Rising expertise in the USA and Canada could have one other avenue to develop their profession with the announcement of a brand new competitors tier inside MLS Subsequent.
The youth growth platform presently screens 151 member golf equipment and over 16,000 gamers. Beginning in September 2025, the variety of enrolled golf equipment and gamers will enhance “to lift the general efficiency and competitors stage throughout youth soccer within the U.S. and Canada.”
With this system enlargement, golf equipment within the competitors will compete in common season video games, certainly one of eight regional tournaments every season, and nationwide occasions, together with MLS Subsequent Fest in December.
The regional tournaments will function qualifying for a championship occasion at MLS NEXT Cup later in 2026 and gamers could have an opportunity to showcase their skills for respective school, skilled and nationwide crew alternatives.
“MLS NEXT is elevating soccer throughout North America for gamers, coaches, and referees,” stated MLS NEXT Common Supervisor Kyle Albrecht. “This enlargement, alongside our strategic alliance with the Women Academy, brings collectively top-tier assets to proceed constructing a transparent pathway throughout North America for extra gamers to succeed in their highest potential.”
“The addition of a brand new tier to MLS NEXT displays Main League Soccer’s continued dedication to rising the sport on the youth stage,” added MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. “We’re excited to deepen the expertise pool and welcome extra gamers and coaches as we work with them to develop the subsequent era of expertise who will impression the skilled recreation and nationwide groups.”
Alongside participant growth, the brand new competitors tier additionally gives additional pathways for North American employees to develop their careers via teaching, training, expertise identification and high-performance-focused applications.
MLS Subsequent is presently accepting functions from golf equipment.
📸 Picture credit: Offered by MLS NEXT.