Before NWSL Next, there will be a NWSL Reserve league. Sorry to say but all this approved member nonsense is another pull the wool over peoples eyes and present it like it's a players pathway to the National Team. The same way under DA you had coaches running around, who had never been anywhere near a top team, or elite league telling people this is 'THE' pathway. Its all posturing and BS. All leagues/clubs do it, this isn't a bash against any one league or another.
Find a coach that cares, make sure your kid is learning the game and to also love the game, has supportive team mates, is playing good minutes, and the rest will all fall into place. Around 15/16 if they show a desire to want to play in college etc find a club, league that can help support accelerate the process. But the worst thing I hear out there is the 'one size fits all approach' - 'You have to do this, or that' - Guess what, some kids take the direct route, some take the scenic. enjoy the ride!