The MLS soccer league has improved and is currently a destination for professional soccer players worldwide.

 

But getting invited for these tryouts is the biggest hurdle young players face since most clubs have different ways of scouting players for their respective youth development teams.

 

MLS Tryouts and how to go about it

 

One of the ways to get an MLS Tryouts is to become a part of the MLS Superdraft or the MLS Supplemental Draft. Or, to get a chance, you should be invited to MLS Combine, a talent showcase that was last held a few years ago.

 

The level of the MLS over the years has been outstanding, and to further improve on the level of youth soccer development, the MLS Next League was created.

 

Cool facts

Can you try out for MLS teams? You can use only tryouts for MLS clubs through their respective development Academies or the MLS Tryouts.

 

Do MLS academy players get paid? MLS Academy players receive training compensation or solidarity payments.

 

What age is MLS next? The MLS Next League runs through under-13, under-14, under-15, under-16, under-17 and under-19 age groups.

 

About MLS Next

The MLS Next League is a soccer development league for Major League Soccer teams and other development teams across the United States and Canada.

 

The MLS organises it through the Youth development section. The league runs similar fashion as the Major League Soccer, dividing teams into various conferences.

 

How to participate

The participants of the MLS Next are players from various MLS clubs and other soccer development teams from the United States and Canada.

 

To be eligible, you must be a part of these teams. Players scouted and admitted into the various Soccer Academies across MLS would also participate.

 

To join any academies and stand a chance to participate, you must be among the players scouted by these Academies.

 

MLS Next Schedule

The league began in mid-year of 2020, and as such, the first season ran from September to July end.

 

List Academy from the MLS

 

1. Atlanta United 

Atlanta United Academy is a soccer development department of MLS side Atlanta United.

Read: How to apply

2. Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC Youth Academy is the youth development team of the following Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC.

 

3. Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Soccer Academy is the youth wing of the club competing in the MLS Next. It is one of the fastest-growing soccer development programs in the United States. Chicago Fire FC of the MLS owns it

Read: How to apply

 

4. Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids is the Academy outfit of MLS franchise Colorado Rapids FC. The team features youth players of different age groups.

Read: How to join

 

5. Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew is the Youth Academy of Columbus Crew SC of the Major League Soccer. The team features youth players from different categories.

Read: How to join

6. D.C. United

DC United Academy is one of the best soccer development outfits in the United States. The contributions so far made by the team has also helped the club win top honours. It is owned by DC United, one of the most successful teams in the history of Major League Soccer since its formation in 1996.

Read: How to apply

7. FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati Academy is the Youth team of the MLS outfit FC Cincinnati. The unit features players from different categories.

 

Cincinnati has so far re-recorded from its Academy over the years.

Read: How to join

8. FC Dallas

FC Dallas Academy is the soccer development wing for developing young players for the senior team. The team is also a member of the MLS Next League.

Read: How to apply

 

9. Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo FC Academy represents the franchise team in the MLS Next as a development department for the professional side.

Read: How to apply

 

10. LA Galaxy

 

LA Galaxy Academy is one of the best soccer Academies in the United States. It has record gains over the years.

 

Players from the Academy have represented the professional side in Major League Soccer and other domestic Competitions like the US Open Cup.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Carson, California.

 

11. Los Angeles FC

 

Los Angeles FC’s performance recently could also be attributed to the gains recorded by developing young players from the Academy.

 

The Academy boost some of the finest in the country.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Los Angeles, California.

 

12. Minnesota United

 

Minnesota United Academy is the youth development team of Minnesota United that competes in the MLS.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

13. CF Montreal

 

CF Montréal Academy is a soccer development team representing CF Montréal in the MLS Next. It is one of the few Canadian outfits in the MLS Next League.

 

Location: Montreal, Quebec

 

14. Nashville SC

 

Nashville SC Academy is the youth development team of Nashville SC that competes in the MLS.

 

Nashville SC Academy is one of the emerging sides in youth soccer development.

 

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

 

15. NYCFC

 

New York City FC Academy is the youth soccer development team of New York City FC that competes in the MLS.

 

The Academy stands out as one of the top soccer academies in the United States and boosts producing top talents.

 

The City Football Group owns it by its MLS franchise team, New York City FC.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: New York, New York.

 

16. New England Revolution

 

New England Revolution Academy is the youth wing of the Revolution team.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: New Jersey.

 

17. Inter Miami

 

Inter Miami CF Academy represents the professional team as an Academy or development section of the MLS franchise.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Miami.

 

18. Orlando City

 

Orlando City, SC, is the youth development academy.

 

It is one of the heavily funded youth development sites owned by the club primarily for scouting and developing young talents.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Orlando, Florida.

