MLS NEXT Events 2023-2024 Season

MLS NEXT just announced its key dates for the 2023/2024 season. Here they are…

• MLS NEXT FEST: December 5-10, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona (Reach 11 Sports Complex)
• GENERATION ADIDAS CUP: March 30-April 7, 2024 in Bradenton, Florida (IMG Academy)
• MLS NEXT FLEX: May 10-14, 2024 in Boyds, Maryland (Maryland Soccerplex)
• MLS NEXT CUP PLAYOFFS & SHOWCASE: June 15-23, 2024 (location to be announced)
• MLS NEXT All-Star Game: June 17, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio

What is the MLS NEXT Fest?

MLS NEXT Fest is a six-day event that brings together over 300 of the best youth soccer teams from the United States and Canada. The 2023 MLS NEXT event takes place at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, AZ, from December 5-10, 2023.

The event features two competitions, the MLS NEXT Fest Showcase and the Generation adidas Cup qualifiers.

It is an opportunity for top young players to showcase their skills and be scouted by college, national team, and professional coaches and scouts in one location.

What is the Generation Adidas Cup?

The Generation Adidas Cup is a premier youth soccer tournament organized by Major League Soccer (MLS) for U15 and U17 MLS academy teams. It was previously known as the SUM U-17 Cup.

The competition is part of the Homegrown Initiative, which aims to focus on player development while providing elite competition for those involved.

The tournament features qualified MLS academies and renowned international clubs, and it is a platform for young players to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best talent from around the world!

What is MLS NEXT Flex?

MLS NEXT Flex hosts 64 of the best MLS NEXT clubs from the U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups to compete for their chance at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

Additionally, MLS NEXT Flex provides those teams that did not qualify for the tournament to play each other. It allows teams to schedule games against opponents outside of their geographic region and play games outside of the traditional MLS NEXT season.

The initiative was aimed at providing more opportunities for player development and exposure for young players.

MLS NEXT Flex also includes a streaming schedule for matches, which can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

What is MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase?

The MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase is an exciting event for the best youth soccer teams in the United States and Canada. The event features the top 128 teams across four age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19) competing in a single-elimination tournament.

The MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs is a highly competitive event that provides an opportunity for young players to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best youth talent from across North America.

The MLS NEXT Cup Showcase is also held during the event, which is a non-competitive event that provides an opportunity for players to be scouted by college, national team, and professional coaches and scouts.

What is the MLS NEXT All-Star Game?

The MLS NEXT All-Star Game wraps up the season and features the top players from the MLS NEXT youth soccer league. It is an exciting game of young talent trying to make their mark on a national level.

The game features two teams, each made up of the best players from the MLS NEXT league, competing against each other. The event also includes other activities such as skills challenges and fan events.

Learn more about the MLS NEXT events and keep up with the latest.