Two Bridges FC Joins the National Academy League: A Defining Milestone for Our Club and Community

After four years of building from the ground up, Two Bridges FC has officially been accepted into the National Academy League (NAL). This is a tremendous achievement — not only for our players and coaches, but for the entire community that has stood behind our mission from day one.

What makes this milestone truly meaningful is how we got here. Two Bridges is a 100% donation-based, no pay-to-play program. We were created to serve talented, committed young athletes — regardless of their financial situation — and to give them access to elite-level soccer development, academic support, and college preparation resources. In a system where high-level opportunities often come with high price tags, we’ve built something different.

Raising the Standard in Player Development

Acceptance into the NAL means our players will now train and compete within one of the most respected platforms in youth soccer. They’ll face top-tier competition, develop through a curriculum aligned with U.S. Soccer’s highest standards, and gain exposure to college coaches, professional scouts, and national team programs.

But our work goes beyond the field. Two Bridges supports each player holistically — with academic tutoring, college prep, and mentoring — so they’re prepared for success in every aspect of their journey.

Validation of Our Model and Mission

NAL membership signals to families, coaches, and donors that Two Bridges is more than competitive — we’re credible, intentional, and mission-driven. It affirms that our no-cost model, built on community support and high expectations, belongs at the national level.

It also helps us recruit and retain top talent — players and coaches who are serious about development and drawn to a program with values and vision.

Creating Real Pathways

One of the greatest benefits of joining the NAL is the access it gives our players to organized college showcases and a clear path toward college and professional opportunities. These events draw recruiters from across the country, and our players — many of whom come from underrepresented communities — will now be seen and supported in a structured, intentional way.

Expanding Our Network and Resources

As part of the NAL, we’ll now connect with a national network of directors, coaches, and technical staff who share insights, tools, and best practices. This collaboration strengthens our entire system — from training to talent identification — and allows us to continually raise the bar for our players and staff.

Fueling Growth Through Community Support

This moment is only possible because of the support we’ve received from donors, grantmakers, volunteers, and local partners. We’ve never charged a player to participate, and we never will. Every dollar raised goes directly to covering expenses — fields, travel, coaching, tutoring, equipment, and meals.

Now, with NAL recognition, we’re in a stronger position than ever to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Community members, institutions, and businesses who believe in access and equity have an opportunity to help us build on this momentum.

What Comes Next

We’ve tested our model in elite environments like the USL Academy and UPSL Premier Division. We’ve grown to six teams, including four youth academy squads, and just recently completed a four-week tryout process that resulted in the launch of two new teams at the U15 and U16 levels. These additions reflect both the growing demand for what we offer and the depth of talent in our community.

Looking ahead, we are preparing to build out a complete U13–U19 academy over the next five to seven years — with continued emphasis on academic support, personal growth, and top-level soccer development.

Joining the National Academy League is a milestone — but it’s also just the beginning. With continued support, we’ll keep growing, keep creating opportunities, and keep proving that high-level soccer development can be inclusive, holistic, and community-powered.

If you believe in what we’re doing, we invite you to be part of it. Together, we’re not just building a club. We’re building futures.

Image/Blog by Mike Mansfield