As parents of young athletes, we often aim to guide our children towards achieving their peak performance in sports.

However, even if you were once a goalkeeper for the US Men’s National Team and played in Major League Soccer, you likely want your child to explore various levels of competition to find their best fit.

“My 8-year-old daughter recently tried out,” Luis Robles shares about his experience with a local club. “In their email, it was clear they were trying to position her: ‘She’s not quite ready for the A team, so she’ll go on the B team, but we’ll make sure she plays a lot.’”

“I don’t care about the team designation. I just want her to enjoy playing soccer,” he adds.

For older youths, Major League Soccer recently revealed plans to introduce a new competitive level within its MLS NEXT Program, echoing this sentiment.

MLS NEXT, which showcases some of North America’s finest soccer talent, currently encompasses 151 member clubs and over 16,000 players competing at U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups. The program is set to significantly expand, aiming for more than double the current number of participants and clubs by September 2025.

“We’ve recognized a strong desire to broaden access to MLS NEXT for players, coaches, families, and clubs nationwide,” states Kyle Albrecht, the general manager of MLS NEXT.

So, what implications does this have for your young athlete? YSL News Sports consulted with Albrecht and Robles, who serves as MLS NEXT’s technical director.

How does MLS NEXT function?

The focus is on nurturing elite soccer players while offering clubs high-quality coaching, training, and competition.

The program includes clubs across 34 states and the District of Columbia.

Clubs that aspire to join must answer various questions regarding their philosophy, facilities, player education, diversity initiatives, and support for college pathways.

Clubs are required to adhere to MLS’s technical, training, and safety standards, aimed at preventing any forms of physical or emotional abuse.

While MLS NEXT works towards preparing players for national teams, its new tier also presents an opportunity for those aspiring to play at a significant level without necessarily having those aspirations as their ultimate goal.

Are MLS NEXT Programs Available for Girls as Well?

MLS NEXT primarily focuses on boys’ competition, but member clubs can invite girls to participate. Notably, US Women’s National Team stars Alyssa and Gisele Thompson played on an Under-19 MLS NEXT team.

In December, MLS NEXT also announced a partnership with the Girls Academy. Albrecht mentioned that both organizations will collaborate on technical standards and team opportunities.

Currently, the Girls Academy comprises 114 clubs and over 16,000 players, which includes 48 clubs that also feature boys’ teams in MLS NEXT, encompassing age groups from U13 to U19.

What type of players is MLS NEXT targeting for its second tier?

Are they focusing on kids who aim to play Division I college soccer or national teams, or are they looking to be inclusive?

“It’s both,” Robles explains, “as our aim in Major League Soccer is to cultivate the next generation of talent who will make an impact in professional soccer, both in MLS and with national teams.

“However, within that goal is a new avenue for inclusion. We saw a chance to expand player participation and provide additional families with this experience. So, it targets both the aspirational athlete, as well as those who simply want to enjoy soccer with their friends. It’s a blend of all kinds of players.”

MLS NEXT comprises 29 MLS academies and 122 elite academies within its 151 clubs. The operators of the prior tier below MLS NEXT will now oversee the new competition tier.

Do Tier 2 Players Enjoy the Same Benefits as Tier 1 Players?

The second tier will allow clubs associated with MLS NEXT to operate their second-level teams (often called “B” teams) under the MLS framework. They will follow MLS NEXT standards, guidelines, and best practices from a technical perspective.

While Tier 2 focuses more on regional play than Tier 1, these teams will also have chances to participate in the MLS NEXT Fest and qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup.

What Coaching Standards Are in Place for Both Tiers? Are Parent Coaches Included?

All coaches within MLS NEXT have the opportunity to undergo training in MLS environments. Many may also pursue an Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) offered through Fred Lipka, the vice president and technical director of player development in MLS.

“There are established standards for licenses, but we also encourage aspiring coaches to progress towards earning higher licenses,” Robles says.

“Typically, we prefer coaches who are not parents. While many of them may have children in the program, their commitment to coaching transcends just their child, and they continue coaching even after their child graduates from the program.”

Will Additional Players from Non-MLS Academies Make National Teams?

Similar to teams within MLS academies and elite squads, Tier 2 players will have access to competitions such as the MLS NEXT Fest (for ages U15 to U19) and the MLS NEXT Cup (if they qualify through regional tournaments), providing them equal opportunity for exposure at these events.

“During the MLS NEXT Cup held in June and the Fest in December, we had over 1,000 scouts, including college coaches and national team scouts, present,” Albrecht mentions.

It’s reported that over 90% of players on U.S. youth national teams are affiliated with MLS NEXT clubs.

Can Tier 2 Players Participate in High School Soccer? Is MLS Supporting This?

“While we don’t outright encourage it, we do allow participation,” Robles explains. “What we truly advocate for is that players find the best environments for their growth. We want them to train with the finest coaches possible.”

MLS NEXT participants are generally expected to refrain from playing both MLS NEXT and high school soccer simultaneously, although clubs may request a high school waiver. If granted, this allows them to compete in high school soccer.

“Our aim is for players to remain in the highest caliber environment for as long as possible,” Robles states. “The standard is to be part of an MLS Academy, which can only cater to a limited number of players. By creating a pathway through elite academies that offer a 10-month season with continuity in coaching and competition, we believe this enhances player development while providing flexibility.”

“There are various ways for student-athletes to grow, and they should choose what suits them best.”

Could High School Soccer Players in the New Tier Face Trap-Year Issues?

A “trapped” player is an eighth-grader competing on a U15 team, which typically consists of ninth-graders.

The age requirements for team rosters have shifted from being based on the school year (August 1 – July 31) to being determined by the player’s birth year (January 1 – December 31), a change that has sparked considerable discussion within youth leagues.

“I believe the school year is crucial for early social growth,” Robles states. “Let’s refer to it as pre-pre-professional; it’s primarily about enjoying soccer, right? The goal is to be with friends.”

“Once you transition into the pre-professional phase, then aligning with opportunities that maximize potential becomes essential.”

MLS NEXT assesses a player’s team assignment based on their specific circumstances.

“If the club feels the player is ready to compete at a higher level, that’s what will happen,” Robles explains.

Cost is a significant concern for both parents and club teams. How does MLS NEXT manage expenses?

For those involved in club teams, it’s well-known that costs can vary dramatically, ranging from a few hundred dollars for younger players to upwards of $10,000 to $20,000 (or even more) for teenagers when considering all related expenses.

The fees can differ from one MLS NEXT club to another, but a fundamental goal of the new tier structure is to encourage teams to compete locally and regionally against strong opponents, rather than traveling long distances (and incurring higher costs) to find such competition.

“If you qualify for the (MLS NEXT) Cup, then yes, you will participate in that, but even in terms of scheduling and events, we do take costs into account,” Robles mentions.

If your child enrolls in MLS GO (MLS’s recreational program for ages 4-14), does that lead to a future in MLS NEXT?

Albrecht indicates that MLS and its associated clubs invest over $100 million each year in player development, focusing on areas like facilities, coaches, and talent scouting.

But when does this scouting process actually begin? From the outset, they prioritize the player experience.

“Our aim isn’t to develop elite players starting at the age of five or six,” Robles clarifies. “The intention is to ensure they enjoy (MLS GO) so they continue participating. If they remain engaged, they may find additional opportunities within their clubs. But the most critical aspect is that they keep playing.”

He shares a personal example involving his daughter.

“I’m not concerned about what team she plays for; my priority is that she enjoys it and has fun, which will motivate her to play on,” he explains. “If she enjoys herself and aspires to improve, she will naturally seek ways to do so. That’s what matters most to us.”

Steve Borelli, known as Coach Steve, has been involved in editing and writing since 1999. He dedicated ten years to coaching his sons’ baseball and basketball teams. Currently, he and his wife, Colleen, are parents supporting two high school athletes.