Girls ECNL Academy
The highest level of girls' soccer within Arlington Soccer, developing players to thrive at the youth, national, collegiate, and international levels.
About the Girls ECNL Academy
Arlington Soccer Academy is a year-round program that delivers the highest standard of programming, coaching, and play in the DMV and country. Our teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. We provide the resources and development for our players to thrive at the youth, national, collegiate, and international levels.
We empower our athletes to make mistakes in pursuit of excellence, and develop as people and players. We utilize a holistic approach and provide the best coaches, platform, and support possible to help our athletes succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in society.
Our Mission
To empower our athletes to be character-driven, community leaders that strive for excellence in all they do. We want our players to know that we achieve more together than we ever could alone, and that by being at your best and striving for excellence, you allow others to do the same.
Our Philosophy
The player is at the center of all we do. Principle-based learning with individual, team, and development needs of the player at the forefront.
What We Expect from Every Player
Compete · Communicate · Grow
Arlington Soccer encourages and expects every player to live our core values and pursue excellence through dedication, drive, and the willingness to compete. We want each Arlington player to grow and improve individually and collectively throughout your time in an Arlington jersey — and beyond!
Code of Conduct
- We treat everyone with respect
- We make mistakes in pursuit of excellence
- We celebrate each other and have a team-first mentality
- We train on our own, watch the game, and own our development to be a full circle player
- Better people = better players = better teammates = better teams
- We play within and abide by the laws of the game
Communicate
Arlington Academy is a 4-day program with the expectation that players attend all trainings, performance sessions, team meetings, academy events, games, and tournaments. In the event you will be absent or late, communicate directly with your coach via:
Training
- Only Arlington gear, shin guards, no jewelry
- Arrive 15 minutes early; team warm-up starts 10 minutes before
- Prioritize rest, recovery, hydration, and nutrition
- Communicate illness, injury, and training loads to your coach
- Family, School, Arlington Soccer — in that order
- Compete as hard as possible every day to allow everyone to improve
Games & Tournaments
- Only Arlington gear — bring both sets of uniforms
- Arrive on time, ready to compete and warm-up
- 8+ hours of sleep, hydration, and rest for optimal performance
- Players stay with the team in team hotels
- Rest and recover between games with a priority on performance
- Play time is earned through merit, attendance, attitude, and effort
Key Qualities of an Arlington Player
Smart · Technical · Driven · Physical · Leaders
2026–2027 Weekly Schedule
4 days per week · 1.5 hour sessions · Evening start times
📍 Where
All training sessions are held at Arlington County fields or at Episcopal in Alexandria. Check field numbers and location before each session in PlayMetrics.
🕐 When
Training sessions range from 5:00pm–8:30pm start times. Sessions are 1.5 hours. Players expected 15 minutes early; team warm-up starts 10 minutes before.
👕 What to Wear
Only Arlington gear at training — training shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and cleats. No jewelry. GK gloves and gear required for all goalkeepers.
✅ What to Bring
Arrive on time, attend all sessions, come prepared to compete, learn, and get better. PlayMetrics is used for all schedules and updates — ensure you are fully registered.
How We Play
Possession to attack · Press to recover · Player at the center
The player is at the center of all we do
Principle-based learning with individual, team, and development needs of the player at the forefront of every session, every decision, and every game.
Smart players that can solve problems on the field, lead others, and live our core values both on and off the pitch.
Possession to attack with creativity to goal. Pressing high and quickly to earn possession back and get to goal.
Score goals through combination play and progressive possession. Win the ball back as quickly and as high as possible.
Create chances through combination play, progressive possession, and exploiting advantages in all areas.
Win the ball back quickly and as high as possible. Balanced, aggressive defending to deny goals.
Individual development plans, game model rooted in clear principles, and a never-ending pursuit of improvement.
College Recruiting
15+ recent commitments · DI, DII & DIII placement · ECNL showcases
The Best Way to Get Committed
Continually improve and operate with character in all you do. You are at the center of your process and must be the driving force behind emails to college coaches, maintaining your academics, highlight videos, keeping SportsRecruits up to date, and showcasing yourself in games and tournaments.
- Pick a school that fits your academic and athletic needs
- Consider location, size, style of play, coaching style, and your potential role
- Contact a wide range of schools that may fit your criteria
- Make highlight videos and dedicate yourself to continual improvement
- Seek the right fit — be open to different colleges and levels of play
Advise
Our staff is here to offer advice, guidance, and walk you through your process. Keep your head coach and staff up to date and come to us whenever a need arises.
Connect
Arlington provides ample opportunity for exposure to college coaches through ECNL play, showcases, and coaches present at training. Prior to June 15 of your Junior year, staff may speak to college coaches on your behalf.
Support
We provide support through College Pathway presentations, highlight video help, and serving as a liaison between athletes and college coaches — here to support your process as you seek the right fit.
Important Program Information
Please review the following before the season begins.
Registration & PlayMetrics
All schedules, updates, and communications are delivered through PlayMetrics. Ensure you are fully registered and receiving notifications before the season starts.
Attendance Policy
This is a 4-day commitment program. All absences must be communicated directly to your coach in advance. Playing time is earned through merit, attendance, and attitude.
Questions?
For general questions about the Girls ECNL Academy, contact Academy Director Erin Grand directly at egrand@arlingtonsoccer.com.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reach out to our Girls Academy Director to learn more about the program, discuss your player's fit, or ask any questions.
Contact the Academy Director