MLS NEXT HOMEGROWN DIVISION is the premier youth soccer platform in North America, providing the highest level of competition, training, and development opportunities for elite players. Created by Major League Soccer (MLS), the league brings together top clubs from across the country to compete in a professional pathway environment, emphasizing player development, quality coaching, and a clear progression toward collegiate, professional, and international soccer. MLS NEXT sets the standard for the future of youth soccer with a focus on innovation, high-level competition, and a commitment to creating the next generation of top players.

MLS NEXT ACADEMY DIVISION starting in September 2025, MLS NEXT will launch a new competition tier, expanding the platform to include more clubs, players, and coaches across North America. Member clubs will compete in regular season matches, regional tournaments, and MLS NEXT national events, while also benefiting from coaching education, talent identification, and high-performance development opportunities.

Already the premier youth development platform with 151 clubs and over 16,000 players, this expansion will provide even more opportunities and flexibility for clubs, helping to optimize player pools, team travel, and resource management. The new tier will be operated by trusted league organizations like the National Academy League (NAL), Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association, all under MLS NEXT’s high technical and developmental standards.

Together with its alliance with the Girls Academy, MLS NEXT continues to raise the bar for youth soccer competition across the U.S. and Canada.

MLS NEXT Official Website

• Academy Director – Evan Sutherland
• Goalkeeping Director – Sergio Rapuano
• College Recruitment – Fred Dikranian & Sergio Rapuano
• 2013 Head Coach – Clay Roberts
• 2012 Head Coach – Michael Swierlosz
• 2011 Head Coach – Michael Swierlosz
• 2010 Head Coach – Evan Sutherland
• 2009 Head Coach – Clay Roberts
• 2007/08 Head Coach – Dennis Lubens

• Academy Director – Eric Sims
• Goalkeeping Director – Sergio Rapuano
• College Recruitment – Fred Dikranian & Sergio Rapuano
• 2013 Head Coach – Brian Alvero
• 2012 Head Coach – Buddy Wilks
• 2011 Head Coach – Chris McMaster
• 2010 Head Coach – John Van Der Luit
• 2009 Head Coach – John Van Der Luit
• 2007/08 Head Coach – Eric Sims