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.

MLS NEXT’s ACADEMY DIVISION

Sporting City will join the MLS NEXT Academy Division in September 2025. This new division will include over 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Previously, over half of these clubs competed outside of MLS NEXT. Each division will be 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 2025 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 in 2026.