Northern Virginia Alliance expands platform with GA Aspire charter in Fairfax County

Leesburg, VA – Northern Virginia Alliance (NVA) announced the expansion of its player development platform, which will be operated by NVA affiliate Riverbend Fútbol Club (RBFC). The affiliation will add an NVA Girls Academy Aspire (GA Aspire) charter operating in Fairfax County, enabling NVA to increase opportunities for female athletes in the region.

NVA currently competes in the Girls Academy (GA), one of the nation’s leading platforms for elite girls soccer. With the addition of a GA Aspire charter, NVA will further broaden its player pathway within the Girls Academy ecosystem.

“We are pleased to welcome Riverbend Fútbol Club into the Northern Virginia Alliance player pathway,” said Loudoun Soccer Acting Chief Soccer Officer Daryn Patricio. “This affiliation represents a shared commitment to raising standards, expanding opportunity, and building a clearly-defined pathway for elite female players. Together, we will create an environment that challenges, develops, and empowers young women to compete at the highest levels while staying connected to their community. This is an important moment in the growth of the girls’ game in our region.”

Maurice Hughes, Technical Director of NVA, emphasized that the launch of GA Aspire advances the club’s long-term development strategy. “The addition of GA Aspire represents a pivotal step in executing our long-term vision for player development at NVA,” added NVA Technical Director Maurice Hughes. “Through our affiliation with Riverbend Futbol Club, we are extending our geographic footprint while maintaining full alignment with Girls Academy standards. This collaboration allows us to increase opportunities for female athletes and strengthen the pathway within the Girls Academy ecosystem.”

RBFC Executive Director Melissa Yu concluded: “Riverbend Futbol Club is proud to operate NVA’s GA Aspire and to join the Girls Academy Pathway. This alignment places Riverbend FC within NVA’s nationally-recognized ecosystem, providing meaningful competition, elevated exposure, and a clear pathway for ambitious athletes. The Girls Academy’s values mirror our mission, emphasizing a holistic approach to player development, including health and wellness, leadership and life skills, and commitment to community. Through this affiliation with NVA, Riverbend FC reinforces its dedication to purposeful competition and meaningful opportunities for our athletes and families.”

The new GA Aspire program operated by Riverbend Fútbol Club will create an expanded structure designed to serve more players, while maintaining NVA’s existing relationship with Loudoun Soccer Club.

What This Means for Players

The addition of the new GA Aspire charter strengthens NVA’s overall pathway by:

• Increasing access to Girls Academy competition
• Expanding roster opportunities at multiple age groups
• Providing structured development within the GA framework
• Creating additional entry points into the Girls Academy pathway

This expansion reflects NVA’s commitment to growing the game responsibly, collaboratively, and in alignment with Girls Academy league standards.