Development Player League (DPL): A Complete Guide for Soccer Parents
If you’re a parent navigating elite girls’ youth soccer, you’ve likely heard about the Development Player League (DPL). This guide explains what the DPL is, where it fits in the youth soccer pyramid, and what it means for your daughter’s development, college pathway, and overall experience as a player.
What Is the Development Player League (DPL)?
The Development Player League (DPL) is a national, elite-level girls’ youth soccer league in the United States for primarily U13–U19 girls. Its mission is to “develop the player and empower the person in a purposeful and memorable environment,” with an emphasis on both athletic and personal growth. With over 70 clubs nationwide, the DPL operates in regional conferences and offers national showcase events, giving players high-level competition and exposure. Member clubs must meet strict competitive and operational standards, helping ensure a consistently professional environment for families.
Where Does the DPL Fit in the Girls’ Youth Soccer Pyramid?
At the top of the girls’ youth soccer pyramid you’ll find the Girls Academy (GA) and the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). The DPL generally sits just below GA as a high-level, standards-driven league that still offers strong competition, college exposure, and a clear development pathway for ambitious players.
The DPL is closely linked to the Girls Academy, functioning as a second tier or proving ground for players and clubs aiming to reach the GA level.[page:0] This relationship creates a clear pathway for talented players to move up and for clubs to show their commitment to long-term player development and competitive excellence.
What Makes the DPL Unique?
Player Development Focus
- The DPL prioritizes development over winning, fostering a professional training environment with high-level coaching and meaningful games. Its structure is designed to maximize playing time and skill growth for all rostered players, rather than focusing solely on results.
College Exposure
- College recruiting is a major component at this level. The DPL hosts college showcase events attended by NCAA, NAIA, and junior college coaches, making it a strong platform for players with collegiate ambitions.
Flexible Participation & High School Soccer
- Unlike some top-tier leagues, DPL players can also play high school soccer, especially in the U15 and older age groups. This flexibility is highly valued by families who want their daughters to experience both elite club soccer and representing their school.
Community and Player Empowerment
- The DPL emphasizes building a supportive community and empowering young women as both athletes and people, on and off the field. Leadership, teamwork and character development are central to the league’s philosophy.
Coaching &Training Standards
- At this level, parents should expect a rigorous but supportive environment.[page:0] DPL clubs are expected to provide licensed, experienced coaches who follow best practices in youth development, with multiple training sessions each week that focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning.
- Coaches are encouraged to provide regular feedback and individualized development plans, and parents and players should feel comfortable asking for feedback and maintaining open communication to support growth.
Player Well-Being and Support
Recognizing the demands of elite youth sports, the DPL and its clubs place a strong emphasis on player well-being and holistic development. Many clubs offer resources for injury prevention, nutrition, and mental health, and they encourage a healthy balance between soccer, academics, and personal life. Above all, the DPL strives to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture, helping young players thrive while pursuing their athletic goals.
Who Can Play in the DPL?
The DPL is designed for ambitious female soccer players, primarily serving the U13 through U19 age groups, with some clubs offering pre-DPL programs for younger players. Participation is selective: clubs must apply and meet rigorous standards to join, so if your local club offers a DPL program, it has demonstrated a commitment to development and excellence. The league operates through regional conferences to limit weekly travel, while still hosting national showcase events that offer exposure to college coaches and scouts.
If your daughter is interested in joining a DPL team, the process typically begins with club tryouts, usually in late spring or early summer.
Coaches evaluate players on:
- Technical skills (first touch, passing, dribbling, finishing)
- Tactical understanding (positioning, decision-making, awareness)
- Athleticism (speed, strength, endurance)
- Attitude and mentality (coachability, work rate, resilience)
- Fit with the team’s culture and goals.
The commitment is significant: multiple training sessions each week, weekend games, and travel to regional and national events. Once selected, players are generally expected to honor their commitment for the full season, and most clubs require tryouts each year to maintain roster spots.
Key DPL Benefits for Players and Families
Key benefits include:
- High-level competition: Players face top regional and national opponents, which prepares them for college soccer and potentially higher levels.
- College pathway: The league is designed with college recruitment in mind, offering exposure at showcases and through league play.
- Balanced experience: Players can pursue both elite club soccer and high school soccer, supporting academic, social, and athletic development.
- Clear advancement: Top DPL players may be invited into their club’s Girls Academy teams, providing a clear route toward the highest level of play in the GA structure.
Recent Developments: DPL and the Girls Academy ASPIRE Pathway (2025– )
In 2025, the Girls Academy introduced ASPIRE, a second-tier league that is managed by the DPL. This partnership further cements the DPL’s role as a vital bridge for ambitious players aiming for the Girls Academy, while maintaining high standards and a merit-based advancement system. he integration means more structured opportunities for development, competition, and recognition within a unified pathway.
You can read the ASPIRE announcement here.
Bottom Line for Parents: How to Support Your DPL Player
The DPL offers a high-level, standards-driven environment for girls who want to challenge themselves, develop as players and people, and keep doors open for both high school and college soccer. For families seeking a balance between elite competition and flexibility, with a clear path to the top of the youth soccer pyramid, the DPL is a compelling option.
As a parent, your support is crucial in helping your daughter make the most of her DPL experience. Stay informed by attending parent meetings, reading club communications, and asking questions about schedules and expectations. Encourage your daughter to maintain a healthy balance between soccer, academics, and social life, and focus on celebrating her effort and improvement rather than just results. Planning ahead for travel, especially for regional and national showcases, can help your family manage the logistics and costs involved.
The youth soccer landscape is always evolving, but the DPL’s commitment to player development, exposure, and empowerment makes it a strong choice for many aspiring young soccer players. By staying engaged and supportive, you can help your daughter thrive both on and off the field.
For more guides on the youth soccer pyramid and player pathways, explore:
Understanding the Layers of ECNL
USL Promotion/Relegation in Youth Soccer
Youth Soccer Player Development Pathways
DPL FAQs for Parents
Yes. The DPL offers college showcases and competitive league play attended by NCAA, NAIA, and junior college coaches, making it a strong platform for players pursuing college soccer.
In most cases, yes. Unlike some top-tier girls’ leagues, DPL players are typically allowed to play high school soccer, especially at the U15–U19 age groups, which many families value.
ECNL and Girls Academy are generally viewed as top national platforms, while the DPL often sits just below GA as a high-level, standards-based league that is closely connected to the GA pathway.
The DPL is ideal for motivated, coachable players who want strong training, meaningful games, and college exposure, but who may also want to balance club soccer with high school and other commitments.
Travel varies by club and conference, but regular-season play is typically regional, with additional travel for select showcases and national events.