Jo “KJ” Spisak will serve as the goalkeeper coach for all of the club’s Development Academy teams in Maryland. Spisak was a three-time All-American goalkeeper at Texas A&M University before going on to play at the next level, making 20 appearances with the Washington Freedom from 2007-2009 as part of the W-League and the premier season of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). She went on to join Saint Louis Athletic and the Boston Breakers to continue her WPS career, and in 2014 she made an appearance on the Spirit’s NWSL roster as a reserve goalkeeper. Spisak played international soccer for the U.S. Women’s National Teams at the U-21 and U-23 levels. She helped guide the U-21 side to a Nordic Cup title in 2004.

The full Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour coaching staff for the inaugural U.S. Soccer Girls’ DA season will be announced in May.

Washington Spirit – Baltimore Armour Girls’ DA Coaching Staff
Technical Director – Denise Reddy
U-18/19 Head Coach – Bonnie Young
U-15 Head Coach – Danny Skelton
U-15 Assistant Coach – Santino Quaranta
Goalkeepers Coach – KJ Spisak

http://www.soccerwire.com/news/clubs...demy-strategy/

Gunston SC latest addition to Washington Spirit Girls DA strategy
By News Desk / April 18, 2017


BOYDS, MD (Via Washington Spirit) – Fairfax based Gunston Soccer Club has become the second Virginia youth soccer club to sign on as a U.S. Soccer Development Academy Partner of the Washington Spirit. In addition to providing Gunston’s older female players with a direct pathway to the professional game, the partnership will see both clubs’ coaching staffs working together on several new player development initiatives at all ages.

The addition of Gunston to the Spirit’s previously announced partnership with Reston Soccer Association extends the reach of the region’s only professional women’s throughout Fairfax County, which is a major hotbed of youth soccer talent.

“The addition of Gunston to our youth academy structure will help us reach and help develop thousands more players in southern Fairfax and surrounding areas,” said Jim Gabarra, Washington Spirit general manager and professional team head coach. “While we’ve only just announced this today, Tom [Torres] and Vicky [Hall] have already been working behind the scenes to be sure we hit the ground running. We can assure any young talented players in the region that joining a Guston travel team will provide them many additional opportunities to develop and be seen.”

The partnership will see several Gunston coaches take the helm of Spirit teams in this summer’s USL Super Y League. Spirit Academy Director for Virginia Tom Torres and Gunston Technical Director Vicky Hall will also work closely on providing enhanced levels of training within the players’ current team environments, while also offering supplemental training opportunities for players with full Development Academy ambitions.

“We are thrilled to work with Gunston Soccer Club to offer players within the club a development pathway that aligns with the Spirit VA Development Academy program,” said Torres, a nine year veteran of the D.C. United Development Academy prior to joining the Spirit last month. “We are looking forward to working closely with Gunston Soccer Club leadership to identify and schedule events that will add development opportunities for their players and coaches.”


Gunston Soccer has also recently joined the Virginia Premier League, and will be fielding travel teams in the highly competitive environment this fall. Technical Director Vicky Hall, who has been a fixture in the Northern Virginia youth soccer scene for over a decade, could hardly be more excited about providing the VPL and opportunities with the Spirit Academy to the many talented players already within the club, as well as those considering joining during the upcoming tryout season.

“GSC is ecstatic to be partnering with the Spirit and the DA,” Hall said. “This gives Gunston Soccer’s female players a pathway to the elite level. Being affiliated with the Spirit organization is not only a huge honor it also demonstrates the commitment of GSC’s players, parents and staff in elevating our program to an elite level.”

The Spirit offer the only Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academy option in Fairfax County, and also operate a separate program as the sole U.S. Soccer Girls Development Academy program in Maryland under the name Washington Spirit Baltimore Armour. Between the two, the Spirit now offer the only fully professional player development pathway in the women’s game in the region.

OFFICIAL SPIRIT DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY PARTNER CLUBS
Gunston Soccer Club – Alexandria, Virginia (GunstonSoccer.com)
Montgomery Soccer Incorporated – Gaithersburg, Maryland (MSISoccer.org)
Pipeline Soccer Club – Baltimore, Maryland (PipelineSoccerClub.com)
Reston Soccer Association – Reston, Virginia (RestonSoccer.com)
Soccer Association of Columbia – Columbia, Maryland (SACKick.com)

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http://www.soccerwire.com/news/clubs...demy-strategy/

Gunston SC latest addition to Washington Spirit Girls DA strategy
By News Desk / April 18, 2017


BOYDS, MD (Via Washington Spirit) – Fairfax based Gunston Soccer Club has become the second Virginia youth soccer club to sign on as a U.S. Soccer Development Academy Partner of the Washington Spirit. In addition to providing Gunston’s older female players with a direct pathway to the professional game, the partnership will see both clubs’ coaching staffs working together on several new player development initiatives at all ages.

The addition of Gunston to the Spirit’s previously announced partnership with Reston Soccer Association extends the reach of the region’s only professional women’s throughout Fairfax County, which is a major hotbed of youth soccer talent.

“The addition of Gunston to our youth academy structure will help us reach and help develop thousands more players in southern Fairfax and surrounding areas,” said Jim Gabarra, Washington Spirit general manager and professional team head coach. “While we’ve only just announced this today, Tom [Torres] and Vicky [Hall] have already been working behind the scenes to be sure we hit the ground running. We can assure any young talented players in the region that joining a Guston travel team will provide them many additional opportunities to develop and be seen.”

The partnership will see several Gunston coaches take the helm of Spirit teams in this summer’s USL Super Y League. Spirit Academy Director for Virginia Tom Torres and Gunston Technical Director Vicky Hall will also work closely on providing enhanced levels of training within the players’ current team environments, while also offering supplemental training opportunities for players with full Development Academy ambitions.

“We are thrilled to work with Gunston Soccer Club to offer players within the club a development pathway that aligns with the Spirit VA Development Academy program,” said Torres, a nine year veteran of the D.C. United Development Academy prior to joining the Spirit last month. “We are looking forward to working closely with Gunston Soccer Club leadership to identify and schedule events that will add development opportunities for their players and coaches.”


Gunston Soccer has also recently joined the Virginia Premier League, and will be fielding travel teams in the highly competitive environment this fall. Technical Director Vicky Hall, who has been a fixture in the Northern Virginia youth soccer scene for over a decade, could hardly be more excited about providing the VPL and opportunities with the Spirit Academy to the many talented players already within the club, as well as those considering joining during the upcoming tryout season.

“GSC is ecstatic to be partnering with the Spirit and the DA,” Hall said. “This gives Gunston Soccer’s female players a pathway to the elite level. Being affiliated with the Spirit organization is not only a huge honor it also demonstrates the commitment of GSC’s players, parents and staff in elevating our program to an elite level.”

The Spirit offer the only Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academy option in Fairfax County, and also operate a separate program as the sole U.S. Soccer Girls Development Academy program in Maryland under the name Washington Spirit Baltimore Armour. Between the two, the Spirit now offer the only fully professional player development pathway in the women’s game in the region.

OFFICIAL SPIRIT DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY PARTNER CLUBS
Gunston Soccer Club – Alexandria, Virginia (GunstonSoccer.com)
Montgomery Soccer Incorporated – Gaithersburg, Maryland (MSISoccer.org)
Pipeline Soccer Club – Baltimore, Maryland (PipelineSoccerClub.com)
Reston Soccer Association – Reston, Virginia (RestonSoccer.com)
Soccer Association of Columbia – Columbia, Maryland (SACKick.com)

Is the lack of interest because of the ban on high school?

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Is the lack of interest because of the ban on high school?

Might be contributing factor.

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Mention of the NWSL Thorns

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/featu...an-nwsl-future

Why the Galaxy is starting a Girls' Academy now, and what it means for LA's NWSL future

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A club legend has been brought back to start the new venture, one that could prove a new battleground with a coming rival.
by
Scott French

Published
26 April 2017
The LA Galaxy is getting serious about women's soccer, but whether its nascent girls' academy will be the first step toward bringing an NWSL franchise to Southern California isn't so clear.
Club president Chris Klein says the Galaxy have had conversations with the National Women's Soccer League about fielding an expansion team, but the talks have not been “substantial.”
“All options are open,” he told FourFourTwo. “We wanted to start with this, start with our academy program, and we'll see how things progress. ... At this point, we're not there yet.”
The Galaxy's first incursion into the women's game since AEG pulled out of the previous professional league in late 2009 gained momentum last week when club legend Kevin Hartman was brought aboard to run the new girls' program as it prepares for the fall launch of U.S. Soccer's new Girls’ Development Academy.

