SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Glens announced Friday that they have officially joined Girls Academy (GA), the highest level of girls’ youth soccer in the United States. With this move, the Glens will provide a direct pathway for female players in San Francisco to develop at a premier level and compete against the nation’s top clubs.

“Joining Girls Academy is a significant milestone for the San Francisco Glens, reinforcing our dedication to expanding opportunities for female athletes in our club," said SF Glens Executive Director Mike McNeill. “The GA represents the highest standard of player development, competition, and player-first values, aligning perfectly with our mission. We are excited to provide our players with an elite pathway that not only fosters their growth on the field but also empowers them to have a voice in their journey.

Reflecting on this landmark moment for the club, Jessica Hewins, Girls Director of Coaching at the SF Glens, expressed her thoughts: “The growth we've seen in such a short time has been remarkable. This success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication from our players, coaches, and the club in elevating the quality of our girls programming. We also want to acknowledge the invaluable support from our club parents, who have trusted us and been patient throughout our development.”

Since its inception, the Girls Academy (GA) has been the leading platform for young women aspiring to play at the collegiate and professional levels. With the San Francisco Glens now part of the league, local players will have enhanced opportunities to gain exposure to college scouts, U.S. Youth National Team programs, and professional clubs, all while benefiting from the club's commitment to elite coaching and player development.

The GA has proven itself as a vital pathway to the professional game, with former players like Kimmi Asciano of Florida United, who signed her first professional contract with San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL, and Ally Sentnor of South Shore Select, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft. Additionally, Natalia Staude from NTH Tophat and Brecken Mozingo from Utah Celtic FC were drafted by the North Carolina Courage and Utah Royals FC, respectively. These accomplishments underscore the GA’s pivotal role in developing top-tier talent.

Competing alongside nationally recognized programs such as Seattle Reign Academy, BVB International Academy NXT, Lexington Sporting Club, and Rochester NYFC, the Glens will field Girls Academy teams across multiple age groups, ensuring players face some of the nation’s best competition. With more than 1,200 GA players committing to college programs in just the first three years, the league’s impact continues to grow. The Glens’ addition to the GA strengthens their commitment to the women’s game, complementing their existing USL W League team and grassroots program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of female athletes.

What truly sets the Glens apart is their exclusive, dedicated facility, making them the only club in San Francisco with a permanent home for player development on Treasure Island. This FIFA-certified facility will offer year-round access to high-quality fields, professional coaching, and club-hosted events, fostering a strong sense of community and long-term growth. By joining the Girls Academy, the Glens are creating unmatched opportunities for local athletes, providing a top-level developmental pathway to help them reach the next level.

Join the Journey

The future is bright for female soccer players in San Francisco! The Glens’ entry into the Girls Academy solidifies their position as a leader in youth development, offering unmatched opportunities for young athletes. If you are interested in more information about the Glens' new Girls Academy program please contact jhewins@sfglenssc.org.

For further details, visit sfglensacademy.com/girlsacademy.