Kicking off in September 2025, MLS NEXT program expansion will provide more opportunities and pathways for aspiring players.
Clubs are able to apply now for participation in the Fall.
NEW YORK (Thursday, January 9, 2025) – MLS NEXT today announced a new competition tier that will
increase the number of clubs in MLS NEXT and deepen the overall pool of players and coaches. Starting
in September 2025, clubs in the program will compete in regular season games, regional tournaments,
and various MLS NEXT national events as well as coaching development and education programs, talent
identification, and high-performance opportunities.
MLS NEXT is the elite platform for youth development in North America – currently with 151 member
clubs and over 16,000 players – and this expansion will provide opportunities for thousands of additional
players and coaches, allowing member clubs greater flexibility to align team travel and scheduling,
optimize player pools, and more effectively allocate club resources. This new competition tier, along with
the recently announced strategic alliance with the Girls Academy (LINK), will play a pivotal role in
continuing to raise the overall performance and competition level across youth soccer in the U.S. and
Canada.
The expanded tier of MLS NEXT will be managed by leading league operators across the youth
landscape with a strong commitment to player development. The operators will follow mandated program
guidelines and technical standards set by MLS NEXT to ensure a high-quality product. Operators will
include the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL),
Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association.
“MLS NEXT is elevating soccer across North America for players, coaches, and referees,” said MLS
NEXT General Manager Kyle Albrecht. “This expansion, alongside our strategic alliance with the Girls
Academy, brings together top-tier resources to continue building a clear pathway across North America
for more players to reach their highest potential.”
“The addition of a new tier to MLS NEXT reflects Major League Soccer’s continued dedication to growing
the game at the youth level,” said MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. “We are excited to deepen
the talent pool and welcome more players and coaches as we work with them to develop the next
generation of talent who will impact the professional game and national teams.”
In the expanded tier of MLS NEXT, clubs will participate in one of eight regional tournaments each
season in addition to the option for eligible age groups to attend MLS NEXT Fest in December. The
regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at MLS NEXT Cup later in 2026.
These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national
team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school
soccer. Beginning immediately, clubs interested in applying for membership to the new tier of competition
within MLS NEXT to begin play in September of 2025 can do so HERE.
What They’re Saying:
“We think it is wonderful that MLS NEXT has expanded its pathway to give access to more clubs and
players. National Academy League has a proven record of working with MLS NEXT Elite Academies and
other top clubs. We are thrilled to support MLS NEXT to unite the youth soccer landscape and enhance
player development.” – Vice President of 3Step Soccer Ian Burgess
“For the last 5 years, the EA has provided clubs across the U.S. the opportunity to be a part of a national
platform, and we are honored that our body of work has been recognized. The alignment with MLS NEXT
allows there to be collaboration and cooperation to bring the game together. The EA is excited to play an
important role in this new tier of MLS NEXT, while continuing to grow clubs and set standards for clubs to
progress and develop within the EA.” – Ryan Miller, EA Commissioner
“The new tier of MLS NEXT is a tremendous development for soccer in the United States. The
opportunity for more players to join the Major League Soccer pyramid is important and exciting. Cobalt
Sports is proud to be a part of this new MLS NEXT competition and looks forward to serving the players
and clubs to the highest professional standards established by MLS.” – Brent Erwin, Cobalt Sports
"It is an honor for Cal North Soccer Association to be included in the tier expansion of MLS NEXT and to
be the only youth soccer association involved in this new chapter along with the other soccer
organizations. Our goal here in Northern California has always been to grow the game since 1969 and we
continue to do so by finding ways of working with strong organizations such as MLS NEXT," said Marley
Wilson, Cal North Soccer Association Executive Director. "Our diligent, yet tenacious work will
continue for the better of youth soccer and for the better of our members in Northern California as we look
forward to an exciting 2025 year and beyond."
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About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America.
With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the
best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season,
MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which
features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season
included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players
across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas and Allstate. For more
information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
About Cal North Youth Soccer Association
Cal North is the original youth soccer organization in Northern California, who has served generations of players, coaches, leagues, and clubs with storied histories since 1969. Cal North is a member of a much larger soccer community, and as a member, you are also a member of this world community. Players register to play with one of the more than 200 clubs or leagues formed by Cal North. Through affiliation, our leagues and clubs are also members of US Youth Soccer, US Soccer, and US Futsal. US Soccer, along with over 197 other national soccer organizations, are members of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA serves as the international governing body for soccer and US Soccer has been a member since 1913. Together, local, national and international organizations form a family of support for the young soccer players of Cal North.
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