The Girls Academy League, which is slated to launch during the 2020-2021, released a series of answers to Frequently Asked Questions on its Twitter feed. Check out the complete rundown of content below.

Q: Is the Girls Academy replacing the DPL?

No. The DPL for the last 3 years has proven to be a stable, competitive league utilized by the members to manage their player pools and increase the development and showcase opportunities for more players in their organizations. This will remain intact and is in fact expanding for the upcoming season. The GA was developed to offer and option to the DA club and other top clubs in their geographical area for their most competitive players to compete and be showcased. Both leagues will be governed separately.

Q: Will my daughter be able to play high school?

A: The Girls Academy empowers each conference, and therefore each club, to manage the demands of their schedule to allow for the option of HS Soccer should they choose to implement a break. Clubs have different needs and wants, and we are continuing to adapt our model to fit the needs of their players by affording this flexibility across the country.

Q: How many days will my daughter be mandated to train?

A: We believe in autonomy for clubs to identify the best framework to maximize players development. Clubs will have the flexibility to manager their training load for their players without it being mandated from the league.

Q: Have the substituion rules changed from the USSDA?

A: Yes, this was a major concern with the DA for many clubs. We have extended the number of moments coaches have to make changes and allowed for re-entry opportunities. All GA games will have a maximum of seven substitutes per game with no re-entry per half across five "opportunities," no more than three opportunities per half.

Q: Will there be Showcases?

A: Yes! We are diligently working through the calendar for 2021/22 and then backing into those plans a realistic competitive structure for 2020/2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and potential restrictions on travel and college coaches attendance. We fully commit to offering local games, cross conference opportunities and regional showcases options over the next 12 months. We also fully intend to have a championship series implemented at the end of 2020/21 season.

Q: Will my club director have a voice in the mission & vision of the league?

A: Yes, each club director will work directly with the Conference Representative who then has direct access to the Board. The Board is comprised of individuals from our founding conferences who oversee specific functions of the league.

We feel each director has contributed significantly in the creation of this league to this point and feel we are better together in navigating these times to maximize the opportunities for our players.

Q: Will the game day standards match those of the DA?

A: Yes. We have outlined for all of the conferneces what the minimum expectations are. Each conference will be able to add additional items to their checklist should they feel it enhances the environment for the players.

Q: Will U.S. Soccer YNT continue to scout the players?

A: Yes. The USYNT coaching and Talent Identification staff are tasked with identifying the best talent possible and due to the high number of players around the country that will be playing the in Girls Academy, many of whom have already been called into YNT's, we are confident our league will provide a valuable player pool for scouting.

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