About MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life.
Current membership includes 133 clubs, 590 teams, and 11,000+ players across the U.S. and Canada and features over 90% of the current youth national team player pools.
MLS NEXT Program Benefits
- Full-time coaching staff
- Technical and tactical training
- Video analysis of games
- Strength and conditioning program
MLS NEXT League Benefits
- Increased training sessions
- More meaningful games and competition
- National tournaments and showcases
- 10–11 month season
- Exposure to U.S. Youth National Team scouts, MLS Academies, and college scouts
If you are interested in a trial and/or seeking additional information, please contact Program Director Jorge “Yoyo” Zavala at
jzavala@tbusc.com. Additionally, please fill out our MLS NEXT Player Prospect Form so that we have all of your details.
MLS NEXT Homegrown (Highest Tier)
Players selected for the Homegrown teams will be rostered by calendar year (January–December birth year) in accordance with FIFA and MLS NEXT standards. This pathway is designed for players seeking a full-time, highest-level development environment with MLS NEXT competition as their primary focus.
MLS NEXT Academy (Reserve Pathway)
Players who are not selected for Homegrown, or who plan to participate in high school soccer, will be placed in our Academy teams. These teams will be rostered by academic school year (grade level). This pathway provides a high-level MLS NEXT training and competition environment while allowing for a more flexible schedule, including the option to play high school soccer.
Our Tryout Process
For the tryout process, we strongly recommend that players attend as many sessions as possible. This allows our staff to evaluate them fully for both pathways and place them at the most appropriate level.
If a player has already decided that they only want to be considered for the Academy pathway, we will evaluate them specifically for that program. However, attending all sessions gives us the best opportunity to assess the player and determine the right fit.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Tryouts
Q: Can a player participate in high school soccer and still be in MLS NEXT?
A: Players who plan to play high school soccer would be placed in our MLS NEXT Academy pathway. The MLS NEXT Homegrown teams require a full-time commitment and do not allow high school participation.
Q: Does attending all tryout sessions increase my chances of selection?
A: Attending multiple sessions does not guarantee selection, but it does give our staff more opportunities to properly evaluate the player in different environments, which is beneficial.
MLS Next HG/MLS Next AD | BOYS TRYOUT SCHEDULE U13-U19
| AGE GROUP | DATE | TIME | LOCATION/CAMPUS | FIELD NUMBER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U13 Boys (2014/2015) | Monday, April 6th | 5:45-7:15 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U13 Boys (2014/2015) | Monday, April 13th | 5:45-7:15 pm | Monroe | Venue Only |
| U13 Boys **Academic Year (8/1/2013-7/31/2014) | Tuesday, April 21st | 5:15-6:30 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U14 Boys (2013) | Monday, April 6th | 7:30-9:00 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U14 Boys (2013) | Monday, April 13th | 7:30-9:00 pm | Monroe | Venue Only |
| U14 Boys **Academic Year (8/1/2012-7/31/2013) | Tuesday, April 21st | 6:45-8:00 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U15 Boys (2012) | Tuesday, April 7th | 5:45-7:15 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U15 Boys (2012) | Tuesday, April 14th | 5:45-7:15 pm | Monroe | Venue Only |
| U15 Boys **Academy Year (8/1/2011-7/31/2012) | Tuesday, April 21st | 8:15-9:30 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U16 Boys (2011) | Tuesday, April 7th | 7:30-9:00 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U16 Boys (2011) | Tuesday, April 14th | 7:30-9:00 pm | Monroe | Venue Only |
| U16 Boys **Academy Year (8/1/2010-7/31/2011) | Wednesday, April 22nd | 8:15-9:30 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 6 |
| U17 Boys (2010) | Wednesday, April 2nd | 5:45-7:15 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U17 Boys (2010) | Wednesday, April 9th | 7:30-9:00 pm | Monroe | Venue Only |
| U17 Boys **Academy Year (8/1/2009-7/31/2010) | Wednesday, April 22nd | 6:45-8:00 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 6 |
| U19 Boys (2007/2008/2009) | Wednesday, April 2nd | 7:30-9:00 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 3 |
| U19 Boys (2007/2008/2009) | Wednesday, April 9th | 5:45-7:15 pm | Monroe | Venue Only |
| U19 Boys **Academy Year (8/1/2007-7/31/2009) | Wednesday, April 22nd | 5:15-6:30 pm | Ed Radice Park | Field 6 |
MLS NEXT New Competition Tier Teams and Divisions (2025-26)
A part of history, we are excited to join MLS NEXT’s new competition tier this Fall!
MLS NEXT also announced the division structure and participating teams in the new tier of competition, which was previously unveiled in January. The new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Of those clubs, more than half previously competed outside of MLS NEXT. Each division will be managed by leading league operators across the youth landscape with a strong commitment to player development – the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association.
Regular season play will begin in September 2025, which will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.
A full breakdown of the divisions and participating clubs is available HERE.
For more information on MLS NEXT and its member clubs, please visit MLSsoccer.com/MLSNEXT.
MLS Next Program Directors
Jorge “Yoyo” Zavala
MLS Next Director – Homegrown
jzavala@tbusc.com
Fernando Gonzalez
MLS Next Director – Academy
fgonzalez@tbusc.com