The USL Academy model is unique in the player development landscape with a direct path to Inferno’s senior teams. It is also the ONLY national girls academy league in the U.S. that provides a pathway to division 1 women’s professional soccer (USL Super League). Check out our USL FAQs page.

Our USL Academy team launched in Fall of 2024 featuring players in the U15–U19 age group. The United Soccer League (USL) organizes its Academy teams requiring a minimum number of younger age players at each age group to make up the team roster. This provides for continuity and development within the academy structure.

The Inferno USL Academy players represent the elite of our youth pathway in conjunction with the USL’s youth to pro pathway. This team is formed by finding talented players that are coachable, committed, and passionate. The purpose of the USL Academy is to create a player development experience that includes exposure to the college, pre-professional, and professional levels.

2025/26 Open Tryout

We’re holding one open tryout for our USL Academy Team for the Fall 2025-Summer 2026 season. The open tryout will be held on Thursday, March 27th from 7:30-9 PM at Spooky Nook Dome (75 Champ Blvd Manheim, PA 17545). Open to girls ages U15-19 (2007-2011 birth years).  If you are unable to attend the open tryout, email Coach Wendell Hannaford to schedule a trial.  

Lancaster Inferno is looking for players who want to train, play, and be exposed to the top levels of youth soccer. The USL Academy structure is unique as it provides its players with a true pathway from youth (USL Academy) to professional soccer (USL Super League). The USL Academy provides its members with exposure to scouts from college, U.S. Soccer, USL W League, and USL Super League programs and clubs. The academy league structure focuses primarily on player development by ensuring its member clubs adhere to strict standards in their home environments.

Our USL Academy team practices 3-4 days per week (sessions consist of on field training, film review, strength/speed training, individual and group player meetings, and recovery sessions). Players looking for an elite developmental structure, pathway, competition, and exposure to various avenues within the soccer landscape can find their home with the Inferno USL Academy team.

Academy Team Offerings

The academy season runs from the end of high school season through June/mid-July (end date depends on league schedule).

Performance

• Access to our club’s Director of Performance who specializes in injury prevention for girls and women
• Baseline performance testing
• Access to next day appointments through our medical partner (personal medical insurance needed)
• Dedicated trainer services at home games
• Resistance band for exercises
• Skills/speed training sessions 
• Strength training with Inferno’s Director of Performance

Goalkeeper Programming

• Goalkeeper specific training 2-3x per week
• 10-14 week topic periodization followed by goalkeeper coach

Technical

• Team practices – 3-4x per week (sessions will consist of on field training, film review, strength/speed training, individual and group player meetings, and recovery sessions)
  • Starts up in mid-October
• High school season training (for non-high school players)
• Winter training – 3x per week (January-February: 3 days per week: Sessions will include a structured program including: technical training, film, strength/speed training, and tactical sessions. We have both indoor and outdoor accommodations to hold training) 

Tactical

• Access to game footage (Veo)
• Game analysis & tactical sessions

Personal Development

• Individual Development Plan
• Player Evaluations
• College recruitment process
  • Team brochures for showcases
  • Valuable insights and guidance offered
  • Strong relationships with college coaches (NAIA, DIII, DII, DI)
  • Extensive exposure to college, pre-professional, and professional clubs/programs
• Seminars – college recruitment, health, wellness, and more

Additional

• Tickets to Inferno women’s teams matches (1 per player)
• Discount on Inferno programs (camps, clinics, summer of excellence, etc)
• Player mentor connection with women’s teams
  • Opportunities include club-wide events with women’s team players
• International trip opportunities

League & Showcases

• USL Academy League
• 5 College Showcase events (Fall/Winter/Spring)

Player Fees

• Inferno USL Academy
  • $425 Deposit (Upon acceptance)
  • 5 Payments of $434
    • August 1, October 1, December 1, January 1, March 1

Player fees also go towards the following:

• EPYSA registration & player passes
• USL player registrations
• USL Academy registration
  • USL League
  • USL Pathway Classic and additional regional USL events
• Referee fees for league/events
• Coaches salaries
  • Head Coach & Assistant Coach
  • Performance Coach
  • Goalkeeper Coach
• Medical trainer services
• Coaches travel & accommodations
• Field & Stadium rentals
• Equipment (Veo subscription, training equipment, etc)

Uniform

Nike Team Kit

• Players receive discounted rates on Nike club apparel (pricing marked in team store)
• Uniforms are on a two-year cycle (next cycle is Fall 2026-Spring 2028)
• All players must purchase the following uniform items:
  • Home/Away jersey, shorts, & socks
  • Training jerseys (2 jerseys)
  • Club ¼ Zip (year 1)
  • Club pants (year 2)
  • Additional items are optional (bag, hoodie, etc)
• Our team store & fan store can be found at Soccer Zone USA

Inferno Coaches

The academy team has a Head Coach and Assistant Coach to provide players with individualized attention. They also have a dedicated Performance Coach & Goalkeeper Coach.

All of our coaches are licensed & certified:

• U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) Licensed
  • Additional may include UEFA and United Soccer Coaches licenses & certifications
• Safesport certified
• Concussion certified
• Background checked

All of our coaches are unified:

• We have a unified system of play and style of play
• Club-wide handbook followed by coaches & benchmarks set
• Periodization followed at each age group
• Monthly coaches meetings

2024/2025 USL Academy Coaching Staff

Head Coach	Wendell Hannaford
Associate Head Coach	Teresa Rook
Performance Coach	Chris Weibel
Goalkeeper Coach	Kayleigh Snyder