Girls Academy League: What its founding means for New England soccer

South Shore Select midfielder/defender Sofia Rosas passes out of pressure against NEFC. (Evan Scales/New England Soccer Journal)

Eight days after U.S. Soccer terminated its Development Academy, New England’s four such clubs found a new home in the nascent Girls Academy League.

The official announcement arrived April 23 that NEFC, Oakwood, Seacoast United and South Shore Select would join four others from the New York and New Jersey area to form the eight-team Northeast Conference. They’re one of six conferences in the nationwide league that’s planted roots during a post-DA world – all as others depart for the Elite Clubs National League.

As the youth soccer landscape enters another era, questions about the next iteration are starting to be answered. For starters, the Girls Academy League will allow substitution re-entry, players can compete for their high school and a 10-month model is available for those who desire it. Games and showcases, both local and national, will also be hallmarks.