How NASL, MLS could over-saturate Southern California pro soccer market
Southern California is among the world's most fertile grounds for developing women's talent, and the Galaxy will be among 13 clubs in the region, including its San Diego affiliate, participating in the DA. Klein says the club bears “a responsibility” to prod the game's development, no matter which gender is on the field.
LAFC's arrival in MLS in 2018 serves as a ubiquitous challenge to the Galaxy in the market, and that includes the women's game. U.S. women's national team legend Mia Hamm is part of LAFC's large ownership group, and she along with executive vice president of soccer operations John Thorrington have publicly expressed that LAFC is exploring the possibility of acquiring an NWSL franchise. LAFC is partnering with regional giant Slammers FC, whose alumnae include Christen Press and Whitney Engen, for its Girls’ DA program, another bold statement about the new club's ambitions.
But Klein insists that any perceived challenge from LAFC wasn't a factor in the Galaxy getting involved in the Girls' Development Academy.
“This has been a conversation that we've had for a number of years, and now just seemed like the right time ...,” the former MLS midfielder said. “We're not a reactionary club, and we think it's great that [LAFC] is involved in this, and as professional clubs in the area, we look forward to growing it together.”
The Galaxy, according to Klein, “felt, as a leading club in our league and a strong voice in Southern California, that this is something that we should be doing ... We take [development] seriously on the boys' side, and we take that seriously on the girls' side.”

FC Dallas, New York City FC, and the San Jose Earthquakes also have started girls' academies and are fielding teams in the DA. NWSL clubs Portland Thorns, the Houston Dash, and the Orlando Pride are also involved. All three share ownership with their respective MLS clubs.
Jeff Plush, who recently stepped down as NWSL commissioner, was adamant that Los Angeles was a priority market for the league. Klein agrees.
“I think that's important, with what this territory means for soccer in general and, certainly, professional soccer,” he said. “But it's not something that we're looking at, at this point.”
LAFC also is evaluating fielding an NWSL team, but Klein did not think Mia Hamm's presence among the ownership group gave the Galaxy's burgeoning rival an advantage should both clubs desire to be involved.
“I think her history in the game is unparalleled, but, just as in our league, the most important thing is to find committed owners,” he said. “That is the strength of our league, when it comes down to it, is having an ownership group that is committed to the growth of the game and is in it for the long-term. MLS has great ownership.
“That would be the bigger thing for me, as well. As opposed to finding 'names.' They're growing [the NWSL] in the right way. If and when we would have those discussions, it would certainly be part of it.”

Key to Marta's move: A price tag that makes sense for Orlando, NWSL
Galaxy owner AEG was a co-owner of the Los Angeles Sol when Women's Professional Soccer, the second attempt at a pro league in the U.S., launched in 2009. Brazilian star Marta led the Sol to the regular-season title and into the championship game, but the economics didn't make sense for AEG, which at season's end turned over its share of the Sol to the league. The club ceased operations three months later, and the league folded after three seasons.
Why return to the women's game now?
“It's so much different now,” Klein said. “The evolution of U.S. Soccer, the evolution of the women's game; it continues to not only get more popular, but the number of girls and the resources being put toward it are really incredible. And now having the [U.S. and Canadian] federations behind the women's league, and, obviously, the success of our women's national team has always been a well-known story.
“As we start to learn more about development, both on the boys and the girls' side, it just seemed now was an appropriate time to step into this.”
image: https://images.cdn.fourfourtwo.com/s...?itok=TW0EylRF
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Hartman's appointment gets the project going in earnest. The former goalkeeper returns to the Galaxy, with which he spent a decade, and joins a front office rife with former LA players: Klein, general manager Peter Vagenas, technical director Jovan Kirovski and Gordon Kljestan, the director of soccer operations, as well as head coach Curt Onalfo, assistant coach Ante Razov, and Galaxy II head coach Mike Muñoz.
Hartman spent a year as the New York Red Bulls' director of goalkeeping development after retiring in 2013, then headed to Bradenton, Florida, for a three-year stint as the IMG Academy's technical director and director of goalkeeping.
Coming home, and getting his daughters nearer their grandparents, was a “no-brainer,” he said.
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“I've had the opportunity since I finished playing to work in the youth game, and I've really felt a massive passion for being able to affect the lives of young people ...,” Hartman told FourFourTwo. “The fact that the club that gave me my first professional opportunity was in the process of launching a girls' [program] sounded like a great trip.”
Former MLS goalkeeper Zach Wells and Matt Tutton, formerly the Development Academy director for Orange County superclub Pateadores, have been running things ahead of Hartman's arrival last week. Hiring coaches and a developing a curriculum are priorities, but there's an established structure from the club's boys academy, which has channeled players to the pro ranks.
They've waded deeply into player-identification, have held training sessions involving about 150 girls, and on Tuesday sent out the first “offer letters” to players that have best impressed. Hartman would like to fill rosters for the U-14, U-15, U-17 and U-19 teams as quickly as possible.
“I can throw together full rosters tomorrow. I won't have a problem fielding a team, but it's about fielding a team that is representative of the Los Angeles Galaxy and has the expectation to be champions.”

Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/featu...B1UwuQzuXgj.99

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Is the lack of interest because of the ban on high school?

One of the main reasons.

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https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/featu...an-nwsl-future

Why the Galaxy is starting a Girls' Academy now, and what it means for LA's NWSL future

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A club legend has been brought back to start the new venture, one that could prove a new battleground with a coming rival.
by
Scott French

Published
26 April 2017
The LA Galaxy is getting serious about women's soccer, but whether its nascent girls' academy will be the first step toward bringing an NWSL franchise to Southern California isn't so clear.
Club president Chris Klein says the Galaxy have had conversations with the National Women's Soccer League about fielding an expansion team, but the talks have not been “substantial.”
“All options are open,” he told FourFourTwo. “We wanted to start with this, start with our academy program, and we'll see how things progress. ... At this point, we're not there yet.”
The Galaxy's first incursion into the women's game since AEG pulled out of the previous professional league in late 2009 gained momentum last week when club legend Kevin Hartman was brought aboard to run the new girls' program as it prepares for the fall launch of U.S. Soccer's new Girls’ Development Academy.

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Southern California is among the world's most fertile grounds for developing women's talent, and the Galaxy will be among 13 clubs in the region, including its San Diego affiliate, participating in the DA. Klein says the club bears “a responsibility” to prod the game's development, no matter which gender is on the field.
LAFC's arrival in MLS in 2018 serves as a ubiquitous challenge to the Galaxy in the market, and that includes the women's game. U.S. women's national team legend Mia Hamm is part of LAFC's large ownership group, and she along with executive vice president of soccer operations John Thorrington have publicly expressed that LAFC is exploring the possibility of acquiring an NWSL franchise. LAFC is partnering with regional giant Slammers FC, whose alumnae include Christen Press and Whitney Engen, for its Girls’ DA program, another bold statement about the new club's ambitions.
But Klein insists that any perceived challenge from LAFC wasn't a factor in the Galaxy getting involved in the Girls' Development Academy.
“This has been a conversation that we've had for a number of years, and now just seemed like the right time ...,” the former MLS midfielder said. “We're not a reactionary club, and we think it's great that [LAFC] is involved in this, and as professional clubs in the area, we look forward to growing it together.”
The Galaxy, according to Klein, “felt, as a leading club in our league and a strong voice in Southern California, that this is something that we should be doing ... We take [development] seriously on the boys' side, and we take that seriously on the girls' side.”

FC Dallas, New York City FC, and the San Jose Earthquakes also have started girls' academies and are fielding teams in the DA. NWSL clubs Portland Thorns, the Houston Dash, and the Orlando Pride are also involved. All three share ownership with their respective MLS clubs.
Jeff Plush, who recently stepped down as NWSL commissioner, was adamant that Los Angeles was a priority market for the league. Klein agrees.
“I think that's important, with what this territory means for soccer in general and, certainly, professional soccer,” he said. “But it's not something that we're looking at, at this point.”
LAFC also is evaluating fielding an NWSL team, but Klein did not think Mia Hamm's presence among the ownership group gave the Galaxy's burgeoning rival an advantage should both clubs desire to be involved.
“I think her history in the game is unparalleled, but, just as in our league, the most important thing is to find committed owners,” he said. “That is the strength of our league, when it comes down to it, is having an ownership group that is committed to the growth of the game and is in it for the long-term. MLS has great ownership.
“That would be the bigger thing for me, as well. As opposed to finding 'names.' They're growing [the NWSL] in the right way. If and when we would have those discussions, it would certainly be part of it.”

