WASHINGTON, DC, APRIL 10, 2026 — DC Soccer Club (DCSC) has been accepted into the Girls Academy (GA) ASPIRE League beginning in the 2026–2027 season, marking a significant advancement for the club’s girls travel program and the continued elevation of its top-level teams.

Beginning next fall, DCSC’s top girls teams within the Academy level of the Travel Program, U13–U19, will compete in GA ASPIRE — a structured, performance-based platform designed to elevate development and provide a clear pathway within the GA ecosystem.

DCSC Director of Soccer Matt Arrington, former DC United Academy Director of Coaching who has worked professionally in MLS and college soccer, emphasized the significance of this step and its alignment with the club’s philosophy. 

“We are honored and excited to be accepted into Girls Academy ASPIRE. The core mission of the GA league focused on growing the female soccer player, as both an athlete and a person, is in total alignment with the values of DCSC. Not only will this league provide a competitive level of play as a part of a national platform across multiple age groups, but will better serve our players also participating with their high school teams. We are thrilled to make this the top tier of our player pathway for girls at DCSC.”

DCSC will compete in the Mid-Atlantic North Division against top clubs in the Maryland–Pennsylvania region, including Baltimore Armour, Baltimore Celtic, Coppermine SC, Huntington Valley AA, Keystone FC, LVU Rush, Potomac SA, and PPA.

The Girls Academy (GA) is one of the nation’s leading platforms for elite female player development. GA ASPIRE serves as its second tier, offering a merit-based structure that rewards performance, supports advancement, and connects regional competition with national exposure.

Competition will follow a fall-to-spring format aligned with the fall high school season, allowing players to balance school and club commitments while maintaining a high-level training and game environment. In addition to league play, players will participate in GA showcases and identification events, creating meaningful opportunities for collegiate exposure and advancement within the GA structure.

DCSC Executive Director Greg Andrulis highlighted the broader impact of the move. “This is an important milestone for DC Soccer Club and a reflection of the work that has gone into building a strong, values-driven girls program. Being accepted into GA ASPIRE reinforces our commitment to providing a clear, high-level pathway for our players. With leaders like Matt Arrington and Ann Germain guiding the program, we are confident this platform will continue to elevate standards, create meaningful opportunities, and position our players for success at the next level.”

DCSC Girls Director Ann Germain, a former USWNT player and Hall of Fame inductee with decades of youth coaching experience, underscored the direct benefit to players and the continued growth of the program.

“We are incredibly pleased to become part of the GA program that provides our players with the opportunity to excel in the academic and club communities. GA ASPIRE creates the right environment for development while opening doors for exposure and advancement. We are excited about what this means for our players and the continued evolution of our girls program.”

DCSC’s Girls Academy represents the highest level of play within the club’s Travel Program for elite female players U11–U19. Beginning at U13, these teams will compete in GA ASPIRE, reinforcing a clearly defined pathway from Pre-Academy through the top levels of competition.

Players interested in being evaluated for DCSC’s Girls Academy teams are encouraged to attend upcoming Academy ID Sessions or contact Girls Director Ann Germain to coordinate an evaluation opportunity.

Families can learn more about GA ASPIRE and the DCSC Girls Academy program by reviewing our FAQs.

The move to GA ASPIRE provides DCSC players with:

• A structured, merit-based competitive platform
• Regional league play aligned with the fall high school calendar
• Access to GA ASPIRE showcases and identification opportunities
• Increased exposure to collegiate programs
• A defined pathway for advancement within the GA ecosystem

With acceptance into GA ASPIRE, DC Soccer Club continues to strengthen its position as a leader in girls soccer development in Washington, DC, providing a competitive environment aligned with the ambitions of its players.

###

ABOUT GA ASPIRE
The Girls Academy is the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. We are 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. We embrace 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.

GA ASPIRE features league play at the regional level, providing clubs with high-level competition while maintaining geographic alignment. Players and teams have the opportunity to compete in Regional and National Showcases, offering increased exposure to college coaches and scouts.

ABOUT DC SOCCER CLUB
DC Soccer Club is the largest independent youth soccer organization in Washington, D.C., serving more than 7,500 players each year. Our mission is to develop character and strengthen community by providing accessible, high-quality soccer experiences for youth of all backgrounds and abilities. Guided by our core values of Intention, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community, we create opportunities that foster growth both on and off the field.