MLS NEXT, the new elite youth development platform promising to set new standards for world-class player development in North America, was officially unveiled ahead of the kickoff of the inaugural season.
Created by Major League Soccer in collaboration with the top elite youth academies around the country, MLS NEXT will encompass over 489 teams across 113 clubs and six age groups, together charting the course for a new future for the sport.
The map featuring the 113 clubs that form part of MLS NEXT.
”MLS NEXT advances player development in North America, furthering Major League Soccer’s commitment to developing world-class players through an elite competitive pathway,” said Fred Lipka, VP and technical director of MLS Player Development, in a statement. “Major League Soccer is excited to begin MLS NEXT competition which will place player development at the forefront while giving players a safe and healthy environment to advance from academies to MLS first teams.”
MLS NEXT was first unveiled exclusively on Monday to elite young players and their families across the country. Watch that presentation below:
