What Is MLS NEXT? A Simple Guide for Soccer Parents
If your child plays soccer in the United States, you have probably heard the name MLS NEXT. Other parents talk about it, clubs mention it, and young players dream about it. But what is it exactly, and why does it matter?
Here is a simple guide to help you understand.
What Is MLS NEXT?
MLS NEXT is the youth development platform created by Major League Soccer (MLS), the top professional league in the United States and Canada. It launched in 2020 and brings together the best youth academies in North America.
The goal is simple: give talented young players the best possible environment to grow, with high level training, strong competition and a clear pathway toward college and professional soccer.
According to MLS, the 2025-26 season includes:
- 273 clubs: 30 MLS club academies and 243 elite independent academies
- More than 2,100 teams
- More than 43,000 players across the United States and Canada
Who Can Play in MLS NEXT?
MLS NEXT is a boys youth platform, with age groups from U13 to U19. Players are grouped by birth year, and each age group plays its own season, usually from September to late spring.
Younger players can get ready by training in a strong academy environment that uses the same standards and methods before they reach U13.
The Two Divisions: Homegrown and Academy
Since the 2025-26 season, MLS NEXT has two levels of competition:
- MLS NEXT Homegrown Division: the top tier. It includes every MLS club academy, such as Inter Miami CF, plus a selected group of elite independent academies. It is the level most closely connected to the professional pathway.
- MLS NEXT Academy Division: a second tier for other strong independent clubs, with the same competitive environment, scouting exposure and development resources.
Getting into the Homegrown Division is not automatic. Clubs are selected based on the quality of their coaching, their structure, their results and how they develop players.
Why MLS NEXT Matters for Young Players
High level competition every week. Players face the best teams in their region, which pushes them to improve faster.
More visibility. MLS NEXT events, like MLS NEXT Fest every December, bring together hundreds of teams in front of college coaches and professional scouts.
A real pathway. MLS clubs can sign young players from their own academies as Homegrown players, and many players move on to MLS NEXT Pro, MLS or college soccer.
A development first approach. The focus is not only on winning games, but on building complete players over time.
Is MLS NEXT Right for My Child?
MLS NEXT is a serious commitment. It means regular training, competitive games, travel and a strong focus on development. It is a great fit for players who love the game, want to be challenged and are ready to work hard.
Not every player needs to be in MLS NEXT at age 13. What matters most is being in the right environment, with good coaching and a clear plan, so your child keeps progressing at their own pace.
ONE FC and MLS NEXT
At ONE FC, we are proud that ONE FC Miami has earned a place in the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division for the 2026-27 season, only two years after the academy opened. This place was earned through hard work, strong results and a serious approach to player development.
ONE FC was founded by former international players Blaise Matuidi, Kieran Gibbs and Sylvain Marveaux, who all came through top European academies before playing at the highest level. The same method is used in all our academies in Miami, Houston and Boston, from our youngest players to our oldest.
Our goal is to give every player the best chance to reach their potential, whether that leads to MLS NEXT, college soccer or the professional game.
Want to Learn More?
If your child is serious about soccer and you want to know more about our programs, our teams or upcoming tryouts, reach out to the academy near you:
- ONE FC Miami: info@onefcmiami.com
- ONE FC Houston: houston@onefc.us
- ONE FC Boston: boston@onefc.us
Let's go, ONE FC!
