The LA Galaxy announced on Tuesday that they have launched three Girls' teams ahead of the inaugural US Soccer Girls' Development Academy season, and that they will be the first and only Girls' Academy teams to be fully-funded by an MLS side.
The U-14/15, U-16/17 and U-18/19 sides will help kick off the 2017-18 season, which will begin in fall 2017. Because they are fully-funded, local athletes can join free of charge. Each team will consist of 23 players from within a 75-mile radius of StubHub Center, where they will play and train alongside the Galaxy's other academy and professional teams.
“The LA Galaxy want to continue to invest in and lead the development of youth soccer in North America in every facet,” said LA Galaxy president Chris Klein in a statement provided by the team. “Adding an Academy program for girls is a huge step for this club in order to continue that investment. We are thrilled to launch this program and provide a structure for young girls to grow and develop in a professional environment free of charge.”
Three other MLS clubs will be fielding girls' teams in the inaugural USSDA season: FC Dallas, the San Jose Earthquakes and future MLS expansion team LAFC. Nine out of ten National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) clubs, including the MLS-affiliated Houston Dash, Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns, will also be fielding teams in the 74-team, six-conference league.
