City SC 2011 Girls Academy Team // 2024 GA Champions League Winners
Our City SC Girls Academy teams have just returned from a very successful showing at the GA Champions Cup in Bradenton, Florida.
The Girls Academy League (GA) Champions Cup is one of the pinnacle events of the GA season. Qualification for the competition is based on the club’s overall collective team standings in the previous year’s league and, this year, qualifying teams initially participated in the Champions Cup 1st round at the start of December 2023 at Silverlakes in Norco. With only the top 3 from each bracket moving on to the final round in Florida, our City SC teams did what was required and booked their plane tickets.
During March 12-17, 2024, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, the final knockout round took place and our City SC Girls Academy teams were up to the challenge. Our 2006/05 GA team reached the round of 16, with our 2010 & 2008 GA teams making it as far as the quarter finals. Our 2007 girls had a really strong run, making it all the way to the semis, but it was our 2011 & 2009 GA teams who stole the show and were crowned champions (of their respective age groups).
On the Sunday, our 2011 girls came out champions after beating NEFC comfortably 3-0 in the final. This scoreline accumulated to an impressive 11 goals for and only 3 against record for the team in Florida.
“What an amazing first major GA event for our players and families in the 2011 age group,” said Head Coach Brett Williams. “As a staff, we have worked hard to create a positive club culture that reflects our vision moving forward, and there is no better representation of that vision than this group of amazing players. I am very fortunate to be a part of their soccer journey and only hope that this experience propels them towards future success. It is important to stay humble, enjoy the process, keep working hard and understand that this success is only the byproduct of their constant effort to grow and develop as players. This accomplishment could not be done without the support and guidance of our City SC GA staff and directors who constantly strive to be the best and push me to be a better coach. The future is bright and Iโm lucky to be part of the group City SC family.”
City SC 2009 Girls Academy Team // 2024 GA Champions League Winners
On the Monday, it was the turn of our 2009 girls who also claimed the cup beating Florida United 2-1 and boasting a 6 goals for, 2 against record over the 4 game knockout round.
City SC Girls Academy 2009 Head Coach, Aaron Jaffe, commented, “The Championโs Cup has been an amazing experience for our team and our coaching staff. It truly required each and every player and coach to achieve our goal of winning the Championship. I am so thankful for the girls and their families for their hard work and dedication. We felt the support from everyone in the club in both legs after each game and that is a reflection of the culture that we have all built here at City SC.โ
All in all it was a fantastic showing for our City SC Girls Academy program and City SC Academy Director, Jeff Hughes, proudly stated, “The 2024 Champions Cup experience will be one that we will remember for years to come! Not only the success on the field for all of our teams, but the chemistry from our Girls Academy program at the hotel, during travel and off the field is what makes this program special. The players, families and coaches are the foundation of our success and we look forward to future National events! To the Girls Academy league & staff – thank you for such a wonderful event and an incredible platform for our players!”
“Winning this National event, not once but twice, is validation for all involved,” commented Michael Duggan, City SC Director of Soccer Operations. “From our players to the coaching staff, who all work so hard to showcase themselves and our teams at these National events, we are so proud of you all. Not only did our 2011s and 2009s win the event but our 2007 girls also finished third. These successes spotlight City SC on the national stage and, again, we couldn’t be prouder.”
City SC Director of Girls, Carl Higham, summarized, “This past week we came away with two Championships, a 3rd place and two teams making it to the quarters. It would be fair to say we are ecstatic with how all of our teams performed. Congratulations to all our players and coaching staff for a incredible performance in Florida.”
City SC 2011 Girls Academy Team Players, Coaching Staff & Family
