MLS Academies Moving Up an Age Group a Good Thing?
MLS NEXT academies are now having their U15, U16, and U18 teams play against older non-MLS academy teams – is this a good move or just plain stupid?
Related: MLS NEXT Announces New Homegrown & Academy Divisions
TL;DR:
What’s Really Happening Here?
Picture this: Your 15-year-old plays for the Columbus Crew’s academy. Instead of facing other 16-year-olds, they’re now going up against 16-year-olds from Michigan Wolves. Sounds tough, right? That’s exactly the point. A year in these age groups does make a big difference.
MLS academies just shifted their age groups up when they play against non-MLS teams. It’s like giving these kids a preview of what’s coming next – and it’s pretty smart when you think about it.
The Big Win: Getting Ready for the Real Deal
Here’s the thing about playing older kids – it forces you to level up fast. When you’re the youngest player on the field, every touch matters more. Every decision happens quicker. You can’t rely on being bigger or faster than everyone else. This will only benefit the MLS Academies, in my opinion.
This change mirrors what happens in European academies, where the best young players regularly face older competition. It’s no coincidence that Europe produces so many professional players.
The pathway to MLS NEXT Pro (the developmental league) and eventually MLS first teams gets shorter when players prove they can hang with older competition. Coaches can spot the special ones earlier and fast-track their development.
The Motivation Factor
There’s something special about being the underdog. When a 16-year-old steps onto the field knowing everyone expects the 17-year-olds to win, it lights a fire. These younger players develop what coaches call “that chip on their shoulder” – the drive to prove they belong.
Playing up doesn’t just test physical skills – it builds mental toughness that separates future pros from everyone else.
Plus, it helps American players get ready for international youth tournaments where age groups often overlap. No more culture shock when they face global competition.
What About the Struggles?
Let’s be real – not every kid is ready for this jump. Some 15-year-olds are still waiting for their growth spurt while facing opponents who already hit theirs. The physical gap can be huge, and that means higher injury risk if clubs don’t manage development carefully.
Some players need time to master their own age group first. Constantly struggling against older players can hurt confidence and slow down development. It’s like throwing someone in the deep end – some will learn to swim faster, others might just sink.
No More “Easy Wins”
Historically, MLS Academies would beat up on non-MLS Academies during the fall season. The real test would be when these teams play the very top of the table or other MLS Academies.
By playing up an age group, those “easy wins” become harder. I think we’ll see more Academy teams lose simply because of the physical difference. But this is a win for all since teams can’t necessarily rely only on their size. They have to play quality soccer!
The Bigger Picture
This change benefits non-MLS academies too, giving them more high-level games and exposure to top competition they wouldn’t normally see.
For MLS as a business, this makes perfect sense. They’re running a professional league, not a participation trophy system. They need talented players who can compete at the highest levels as quickly as possible.
But here’s what parents and players need to understand – this isn’t the only way to make it in soccer. Players who need more development time can still find success through college soccer, lower division clubs, or other pathways. Each journey is unique.
The Bottom Line
Moving up age groups is a smart move for identifying and developing elite talent quickly. The best prospects will thrive under this pressure and reach professional levels faster. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The shift reflects MLS’s commitment to raising standards and competing globally. For families involved in youth soccer, the key is understanding where your player fits and choosing the development path that makes the most sense for them.
Soccer development isn’t just about age – it’s about readiness, both physical and mental. This new system will help identify players who have both.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
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