MLS NEXT is the premier youth development platform in the U.S., offering elite competition, advanced coaching, and direct pathways to collegiate, professional, and national team opportunities.

MLS NEXT teams train a minimum four times a week, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and mental preparation.

Yes, players must be prepared to travel for league games, tournaments, and showcases, which may include regional and national destinations. Travel is an integral part of competing at the highest level.

All MLS NEXT teams are led by experienced, USSF B-minimum licensed coaches committed to player development and success at the highest level.

MLS NEXT offers opportunities for players in the U13 to U19 age groups.

The MLS NEXT pathway provides players with access to elite competition, professional scouting opportunities, and a direct connection to Major League Soccer, ensuring unmatched exposure and development.

MLS NEXT demands a high level of commitment, including a minimum of four weekly training sessions, weekend games, and travel for regional and national events.

Players who cannot meet the commitments of MLS NEXT may be placed on competitive teams in other leagues, such as CJSL, EDP, RAL, or NAL, with the opportunity to be called up based on performance and development.

In MLS NEXT, player participation in high school soccer varies based on their designation within the program:

• Primary Players: These are the top-tier players expected to commit fully to MLS NEXT. They are permitted to participate in high school soccer.

• Future Players: These players are developing within the MLS NEXT framework but may not yet be ready for full-time commitment. They are allowed to play high school soccer and can participate in up to 12 MLS NEXT matches during the regular season.

MLS NEXT recognizes that players develop at different paces and offers four player designations to ensure flexibility and support for players at various stages of their development:

• Primary Players: These are full-time MLS NEXT players who are fully committed to the program. They exclusively participate in MLS NEXT competitions and do not play high school soccer or other non-MLS NEXT events. Primary players benefit from elite-level coaching, training, and competition.

• Future Players: These players are part of the MLS NEXT program but retain the flexibility to play high school soccer. They can participate in up to 12 MLS NEXT matches during the season, balancing their development across both environments.

• Discovery Players: Discovery players are registered with other clubs but may compete with an MLS NEXT team in select matches or events. This designation allows clubs to scout and provide opportunities to players without requiring a full-time commitment.

• Late Developer Players: Late Developers are players who may not yet have reached the same level of physical growth as their peers of the same birth year but demonstrate significant potential. This designation provides an opportunity for these players to compete at an appropriate level while continuing to develop their skills and confidence. To qualify, players must complete a formal assessment to ensure this pathway aligns with their individual growth and development needs.