Sporting City | 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.

The premier tier of the MLS NEXT program and the pinnacle of youth soccer development in North America. This elite division features 152 top clubs, including all MLS academies, such as Sporting Kansas City and 123 MLS NEXT Elite Academies, creating an unparalleled environment for the most talented young players to compete at the highest level. The Homegrown Division serves as the direct pathway to professional soccer, closely aligned with the MLS Homegrown Player initiative, where standout performers frequently secure first professional contracts.

Competition in the Homegrown Division emphasizes a professional-style structure with a 10-month regular season, national showcase events like MLS NEXT Fest, and high-stakes tournaments that draw extensive scouting attention from colleges, MLS clubs, and national teams. This platform not only elevates player skills through intense, top-tier matchups but also provides exceptional exposure and development opportunities, positioning aspiring athletes for success in higher levels of the game. By participating in both the Academy Division and supporting pathways to the Homegrown Division, Sporting City reinforces its commitment to comprehensive player growth across all stages of elite youth soccer.

This new division includes over 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Each division is managed by leading league operators committed to player development, including the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association.

Regular season play will begin in September for the U13 and U14 age groups, with the U15-U19 age groups starting in late November. Players competing in the Academy Division will remain eligible to participate in high school soccer. The season will feature regional tournaments, opportunities to participate in MLS NEXT national events, and coaching development and education programs.

These high-profile events will serve as marquee talent identification opportunities, attracting college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players, offering unparalleled exposure for aspiring athletes. Regional tournaments will also act as qualifiers for the championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.