The United Soccer League is expanding its academy system to provide opportunities for young women.
The league announced Thursday a women’s pathway within the USL Academy. It aims to provide a direct route for “ambitious young players to reach the top level of professional soccer,” according to a press release.
This will be the first time the USL has provided a player-development path for women. It will go into effect for the 2020-21 youth soccer season.
The move comes after the launch of the USL Academy platform and the first USL Academy Cup event, which was held in San Antonio last month.