GIRLS ACADEMY
Loudoun Soccer's top girls teams in the U13 through U19 age groups compete in the Girls Academy (GA) league.
As the leading US youth development platform for elite female soccer athletes, the Girls Academy offers an unrivaled standard of excellence in coaching, competition, and regional and national showcase events throughout the year, with top-notch competitive structures including league games, showcase events, and player development opportunities for players looking toward a post-high school soccer career.
Learn more about GA in our FAQs section. To register for our upcoming 26/27 Talent ID sessions, click the button below.
Talent ID sessions are by invite only and players must register to attend.
2026/27 AGE GROUP TRANSITION
In June 2025, US Youth Soccer announced changes taking effect in the 2026/27 seasonal year to its age group classification system for youth players.
These mandated changes will be implemented for the 2026/27 season in all competitive teams Club-wide except for MLS Next Homegrown Division (NVA Boys).
For more information, visit our Age Group Transition page.
GIRLS ACADEMY
ID DATES
Talent ID sessions will for 2026/27 Loudoun Soccer GA and GA Aspire teams will be held on Sunday, February 22. See below for session groups, times, and locations.
| Age | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| U13 | Feb 22 | 5-6:30pm | TBD |
| U14 | Feb 22 | 6:30-7:45pm | TBD |
| U15 | Feb 22 | 8-9:15pm | TBD |
| U16 | Feb 22 | 8-9:15pm | TBD |
| U17 | Feb 22 | 6:30-7:45pm | TBD |
| U18/19 | Feb 22 | 5-6:15pm | TBD |
2026/27 GIRLS ACADEMY STAFF
U18/19 | Shane Kellogg, USSF B License
U17 | Shane Kellogg, USSF B License
U16 | Dave Bucciero, USSF A License
U15 | Nicole Brower, USSF A License
U14 | Nicole Brower, USSF A License
U13 | Al Bonilla, USSF B License
TECHNICAL STAFF
John O'Hara | Technical Director
Dave Bucciero | Assistant Technical Director
Nicole Brower | U13-U19 Girls Director of Coaching
Courtenay Kaplan | Staff GK Coach
Kent Legg | Sports Performance Coach
Girls Academy FAQs
What is the Girls Academy League?
The Girls Academy (GA) is the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. GA is the only national youth soccer platform that represents the collective vision of member clubs and actively engages the voice of the players to take real ownership of the league. GA embraces the desire of club members and players to maintain an unrivaled standard of excellence in coaching, competition, and regional and national showcase events throughout the year.
What is the GA player pathway?
Girls Academy has a two-division system.Girls Academy and Aspire. LS GA teams will play in the top division. In the 2025/26 season, GA will include over 100 member clubs with teams in the U13-U19 age groups. The member clubs are split into conferences that make up the national footprint. League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July. Additionally, qualifying teams compete in a separate, aspirational platform created to add additional quality competition for the most competitive clubs in the GA.
What are the benefits of playing in GA?
The GA is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their potential as an exceptional athlete and human being through competition, showcases, and camaraderie.
Benefits:
- The leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players.
- GA is on Top of the pyramid by U.S. Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer
- GA and MLS NEXT announced strategic alliance for 2025-2026 to enhance player development and grow the sport in North America.
- Attend top ranked regional college showcases (U15-U19).
- Attend top ranked regional tournaments (U13-U14).
- U12, U13 & 14 teams participate in GA East Regional Showcase.
- GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID event for nominated players
- More Value for Less travel, less expensive, less overnight stay for League games = more value than other National Pathway leagues
- Matches attended by U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Scouts and College Coaches
Can I play for my High School team?
Yes! Girls Academy and Aspire players can play for their High School teams. The Girls Academy structures their seasons to accommodate Virginia's Spring High School League schedule.
What is the training commitment?
GA teams train 3x per week in season. In addition to our in-house Sports Conditioning Coach, Kent Legg, players also receive Strength and Conditioning from our partnership with PR Star Fitness in the Fall (U13-U19) and Spring (U13-14). Our Goal Keepers will receive 1x per week training with our GK Coach Courtenay Deane.
Who are the coaching staff?
2025/26 Technical and Coaching Staff:
John O’Hara, Technical Director
Dave Bucciero, Assistant TD
Nicole Brower, Girls GA Director
Courtenay Kaplan, GK Coach
Kent Legg, Sports Performance Coach
Coaches
2013 GA: Nicole Brower
2012 GA: Nicole Brower
2011 GA: Alberto Starace
2010 GA: Shane Kellogg
2009 GA: Shane Kellogg
2008/2007: Dave Bucciero
Will our teams continue to go to the Jefferson Cup, WAGS, Raleigh Showcase, etc?
Yes, Loudoun Soccer GA teams will continue to attend top-tier showcases that provide elite competition and enhanced college exposure. These events will be strategically selected based on:
Competition level
College recruiting opportunities
Player development goals
Premier tournaments such as Jefferson Cup, WAGS, and Raleigh Showcase will remain part of our event calendar to ensure our players are consistently competing in highly-scouted, elite-level environments.
What are the Club fees for Loudoun Soccer GA?
Club fees for the 2026/27 season are $3,250.
Please note that Club fees do not include additional items such as uniform or team fees.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for players identified who demonstrate talent, commitment, and need. For more information on our scholarship program, visit the Financial Assistance form our website.
GA COACHES
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Shane Kellogg
Staff Coach
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Dave Bucciero
Asst Technical Director
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Alvaro Bonilla
Adult League/Camps/Clinics Program Manager
GA TECHNICAL STAFF
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Nicole Brower
GA Director, U13-U19 Girls Director of Coaching
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John O'Hara
Technical Director
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Dave Bucciero
Asst Technical Director
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Courtenay Deane
Staff GK Coach
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Kent Legg
Staff Coach





