Elevating Youth Soccer Across North America: MLS NEXT Announces New Competition Tier
The Major League Soccer (MLS) is taking significant steps to enhance the youth development ecosystem in the United States and Canada with the announcement of a new competition tier within MLS NEXT. This innovative platform, which currently monitors 151 member clubs and over 16,000 players, is set to expand starting in September 2025. The goal is to elevate the overall performance and competition level across youth soccer, ensuring that more young athletes have access to top-tier resources and opportunities.
A Comprehensive Expansion Plan
The new tier will not only increase the number of enrolled clubs and players but also offer a more structured and rigorous competition framework. Clubs will participate in regular season games, one of eight regional tournaments each season, and national events, including the highly anticipated MLS Next Fest in December. These regional tournaments will serve as qualifiers for the MLS NEXT Cup, a championship event scheduled for 2026. This robust calendar of events will provide players with multiple platforms to showcase their talents, catching the attention of college recruiters, professional scouts, and national team selectors.
Building a Clear Pathway for Future Stars
The expansion of MLS NEXT is a testament to Major League Soccer’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of soccer stars. “MLS NEXT is elevating soccer across North America for players, coaches, and referees,” said Kyle Albrecht, General Manager of MLS NEXT. “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 strategic alliance with the Girls Academy is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the league’s dedication to gender equality and the holistic development of soccer talent.
Excitement from the Technical Community
The technical director of MLS NEXT, Luis Robles, is equally enthusiastic about the expansion. “The addition of a new tier to MLS NEXT reflects Major League Soccer’s continued dedication to growing the game at the youth level,” he stated. “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.” Robles’ comments highlight the league’s long-term vision, focusing on creating a sustainable and competitive environment that fosters growth and excellence.
Opportunities for Coaches and Referees
Beyond player development, the new competition tier will also provide valuable opportunities for North American staff, including coaches and referees. The expanded program will offer coaching education, talent identification, and high-performance-focused initiatives, ensuring that the entire soccer ecosystem is strengthened. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a well-rounded support system where both players and professionals can thrive and contribute to the growth of the sport.
A Call for Participation
MLS Next is currently accepting applications from interested clubs that wish to join this new tier. The league is eager to welcome new members who share its vision and commitment to excellence. This open call is an invitation for communities and organizations across the U.S. and Canada to engage in this exciting development, ensuring that the talent pipeline for soccer remains robust and dynamic. 📸 Image credits: Provided by MLS NEXT.
