ASPIRE FAQs

1. ASPIRE Structure and Management

• Who owns the league?
  • The GA ASPIRE League is owned and marketed by the Girls Academy (GA).
• Will the league be sanctioned by the GA?
  • Yes, the GA ASPIRE League is fully sanctioned by the Girls Academy.
• Who is responsible for managing the league?
  • The Girls Academy (GA) and the Development Player League (DPL) have entered into an exclusive management agreement, under which the DPL will oversee the day-to-day operations and management of ASPIRE.
• Who determines club acceptance into the league?
  • A joint oversight committee, composed primarily of GA staff and board members, along with DPL representatives, will evaluate and recommend clubs for acceptance.
• Who will manage ASPIRE events?
  • Elite Tournaments, the official GA event partner, will manage ASPIRE League events with operational support from both GA and DPL staff.

2. Application Process and Timelines

• When can clubs apply for ASPIRE?
  • The application window is now open, and clubs are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and clubs that meet the league’s standards will be granted acceptance upon review.
• Do current GA clubs need to apply to ASPIRE?
  • All current GA clubs interested in participating in ASPIRE must submit an application. This ensures that clubs provide detailed and relevant information to support their candidacy. Applications will be reviewed alongside all other submissions on a geographical basis to ensure the most competitive clubs are accepted.
    • Note: There is no guarantee that a current GA club will be accepted into ASPIRE with their second-level teams; however, all clubs are encouraged to apply.
  • Do current GA Tier 1 applications carry over to ASPIRE?
    • If a club has applied for GA Tier 1, that application remains in a separate system and is reviewed by a different committee. To ensure the GA ASPIRE joint oversight committee has all relevant information needed for an informed decision, clubs that have applied for GA Tier 1 and are still in process should also submit a separate application for ASPIRE. 
  • Do DPL clubs need to apply to ASPIRE?
    • DPL clubs that believe they are ready for the next step in their development are encouraged to apply. There are no automatic acceptances for DPL clubs. The selection process ensures that clubs are placed at the appropriate tier of competition, with merit-based advancement opportunities available over time. 
  • What happens if a club’s ASPIRE application is unsuccessful?
    • Clubs that are not accepted into ASPIRE are encouraged to remain within the GA/DPL ecosystem by applying for a spot in the DPL. Additional guidance and next steps will be provided after application decisions are finalized.
  • Can clubs apply for more than one spot in ASPIRE?
    • Clubs should apply for ASPIRE with their most appropriate level of teams. Any additional considerations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Joint Oversight Committee and the GA Commissioner.

3. Competition Format & Conferences

• How many conferences will there be, and how many clubs will be in each conference?
  • Conference alignment is based on several key factors, including:
    • High school season considerations
    • Minimizing travel where possible
    • Competitive level of clubs applying
    • Number of applicants per region
  • This may result in more, but smaller, conferences compared to the current GA model. The number of clubs and games in each conference will be determined by geographical distance, high school seasons, competition level, and overall applicant pool.
• Can players move seamlessly between GA, ASPIRE, and DPL?
  • The rules of competition will closely align with the Girls Academy format. Player movement between teams is currently under review, and final guidelines will be released before the start of competition. Clubs are expected to have sufficient player depth and quality to compete in the leagues they enter, independent of one another. 

4. Events & Showcases

• How many required national events are there for ASPIRE, and will there be a National Championship?
  • Each team is required to attend one (1) mandatory regional event during the season. Events will be organized by age group as follows:
    • U13 & U14 together
    • U15-U19 together
  • Additionally, any team that qualifies for the Summer Finals is required to attend as a second mandatory event.
  • For teams that do not qualify for Finals, an optional showcase opportunity will be available at the event.
• Will ASPIRE events overlap or be held alongside DPL/GA events?
  • Due to the timing of the league launch, the 2025/26 season event schedule will be determined by facility availability and weather considerations. As a result, ASPIRE events will be standalone events.
  • Event locations and dates are still to be determined (TBD).
• Will there be playoffs?
  • ASPIRE will host a Summer Finals event, where champions will be crowned.
• Will GA ASPIRE-only clubs have access to GA events? Will DPL teams have the opportunity to attend ASPIRE events?
  • There may be select opportunities for an ASPIRE team to attend a GA event or for a DPL team to participate in an ASPIRE event during the upcoming season.
  • If such opportunities arise, top-performing teams will be given priority consideration.

5. Financial Considerations & Fees

• What are the team and per-player costs in ASPIRE?
  • League Fee: $1,000 per team ($6,000 per club due upon signing).
  • Performance Bond: $5,000 per club (due upon signing)
  • Player Passcard Fees: $50 per player
  • Event Fees: TBD

6. Other Considerations

• What key standards will be implemented for ASPIRE clubs?
  • All ASPIRE clubs must meet the current standards of the Girls Academy, including, but not limited to:
    • Fielding a team in every age group (six total)
    • Attending mandatory events
    • Prioritizing player development
    • Additionally, all current rules and bylaws of the Girls Academy will form the foundation of the ASPIRE League. The game standards and requirements will be consistent with those of the GA, ensuring uniformity in competition quality and operational structure.
  • How will ASPIRE impact current DPL members who are not moving to ASPIRE?
    • The GA ecosystem provides a structured competition pathway designed to support clubs at various stages of their development. Clubs that do not transition to ASPIRE will continue to compete within the DPL structure, with opportunities for progression based on performance and development.
    • The competition pathway consists of DPL Open, DPL, ASPIRE, and GA (Tier 1). Merit-based movement remains a core principle, ensuring that clubs are placed in the most appropriate tier while allowing room for advancement over time.

Applications for ASPIRE are now open and can be accessed by clicking HERE. 

*For clubs seeking additional programming opportunities, applications for DPL and DPL Open are also available by clicking HERE.