 

19. Philadelphia Union

 

Philadelphia Union Academy is the youth development team of Philadelphia Union.

 

The team is regarded as one of the best in the United States, ranked in the top five development Academies in the MLS.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania.

 

20. Portland Timbers

 

Portland Timbers FC is the youth development section providing a pathway for young players to develop.

 

The Academy is one of the fastest-growing soccer development programs.

 

Read: Portland Academy registration

 

Location: Portland, Oregon.

 

21. Real Salt Lake

 

Real Salt Lake is the Academy team of the MLS franchise team.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Herriman, Utah.

 

23. San Jose Earthquakes

 

San Jose Earthquakes Academy is the youth development team of the Earthquake.

 

It is one of the fastest-growing soccer development academies in the United States.

 

Read: How to join San Jose Earthquakes Academy: tryouts, cost, contacts, location

 

Location: Santa Clara, California.

 

24. Seattle Sounders

 

Seattle Sounders FC Academy is the youth development team entirely focused on developing players for the senior team.

 

It is also one of the top teams in the development category.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Tukwila, Washington.

 

25. Sporting Kansas City

 

Sporting Kansas City Academy is the youth development team owned by the MLS franchise outfit.

 

Read: How to join Sporting Kansas City (KC) Youth Academy: tryouts 2021, location, fees, contact

 

Location: Kansas City, Kansas.

 

26. Toronto FC

 

Toronto FC is the youth wing of the Toronto FC soccer club and is one of the few Canadian teams in the Major League Soccer.

 

Read: How to join TFC Academy

 

Location: Toronto, Ontario.

 

27. Vancouver Whitecaps

 

Vancouver Whitecaps Academy is the development side of the MLS franchise team, Vancouver Whitecaps.

 

Read: How to apply

 

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Other Academy in the MLS Next League

 

Achilles FC

 

Achilles FC is a soccer development club that provides an enabling environment for players to thrive and gain more exposure.

 

The club looks for players willing to take their careers to the highest level.

 

Location: Silver Spring, Maryland.

 

Albion SC San Diego

 

Albion SC is a youth soccer development team that focuses on developing young players and teaching to help them reach professional status.

 

The club is one of the oldest soccer development teams in San Diego.

 

The club prides itself as one of the most successful, having players that are now playing bigger teams

 

Location: San Diego, California

 

Albion SC Las Vegas

 

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Alexandria SA

 

Location: Alexandria, Virginia.

 

Ballistic United

 

Location: Pleasanton, California.

 

Baltimore Armour

 

Location: Ellicott City, Maryland.

 

Barca Residency Academy

 

Location: Casa Grande, Arizona.

 

Bayside FC

 

Location: Providence, Rhode Island.

 

Beachside of Connecticut Location: Norwalk, Connecticut.

 

Bethesda, South Carolina Bethesda, Maryland

 

Black Watch Premier Albany Albany, New York

 

Blau Weiss Gottschee Queens, New York

 

Breakers FC Aptos, California

 

Cedar Stars Academy Bergen Carlstadt, New Jersey

 

Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth Aberdeen, New Jersey

 

Chargers SC Clearwater, Florida

 

Chicago FC United Northfield, Illinois

 

Chula Vista FC Chula Vista, California

 

Cincinnati United Premier Cincinnati, Ohio

 

City SC Carlsbad, California

 

De Anza Force Saratoga, California

 

Empire United Rochester, New York

 

FC Bay Area San Jose, California

 

FC Delco West Chester, Pennsylvania

 

FC Greater Boston Bolts Waban, Maine

 

FC Westchester Scarsdale, New York

 

Florida Rush Orlando, Florida

 

Houston Dynamo Unidos Houston, Texas

 

IMG Academy Bradenton, Florida

 

Indiana Fire Carmel, Indiana

 

Inter Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia

 

Internationals North Royalton, Ohio

 

Jacksonville FC Jacksonville, Florida

 

Java FC Louisville, Kentucky

 

LA Surf La Canada Flintridge, California

 

Lamorinda FC Mirage, California

 

Lanier SC Atlanta, Georgia

 

Las Vegas SA Las Vegas, Nevada

 

Metropolitan Oval Queens, New York

 

Miami Rush-Kendall SC Miami, Florida

 

Michigan Jaguars Novi, Michigan

 

Michigan Wolves Wixom, Michigan

 

Midwest United Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

St. Louis City SC St. Louis, Missouri

 

Murrieta Surf Murrieta, California

 

Napa United Napa, California

 

NEFC Holliston, Maine

 

New York SC Purchase, New York

 

Nomads La Jolla, California

 

Oakwood SC Glastonbury, Connecticut

 

PA Classics Manheim, Pennsylvania

 

Phoenix Rising Phoenix, Arizona

 

