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.
Bend FC proudly wrapped up an incredible first year competing in the GA Aspire League, marking a major milestone for our club. Throughout the season, our teams competed in the GA Aspire platform league and traveled to premier showcases in Provo, Utah; Norco, California; and Greensboro, North Carolina. Each event delivered a first-class experience — from the organization and facilities to the high level of competition — providing unforgettable moments for our players and families.
The GA Aspire platform exceeded expectations, offering a truly professional environment that fostered growth, development, and exposure at the highest level. Our teams embraced the challenge, competing with confidence and earning impressive results both in league play and at national showcases.
With a strong foundation built in year one, Bend FC is energized and prepared to take the next step. We are excited to kick off our second full GA season in 2026/27 and continue raising the standard for excellence on and off the field.
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 2026/27 season.
WHAT'S NEXT?
We know what’s next — even more exceptional experiences for our players. The upcoming season will feature premier regional showcases and highly competitive matches within the Pacific Northwest Division of the Girls Academy. Additional details regarding league play, conference placement, and key events will be announced soon. Bend FC is moving forward with purpose and momentum in this exciting era, and we look forward to continuing the journey alongside our players, families, and supporters.
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 round 1 of tryouts coming up March 16-19th and round 2 May 11th-14th. Click here for more information and to register starting February 20th for tryouts, and get ready to be part of something BIG.
*Teams participating in GA Aspire may have additional costs throughout the year.
Girls Academy Aspire 2026/27
Bend FC Girls Premier Teams (2008–2014)
Calendar & Training Schedule
The following is the schedule for the 2026–2027 season for the High School Academy U15–U19 teams. Dates are subject to change.
- Tryouts: May 2026
- Training (Spring/Summer): Twice weekly, May – early August 2026
- Bend Premier Cup: July 2025 (hosted annually by Bend FC)
- Summer Tournaments: Vary by team (fees and coach travel included in player fees) Click Here to view Summer Calendar.
- High School Season Break: August – November 2026
- Players born in 2012- All players born in 2012 are considered High School Premier Academy.
- Training (Winter/Spring): 2–3 times weekly, November 2026 – April 2027
- Mandatory: Out-of-State Travel & 1 Showcase Per Seasonal Year
- OYSA or Aspire Winter League: January – April 2027
- OYSA Cup or Aspire Playoff Tournament: April/May 2027
- Premier Teams (League Play): Train Three times weekly during competition
New (As of July 2025): GA Aspire teams may be allowed to participate in the Oregon State Cup without playing in an OYSA qualifying league. Aspire teams must cover the cost of USYS registrations (Player Cards), cup registration, and coach travel.
GA Aspire and BEND FC MEMBERS
The GA Aspire program provides Bend FC players with a competitive pathway while preparing for the potential transition into the full Girls Academy league. Families should be prepared for regular team commitments as well as additional costs associated with travel, showcases, and playoff participation.
Extra Costs Shared Amongst GA Player (billed Jan 2026):
- OYSA Player Cards/ Cup Events
- Veo Video Recording
- Athletic Training & Player Supports
Travel Outside Oregon or Additional Potential GA Aspire Extra Costs
In addition to player fees, families should be aware of the following potential expenses:
1. Travel & Showcase Costs (Out of State)
2. Aspire Playoffs
3. OYSA (Oregon Youth Soccer Association) STATE CUP
4. GA Playoffs
GA Aspire Program – Fee & Participation Guide
Effective: May 25, 2025
Fee Structure
Bend FC has chosen not to front-load or estimate additional GA Aspire costs beginning June 1, 2025. Instead, families will be billed one time in Spring 2026 for the additional league-related expenses.
- Billing Date: March 2026
- Covers: Winter & Spring 2026 seasons
- Applies To: 2025–26 GA Aspire participants
This approach ensures families are charged accurately based on confirmed league requirements.
Program Fit
If GA Aspire is not aligned with your family’s goals for soccer participation, please discuss this with your coach and/or Director of Coaching as early as possible.
What the Spring 2026 Fee Covers
Participation in GA Aspire includes increased operational standards required by the Girls Academy, including but not limited to:
- Game video recording
- Facility upgrades and improvements
- Increased referee compensation
- Additional part-time staffing
- League-mandated operational expenses
- Onsite medical staff
These requirements are mandated by the Girls Academy and apply to all GA Aspire players.
Why These Standards Matter
These elevated standards enhance:
- Player development
- Level of competition
- Safety and professionalism
- Overall player experience
They are designed to provide a high-quality, college-ready development environment.
Questions
If you have questions about GA Aspire participation or associated costs, please contact the club for clarification.
Let's go, Girls Academy Aspire League! Listen to this video!
Turn the sound on and listen to this message — this is what it’s all about!
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.
The Girls Academy by the numbers.....
126 CLUBS
12 CONFERENCES
18000 PLAYERS
1200 ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERS
GA Aspire Playoff Information
Click here for U13-U17 Playoff Structure
Click here for U19 Playoff Structure
REGIONAL EVENTS
*ALL GA ASPIRE TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE OUT OF STATE REGIONAL EVENT. THE GA ANNOUNCES UP TO 4 REGIONAL EVENTS A YEAR AND EACH GA ASPIRE TEAM MUST ATTEND ONE REGIONAL EVENT. THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL TRAVEL COST FOR THE 2025/2026 & FOR THE NET 2026/2027 SEASONAL YEAR.
