2024 MLS NEXT Fest Recap

Some of the best players and teams put their talents on display at this year’s MLS NEXT Fest in Indio, CA.

The 5-day event was filled with amazing plays, competitive matches, and incredible views.

Also, in attendance were 450 college coaches and scouts. They weren’t there just to be there. Most had an agenda to recruit the best players in the nation.

Overall, I would give the experience a 10/10…here’s my recap of the showcase.

How My Son’s Team Did

My son’s U16 team wrapped up their trip with a 2-1 record.

They secured wins against Hoover-Vestavia Soccer and Sacramento United but came up short against a strong Atletico Santa Barbara team.

Unlike last year, they were matched up well. This was the general feedback from many teams who competed in the showcase.

It was a fantastic way to finish the fall season!

Personal Highlights From the Showcase

Here are some of my favorite highlights from the trip to Indio, CA:

• Empire Polo Grounds Fields: The fields were pristine. All 36 fields were natural grass and maintained well. By the last day, some of the fields were torn up a bit but that’s expected.
• MLS Pro Academy Matches: We watched many of the MLS Pro Academies. Some of the teams that impressed were the U16 Toronto, U16 Red Bulls, U16 Philly Union, U18 Orlando City, U19 Toronto, and U19 FC Dallas.
• Best of Matches: The atmosphere for the Best Of Matches was electric. With the crowd surrounding the fields, the players put on their best display.
• GA Cup Qualifiers: Non-MLS Pro Academies got a chance to qualify for the GA Cup for next year. This was a great addition to this year’s Fest. The U16 Tampa Bay United and U19 Shockers FC made it out of their respective divisions.
• Pop Up Shops and Vendors: Compared to 2023 in Phoenix, there seemed to be more things to see outside of the games.
• The Sunny Weather: Coming from the northeast, I went from 30 degrees and rainy to 75 degrees and sunny. Can’t beat that!

MLS NEXT Pro Academies Vs. Non-Pro Academies

Although the talent across the fields was unmatched by any other youth soccer event, I did notice some stark differences between the MLS NEXT pro academies and non-pro academies.

Faster and Stronger Players

MLS NEXT Pro Academy players were noticeably faster and stronger.

This can be attributed to the strength and conditioning programs available at Pro Academies, which are often staffed by specialized trainers.

These programs focus on developing not just soccer-specific skills but also the physical resilience needed to compete at higher levels.

Non-Pro Academy players, while talented, tend to focus more on soccer techniques and training throughout the weeks.

Structured Warm-Ups and Preparation

Warm-ups in MLS NEXT Pro Academies reflect their professional-level approach. They took it more seriously.

They are much more stringent and structured, often including dynamic stretching, mobility drills, and activation exercises tailored to reduce injury and optimize performance.

In contrast, warm-ups at Non-Pro Academies can sometimes lack the same level of detail and purpose, which may contribute to a less consistent pre-game and training environment.

Minimal Talent Drop-Off Within Teams

Players across all positions in the Pro Academies are highly talented.

There is less of a gap between the starting 11 and the reserves. These clubs are always scouting and want to ensure they have more than enough talent in their pool. You’ll also see a player in the lower age group move up within the club.

In Non-Pro Academies, there is often a noticeable gap between the top players and those with less experience. In showcases like MLS NEXT Fest, this can affect the performance in games.

Stay in Indio, CA

Indio offers various accommodation options that cater to the needs of players, families, and fans during MLS NEXT Fest.

From convenient locations near the fields to local attractions, you’ll find everything you need to make your stay enjoyable.

Most of our team stayed in Airbnbs. We stayed with two other families in a five-bedroom home 15 minutes away from the field.

Overall, I enjoyed our stay more than last year when it was in Phoenix, AZ. The fields in Indio were in one location and there were enough stores and restaurants to feed the boys for the week.

The main drawback was the distance from LAX, which was a few hours away. On our way in, the drive took about 2.5 hours, but leaving, it took over 3 hours due to heavy traffic.

While there were a few alternative airports to consider, flying from BOS to LAX ended up being the best option for us.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 MLS NEXT Fest was a great experience for the players, parents, and coaches.

From the stunning venue to the opportunity to watch the best youth soccer talent in the country, everything came together to create an incredible event.

The soccer atmosphere was electric and the vibes were high. Coupled with the warm weather and beautiful surroundings, it felt like the perfect setting for showcasing the best talent in the U.S.

From here on out, I hope MLS NEXT continues to have its Fest in Indio, California.