Program Overview

Sporting City’s Pre-MLS NEXT teams feature the top U11 and U12 players from each region. These elite teams offer a premier developmental pathway, preparing high-potential players to advance into Sporting City’s MLS NEXT Homegrown and Academy Division teams, as well as National Academy League (NAL) teams, at the U13–U19 age groups.

 

The program offers consistent, year-round training and competition, designed to develop the skills, mindset, and qualities players need to excel at the next levels of youth soccer.

Program Structure & Training

Pre-MLS NEXT players benefit from a structured, high-intensity training environment that emphasizes technical development, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and competitive match play. The program includes:


  • Weekly Training: 3 sessions per week
  • Winter Training: 2 sessions per week
  • Combined Branch Training
  • League: Sporting Development League and Heartland
  • Events: Participation in 3 key events throughout the year

2026-2027 Season

U11 & U12

Fall Season: July 29 to November 24

  • 3x practices per week

Winter Season: November 30 to February 12

  • 2x practices per week

Spring Season: February 15 to May 21

  • 3x practices per week

Primary Practice Location 

  • East Region: Swope Soccer Village
  • North Region: Central Bank Sporting Complex
  • West Region: Compass Minerals Sporting Fields

Goalkeeper Training: Fall and Spring Seasons

  • 1x practice per week

League Play: Fall and Spring Seasons

  • Sporting Development League (SDL)
  • Heartland Soccer League

Potential Tournaments

  • SLSG Fall Festival
  • Out of Town Tournament
  • Sporting Next Gen
  • Sporting Development League Championships
  • Additional tournaments may be added