MLS Next announced a new competition tier that will increase the number of clubs in MLS Next and deepen the overall pool of players and coaches.
Starting in September, clubs in the program will compete in regular season games, regional tournaments, and various MLS Next national events, as well as coaching development and education programs, talent identification, and high-performance opportunities.
MLS Next is an elite platform for youth development in North America, currently with 151 member clubs and over 16,000 players, and this expansion will provide opportunities for thousands of additional players and coaches, allowing member clubs greater flexibility to align team travel and scheduling, optimize player pools, and more effectively allocate club resources. This new competition tier, along with the recently announced strategic alliance with the Girls Academy, will play a pivotal role in continuing to raise the overall performance and competition level across youth soccer in the U.S. and Canada.
