UPSL Girls Academy Continues Growth with Western New York Conferences Kicking Off

The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is proud to announce the return to play of its UPSL Academy Girls Division, kicking off competition in the Western New York Conferences across U13, U15, and U17 age groups. This marks an exciting step forward in the league’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for girls in the youth development pathway, building on the strong foundation established in recent seasons. 

The UPSL has seen rapid growth across its Academy platform where participation continues to expand nationwide. With confirmed conferences in Texas, Southern California, the Northeast, and the Mid-Atlantic—and additional markets expected to launch ahead of the Spring season—the Academy is on track to feature more than 100 teams this Spring. This growth has helped establish the UPSL Academy as one of the most competitive and accessible youth platforms in the country. 

The Girls Academy has already demonstrated strong momentum, with successful initial launches in Texas in 2024 and in Western New York during Spring 2025. As interest continues to rise, the UPSL remains focused on delivering structured league play, meaningful competition, and a clear pathway for girls. 

UPSL Academy Director Joe Janner highlighted the rapid expansion in the region:  

“The UPSL Academy Division in our Western New York Conference has grown from four teams last year to a projected fourteen to fifteen teams across U13, U15, and U17 this season. The expansion spans a wide Western and Central New York corridor, uniting multiple established soccer communities into one competitive platform.” 

“What began as a small footprint has quickly developed into a true regional presence. The momentum and growth in New York serves as a blueprint for continued Academy Division expansion nationwide for the 2026–27 season.” 

To stay up to date on the UPSL Academy, visit academy.staging.upsl.com. To register your team for the upcoming season, go to www.upslregistration.com/application/team.

About the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) 

Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) serves as the unofficial fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. With over 800 teams competing across its Premier, Division 1, A-League, Academy, and Women’s divisions, the UPSL is the largest Semi-Pro Pro League in North America. A National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), the UPSL is made up of independently owned and operated clubs. Through its USSF affiliation, UPSL teams are eligible to compete in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds. 

For more information, visit www.staging.upsl.com or follow @upslsoccer on Facebook, Instagram, and X. General Inquiries: info@upslsoccer.com – Media Inquiries: chris.korte@staging.upsl.com