MLS NEXT Announces Seven Expansion Teams
MLS NEXT has recently added seven new clubs to its elite youth development platform, significantly expanding its national footprint and creating fresh pathways for young talent across America.
TL;DR:
The New Kids on the Block
- Albion SC Colorado brings the prestigious Albion methodology to the Rocky Mountain region, with a structured development approach that has produced numerous college and professional players.
- Chattanooga FC adds community credentials with their first team competing in NISA and a passionate fanbase that partially owns the club, representing the grassroots-to-pro pipeline American soccer needs.
- Huntsville City FC, as Nashville SC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, offers perhaps the most direct professional pathway with professional-level facilities and clear progression opportunities.
- Michigan Futbol Academy (MFA) has built a technical powerhouse in the Midwest with their data-driven approach to player development, sending graduates to top collegiate programs and youth national teams.
- Northern Virginia Alliance enters from one of the country’s most competitive youth soccer markets, the DMV area, with a focus on preparing players for higher levels while maintaining academic excellence.
- The Football Academy (TFA) brings a reputation for developing tactically sophisticated players, with a coaching staff including former professionals who emphasize positional understanding and decision-making.
- Tulsa Greenwood SC, based in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District, combines high-performance soccer with deep community ties, creating opportunities in communities where access to elite soccer has traditionally been limited.