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Galaxy owner AEG was a co-owner of the Los Angeles Sol when Women's Professional Soccer, the second attempt at a pro league in the U.S., launched in 2009. Brazilian star Marta led the Sol to the regular-season title and into the championship game, but the economics didn't make sense for AEG, which at season's end turned over its share of the Sol to the league. The club ceased operations three months later, and the league folded after three seasons.
Why return to the women's game now?
“It's so much different now,” Klein said. “The evolution of U.S. Soccer, the evolution of the women's game; it continues to not only get more popular, but the number of girls and the resources being put toward it are really incredible. And now having the [U.S. and Canadian] federations behind the women's league, and, obviously, the success of our women's national team has always been a well-known story.
“As we start to learn more about development, both on the boys and the girls' side, it just seemed now was an appropriate time to step into this.”
image: https://images.cdn.fourfourtwo.com/s...?itok=TW0EylRF
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Hartman's appointment gets the project going in earnest. The former goalkeeper returns to the Galaxy, with which he spent a decade, and joins a front office rife with former LA players: Klein, general manager Peter Vagenas, technical director Jovan Kirovski and Gordon Kljestan, the director of soccer operations, as well as head coach Curt Onalfo, assistant coach Ante Razov, and Galaxy II head coach Mike Muñoz.
Hartman spent a year as the New York Red Bulls' director of goalkeeping development after retiring in 2013, then headed to Bradenton, Florida, for a three-year stint as the IMG Academy's technical director and director of goalkeeping.
Coming home, and getting his daughters nearer their grandparents, was a “no-brainer,” he said.
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“I've had the opportunity since I finished playing to work in the youth game, and I've really felt a massive passion for being able to affect the lives of young people ...,” Hartman told FourFourTwo. “The fact that the club that gave me my first professional opportunity was in the process of launching a girls' [program] sounded like a great trip.”
Former MLS goalkeeper Zach Wells and Matt Tutton, formerly the Development Academy director for Orange County superclub Pateadores, have been running things ahead of Hartman's arrival last week. Hiring coaches and a developing a curriculum are priorities, but there's an established structure from the club's boys academy, which has channeled players to the pro ranks.
They've waded deeply into player-identification, have held training sessions involving about 150 girls, and on Tuesday sent out the first “offer letters” to players that have best impressed. Hartman would like to fill rosters for the U-14, U-15, U-17 and U-19 teams as quickly as possible.
“I can throw together full rosters tomorrow. I won't have a problem fielding a team, but it's about fielding a team that is representative of the Los Angeles Galaxy and has the expectation to be champions.”

Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/featu...B1UwuQzuXgj.99

Big time DA program whoa...

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Is the lack of interest because of the ban on high school?

Definitely one of the factors. Excessive travel is another.

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Jesus, did California Storm drop GDA as well - that is a lot of clubs that have turned down GDA.

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Jesus, did California Storm drop GDA as well - that is a lot of clubs that have turned down GDA.

It could be worse you could be in Oregon and your club was never even offered a spot in the USDA for girls. That's much worse than turning it down you weren't even considered for a spot.

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It could be worse you could be in Oregon and your club was never even offered a spot in the USDA for girls. That's much worse than turning it down you weren't even considered for a spot.

Actually our club didn't finish the application because we didn't want to show the disrespect of being accepted into a league and then turning it down.

Big clubs in other parts of the country can jerk around the DA - we didn't feel we could.

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Actually our club didn't finish the application because we didn't want to show the disrespect of being accepted into a league and then turning it down.

Big clubs in other parts of the country can jerk around the DA - we didn't feel we could.

You couldn't finish the application because it required a licensed coach on staff and that was that. No disrespect.

Nice thing about US Club Soccer they aren't bitter when clubs leave for US Soccer DA program they support our national teams and player development programs. US Club like USYS just wants to provide leagues for kids to play in.