PDA Somerset, New Jersey

 

Real Colorado Centennial, Colorado

 

Real Jersey Medford, New Jersey

 

RGV Toros FC Edinburg, Texas

 

Rise SC Houston, Texas

 

RSL Arizona Tempe, Arizona

 

The Sacramento Republic Sacramento, California

 

Saint Louis FC St. Louis, Missouri

 

San Antonio FC San Antonio, Texas

 

Santa Barbara SC Santa Barbara, California

 

SC Del Sol Phoenix, Arizona

 

Seacoast United Hampton, NH

 

SF Elite San Francisco, California

 

San Francisco Glens San Francisco, California

 

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Faribault, Minnesota

 

Sheriffs FC Ashland, California

 

Silicon Valley SA Redwood City, California

 

Chicago Sockers Palatine, Illinois

 

Solar SC Dallas, Texas

 

South Florida FA Boca Raton, Florida

 

Southern SA Atlanta, Georgia

 

Springfield SYC Springfield, Virginia

 

Tampa Bay Rowdies Tampa, Florida

 

Total FA Los Angeles, California

 

Honest FC Houston, Texas

 

TSF Academy Wayne, New Jersey

 

Valeo FC Newton, Maine

 

Vardar Rochester Hills, Michigan

 

Ventura County Fusion Ventura County, California

 

West Florida Flames Tampa, Florida

 

Weston FC Weston, Florida

 

About Soccer development

 

The MLS Next League is a program initiated and controlled by the MLS League body as a section for youth development.

 

Over the years, the United States has continued to emphasise the development of young players.

 

MLS Next Format

 

The MLS NEXT Cup playoffs are the season-ending Championship played across the four age groups (U15, U16, U17, U19).

 

The MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs is a single-elimination competition played by 32 teams in each age group.

 

Qualification for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs is based on the points-per-game basis from their performance in the MLS NEXT regular season.

 

Three reasons why the MLS Next League is the best idea for Soccer in the United States

 

The MLS Next Season

 

The MLS Next first-ever season began in mid-2020 and is expected to end in July 2021.

 

The 10-month long season is expected to feature a regular season as well as playoffs to determine the overall league winners across the various age groups

 

Three reasons the MLS Next is the pathway to US Soccer development for the future

 

High level of confidence

 

There’s nothing better than to play against your peers consistently over a year.

 

This goes beyond helping the players as it helps to build up their level of confidence as they grow older.

 

Acquisition of new ideas and patterns

 

The MLS Next League is expected to help young players across various teams learn new ideas, skills and techniques from other players and coaches.

 

Also, players are expected to learn from Professionals.

 

Learn professionally

 

A professional body organises the league.

 

The players would have the opportunity to learn soccer development professionally.

 

MLS Next League Rules

 

MLS Next Rules

 

The MLS Next League operates on specific rules guiding participating teams and players.

 

These rules are directly from the league’s organiser, the MLS Next.

 

Here are the rules

 

All Clubs and MLS NEXT Participants are required to comply with the MLS NEXT Rules.

 

PD reserves the right to decide how to enforce the MLS NEXT Rules at its sole and absolute discretion.

 

Should a Club or any MLS NEXT Participant associated with that Club be found in violation of any of the MLS NEXT Rules, the Club’s standing and Membership in MLS NEXT, or the individual’s participation in MLS NEXT, may be jeopardised, as further described below.

 

In addition, the MLS NEXT Rules are subject to change from time to time.

 

Although PDev makes every effort not to modify the MLS NEXT Rules mid-season, PDev reserves the right to amend or enact new policies at any time, particularly to the extent required by applicable law, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, or the Center, or otherwise where PDev believes it is in the best interest of MLS NEXT and the safety of its Players.

 

In changing these MLS NEXT Rules, PDev will best provide Clubs with advance notice.

 

Subject to any applicable laws, PDev may use any information in determining disqualifications for participation in MLS NEXT at PDev’s absolute discretion.

 

Such information may include, without limitation, the conviction of any felony, gross misdemeanours, violation of MLS NEXT Rules, or driving offences, including, but not limited to: loss of license, reckless driving, impaired driving, or a DUI.

 

Any person accused of physical or sexual misconduct or otherwise violating the PDev Safety and Wellbeing Policy may be suspended or placed in an alternate position by PDev until the matter is resolved.

 

Regardless of criminal or civil guilt in the alleged abuse, the person’s continued presence could be detrimental to the organisation’s reputation and harmful to the participants.

 

An accused person but later cleared of charges may apply to be reinstated to eligibility within MLS NEXT in PDev’s sole and absolute discretion.

 

Reinstatement is not a right, and no guarantee is made that they will be reinstated to their former position or any other position within the MLS NEXT ecosystem.