Girls Academy Aspire

Bend FC Joins the Girls Academy’s ASPIRE League – A Game-Changer for Our Club!

We are proud to announce a major milestone in our club’s evolution! As of April 1, 2025, Bend FC has been officially accepted into the Girls Academy’s (GA) ASPIRE League—a huge leap forward for our competitive girls’ program and an exciting opportunity for players across all levels of our club.


WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR CLUB?

For our current members, this is a moment to celebrate! Our club’s commitment to high-level development, elite competition, and player pathways is being recognized on a national stage. This advancement benefits every player, from our recreational teams to our top-tier competitive squads, creating more opportunities for growth, exposure, and success.

For new and prospective players, there has never been a better time to join Bend FC! The ASPIRE League provides a structured pathway for elite female athletes, offering the best competition and developmental framework as we work our way to the top GA tier. If you’re looking to push your limits, compete at the highest level, and gain exposure to college programs, this is your chance!


WHY ASPIRE?

The ASPIRE League is the newest competitive platform under the Girls Academy, designed to:
 Bridge the gap between the GA’s top-tier league and elite youth soccer.
 Provide a merit-based competition that rewards performance and progress.
 Create clear pathways for individual and team advancement.
 Align with U.S. Soccer development standards to enhance player growth.


BENEFITS FOR OUR PLAYERS

Increased College Exposure – Compete in Regional & National Showcases where top scouts and college coaches are watching.
High-Intensity Competition – A merit-based structure ensures meaningful, competitive matches every step of the way.
Clear Pathways to the Next Level – Opportunities for player identification and advancement within the GA ecosystem.
Development at the Highest Standards – Training and competition aligned with U.S. Soccer’s top-tier expectations.


WHO?

This year, all of our 11v11 Girls Academy teams (U13–U19 Premier) will compete in the Aspire League  as part of the 2025/26 season.


WHAT’S NEXT?

We will soon share updates on league play, conference placement, and upcoming events. This is just the beginning of a new era for Bend FC, and we’re excited to bring our players, families, and supporters along for the journey!


Thank you for being part of the Bend FC family. Your passion, dedication, and support make this all possible! 


Are you interested in joining us? Now is your chance! We have tryouts coming up May 12th-15th. Click here for more information and to register, and get ready to be part of something BIG.



*Teams participating in GA Aspire may have additional costs throughout the year.

WHY JOIN THE GA AND GA ASPIRE?


1. Player Development Pathway

  • The GA is one of the top platforms for elite girls’ soccer in the U.S., providing a highly competitive environment.
  • Players train and compete against some of the best athletes in the country, which raises overall standards in training and games.
  • The GA emphasizes club-driven programming, allowing flexibility to balance high-level soccer with academics and other commitments.

2. College Recruiting

  • The GA provides significant exposure to college coaches through showcase events, league play, and national events.
  • The league has built strong partnerships with college programs nationwide, helping players secure opportunities at NCAA D1, D2, and D3 schools.
  • Recruiting support is part of the platform, making the pathway clearer for families.

3. Professional Pathways

  • With the growth of the NWSL and USL Super League, the GA is increasingly seen as a pipeline for professional women’s soccer.
  • GA clubs often partner with professional clubs, giving players access to high-level coaching and visibility to pro scouts.

4. Club Collaboration & Standards

  • The GA is club-driven rather than federation-driven, which gives clubs a stronger voice in decision-making.
  • The league sets standards for coaching, facilities, and player welfare, raising the professionalism of the environment.
  • Clubs benefit from networking and collaboration with like-minded organizations nationwide.

5. Competition Structure

  • Year-round meaningful competition at regional and national levels.
  • Playoffs, showcases, and national championships give players high-pressure environments similar to the next levels of soccer.
  • Teams are pushed to improve by competing against the best.

6. Family & Player Balance

  • Unlike some older models, the GA allows more schedule flexibility, including participation in high school soccer (something that appeals to many families).
  • This balance can help retain players who might otherwise leave the game due to burnout or overly rigid structures.

7. Club Growth & Branding

  • Being part of the GA can elevate a club’s reputation and recruiting power in its local market.
  • Families looking for a high-level pathway are more likely to join a GA-affiliated club.
  • It demonstrates the club’s commitment to providing the highest level of opportunities for female players.