The USL Academy model is unique within the player development landscape, providing a direct progression into Inferno’s senior teams.

It is also the only national girls academy league in the United States that offers a defined pathway to Division I women’s professional soccer through USL’s Gainbridge Super League.

Visit our USL FAQs page to learn more.

Launched in Fall 2024, the Inferno USL Academy features players in the U15–U19 age groups. The United Soccer League structures Academy rosters to include a minimum number of players from younger age bands, creating long-term continuity and intentional development within the team environment.

Our Academy players represent the highest level of the Inferno youth pathway, aligned with the USL’s youth-to-pro model. The roster is built with players who are coachable, committed, and driven – creating an environment designed to prepare athletes for college, pre-professional, and professional opportunities.

Program Snapshot

• 100% of graduating seniors committed to play college soccer
• Rostered with top U15–U19 players from across the region
• Pre-professional training and competition environment for youth players
• Direct pathway to Inferno U23 & USL W League teams
• Multiple call-ups to the USL W League and U23 WPL teams

Team Accomplishments

• 2026 Season Record: 17-2-4
• 2026 Mid-Atlantic Division Champions – U20 USL Academy League
• 2026 NEFC Spring Showcase Champions
• 2026 Loudoun Soccer College Showcase Champions
• 2025 NCFC College Showcase Champions
• 2025 Season – 15 players earned High School All-Star honors
• 2025 USL Pathway Classic – 4 players named Best XI
• 2025 Mid-Atlantic Division 3rd Place – U20 USL Academy League

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)

2025/2026 USL Academy Coaching Staff