8 New Clubs Will Join MLS NEXT For the 2024/2025 Season
Eight new clubs from across the U.S. will join MLS NEXT next year. Starting in the fall of 2024, these teams will compete among the best teams in the U.S. and Canada.
Two teams have a full player pathway. This means that they have teams from U-13 to U-19.
Connecticut United Football Club and Carolina Core will join MLS NEXT Pro as independent clubs. As a result, they will have fully funded academies.
MLS NEXT continues to pave the way as the top-tier boys league in the United States and Canada. As such, here are the teams that were approved by Major League Soccer.
- AC River (San Antonio, TX): U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, U-19 Full Pathway
- Carolina Core FC (High Point, NC): U-13, U-14
- Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (Aurora, CO): U-13, U-14
- Connecticut United Football Club (Bridgeport, CT): U-14, U-16
- Downtown United Soccer Club (New York NY): U-13, U-14
- Hoosier Premier Academy (Noblesville, IN): U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19 Full Pathway
- Keystone FC (Mechanicsburg, PA): U-13, U-14, U-15
- Southern States Soccer Club (Hattiesburg, MS): U-13, U-14, U-15
Chattanooga FC (Chattanooga, TN) will start their academy teams in the 2025/2026 season.
How Do Teams Get Approved?
Every year, MLS NEXT has a thorough expansion process to choose new clubs for the upcoming season.
The selection is based on these factors:
- Exceptional training programs
- Experienced coaching staff
- Effective player identification and recruitment
- High quality facilities
- Advanced technological opportunities
- Clear player development pathways
“Off the field, clubs were required to demonstrate a mission-aligned culture with core values, overall community engagement, holistic development strategies, a strong commitment to access and representation, robust financial aid and scholarship programs, and a forward-thinking leadership team.”
Featured Image Source & Official Press Release: https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/news/mls-next-adds-eight-new-clubs-for-2024-25-season
