Investing in Female Leaders On and Off the Field
DME Academy's Unique Approach to Empowering Female Soccer Athletes From Our Area
It's A New Day...
DME Academy in Sarasota is doing things differently, introducing a new approach that is designed for committed and passionate female athletes in our community. Over the past three years, we have built a reputation for developing fundamentally sound, tactically aware, and culturally strong teams that embody a winning mentality.
It is widely known that in the female sports landscape, many athletes tend to prioritize friendships over skill development, leading to scattered talent across various teams, clubs and regions. While we believe youth sports offers the perfect opportunity to create life-long friendships, we cater to the athletes that truly want to develop and pursue their next level. Additionally, more than 45% of girls quit sports by age 14 — a rate that is double that of boys. This alarming statistic highlights a need for change, and DME Academy is here to provide a solution with a unique approach that offers the best in training, exposure, pathways, personal growth, league play and care.
The DME & Florida West Alliance
A dynamic partnership where DME Academy gains access to top-tier league platforms for its competitive players, while Florida West taps into a broader talent pool to enhance its performance in these elite leagues. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
How We Will Do It in 2025/26
Intense Training Located In Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch
Showcase & Tournament Participation
Top Level League Play (ECNL) Access For Top Players That Want
+ NPL/Sunshine when applicable
"Jared and the DME program is making great strides to bring top coaches and playing opportunities for their girl’s program. They are always looking to level up. I am thankful that they have allowed me to come in and share my knowledge of the game and help mentor these young ladies."
- Jennifer Kirby, USL Academy & Girls Coach
Season Plan/Outlook By Age
Subject to change
2017 & 2018 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 2 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: FCL or similar
Tournament Participation: Expect 5 tournaments per year. Most in Tampa and or Lakewood Ranch with at least one further away.
2015 & 2016 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 2 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR:DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: Florida Girls Academy League (link), known as a top league in the State.
Tournament Participation: Expect 5 tournaments per year. Most in Tampa and or Lakewood Ranch with at least one further away.
2014 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: Florida Girls Academy League (link), known as a top league in the State.
Tournament Participation: Expect 8 tournaments per year. Most in Tampa and or Lakewood Ranch with at least three further away. Jefferson Cup is on the radar as is an international trip in 2026.
Pre-Season Activation & Girls Leadership Summit: Girls are expected to participate in a Pre-Season Camp & Girls Leadership Summit in Daytona in early August (2-3 days).
2013 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR:DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: ECNL Roster via Partnership with Florida West (For Top Players Only). Opportunity to play up for 2012G Blue.
Pre-Season Activation & Girls Leadership Summit: Girls are expected to participate in a Pre-Season Camp & Girls Leadership Summit in Daytona in early August (2-3 days).
2012 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR:DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: ECNL Partnership with Florida West - coached by Jared Antista. Local league for Blue team, Sunshine or NPL.
Tournament Participation: Expect 8 tournaments per year. Most in Tampa and or Lakewood Ranch with at least three further away. Dallas Cup, Vegas Mayors Cup are on the radar as is an international trip in 2026.
Pre-Season Activation & Girls Leadership Summit: Girls are expected to participate in a Pre-Season Camp & Girls Leadership Summit in Daytona in early August (2-3 days).
2011 & 2010 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR:DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: ECNL Roster via Partnership with Florida West (For Top Players Only). Local league NPL/Sunshine as well.
* A DME 2011/2010 Blue team may exist which would include league play at NPL/Sunshine level.
Pre-Season Activation & Girls Leadership Summit: Girls are expected to participate in a Pre-Season Camp & Girls Leadership Summit in Daytona in early August (2-3 days).
Tournament Participation: The top players at 2011 and 2010 girls will combine for up to 8 tournaments per year. Most in Tampa and or Lakewood Ranch with at least two further away.
2009 & 2008 Girls
On Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR: 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per day.
Off Field Training Expectation In Sarasota/LWR:DME Fit (1x per month) DME EDU (1x per month).
League Play: ECNL Roster via Partnership with Florida West (For Top Players Only)
* A DME 2009/2008 Blue team may exist which would include league play at NPL/Sunshine level.
Pre-Season Activation & Girls Leadership Summit: Girls are expected to participate in a Pre-Season Camp & Girls Leadership Summit in Daytona in early August (2-3 days).
Tournament Participation: The top players at 2009 and 2008 girls will combine for up to 8 tournaments per year. Most in Tampa and or Lakewood Ranch with at least two further away.
Showcase Participation: The top players at 2009 and 2008 girls will combine for showcases in Daytona.
The Training (what to expect to learn)
Team Approach: We play a possession-based game, focusing on fast-paced ball movement to unbalance the opposition and create offensive opportunities. While we aim to impose our style, we adapt tactics based on the level of play and game situations, sometimes taking a more direct or pragmatic approach. Our strength lies in adaptability and teaching players to read the game. We’re opportunistic, working to regain possession in the attacking half with high pressure and then attacking open spaces with pace and numbers.
How DME Academy is Tackling the Alarming Dropout Rate of Girls in Sports
Our mission is to combat the challenges that girls face in sports, including:
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Low Body Confidence: Research from Dove and Nike reveals that low body confidence is a significant factor influencing why girls drop out of sports. At DME Academy, we focus on boosting self-esteem and empowering athletes to embrace their bodies, both on and off the field through off field training and educational webinars with leaders in the space.
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Lack of Access or Resources: Girls are less likely to have equal access to sports opportunities and pathways. We are committed to bridging this gap by providing access, training, and resources that empower all athletes, regardless of background. As a father of two boys and two girls, DME Owner, Jared Antista works to support the girls on an equal playing field, often over investing in coaches and supplementals.
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Social Stigma: Societal pressures and stereotypes often influence girls' participation in sports, discouraging them from pursuing athletic endeavors. At DME Academy, we actively work to challenge these norms and create an inclusive environment where girls feel supported and encouraged to thrive. Through an active social media presence, player and team pages, we are proud of our girls program and will continue to be.
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Low-Quality Programs: Many girls struggle to find high-quality sports programs that cater to their unique needs. Many local clubs don't push female athletes enough and often land on coaches with lesser resumes and or interest levels. We focus on offering top-tier coaching, training, and development to help our athletes reach their full potential. Just look at our coaching roster!
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Negative Attitudes Towards Sports: Negative experiences and attitudes towards sports can discourage girls from continuing their athletic pursuits. Our goal is to change this narrative by fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment that encourages girls to see sports as a lifelong passion and an avenue for success in life. Our Girls Leadership Summit this August is a perfect example of an event built to show pathways and potential.
The Leadership Summit For DME Girls
Female athletes, 2014 and older, will travel to DME in Daytona this August for a two-night, three-day preseason camp and leadership program designed to foster growth both on and off the field. Featuring special guest leaders and experts in the field, the athletes will compete on the field while collaborating off it to develop the next generation of female leaders. With a mix of mindset training, soccer discussions, inspirational sessions, and entrepreneurship, this program is designed to empower female athletes to unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact.