How Girls Academy Uses Video Storytelling to Empower Female Athletes

"The documentary has really enabled us to tell our story, the human side of the story, and what the modern athlete needs," says Trish Hughes, Commissioner of the Girls Academy.

Hughes realized this while working on documentary projects that showcase female leadership in youth soccer. The organization discovered that video content could do more than just analyze games - it could transform how young women see themselves as athletes.

This challenges the traditional approach of using sports video purely for tactical analysis rather than athlete empowerment and storytelling.

Building the largest girls' soccer organization in America

Trish Hughes has led the Girls Academy since its formation five years ago, emerging from the dissolution of the former Development Academy system. Her leadership transformed a crisis into an opportunity for female soccer development.

Hughes explains that the Girls Academy now encompasses "over 128 clubs in the top tier and then 105 new clubs as of July in our new Aspire tier." The organization serves over 36,000 young women nationwide.

This growth represents Hughes' vision to create something beyond traditional youth soccer leagues - a comprehensive development ecosystem that addresses the complete athlete experience.

The challenge of inspiring young female athletes

Before implementing video storytelling initiatives, Girls Academy struggled to communicate the full scope of opportunities available to young women in soccer. Traditional marketing and communication methods couldn't capture the authentic experiences that make female athletes thrive.

"We are not just an organization built around the top 20% of players," Hughes emphasizes. "We want to provide an experience to every single kid so that every kid as part of that journey feels cared for."

The organization faced the challenge of showing young women that soccer could be a pathway to leadership and empowerment, not just athletic achievement. Many talented players didn't understand the broader opportunities available beyond playing professionally.

Without compelling storytelling, Girls Academy couldn't effectively communicate their holistic development approach that focuses on "health and wellness, emotional mental health, teaching them about empowerment and overcoming adversity."

How video storytelling transformed athlete development

Hughes partnered with Veo's creative team to develop documentary content that showcases authentic female leadership in soccer. The collaboration focuses on "the human element of a female leader working with young women," she explains.

The documentary work captures coaches like Kelly Sims in action, demonstrating professional coaching approaches that young women can emulate. "She is the consummate professional, she is detail oriented, her business is educating and growing this talent," Hughes notes about the coaching style featured in their content.

The approach transforms how young athletes see their potential. Hughes envisions expanding this work globally: "How do we take the Girls Academy games here and put them out on a global stage so that people really understand we want to be trendsetters?"

Ready to showcase your program's impact?

Hughes' experience shows how video storytelling can transform athlete development and organizational growth. Want to discover how compelling content can elevate your program? Veo's creative team is ready to help you tell your story.

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