There’s No Doubt That MLS NEXT is the Boys Top Youth League in the U.S.
If your son dreams of playing pro or college soccer, MLS NEXT is the clearest path to get there. Don’t think anyone can argue against this.
TL;DR:
The Top of the Pyramid
Let’s be clear about something important: not all MLS NEXT is created equal. The MLS NEXT Homegrown Division sits at the very top of American youth soccer. These are the elite teams directly connected to MLS clubs, where future pros are being molded right now.
The MLS NEXT Academy Division? That’s a different story. While it’s still solid, I would consider it third-tier, typically falling behind ECNL programs in many parts of the country. k
So when we talk about MLS NEXT being the best, we’re really talking about those Homegrown teams.
Where the Scouts Are Looking
Walk into any MLS NEXT showcase event and you’ll see something remarkable. College and pro coaches with their notepads. The best social accounts are there to get clips. Everyone’s there because they know this is where the talent is.
The numbers don’t lie. Look at any U.S. Youth National Team roster and you’ll find it packed with MLS NEXT players. These aren’t kids getting called up by accident. They’re being identified, developed, and pushed through a system that’s designed to create the next generation of American soccer talent.
Top college programs know this too. When they’re building their recruiting lists, MLS NEXT rosters are usually the first place they look. Sure, they’ll find talent elsewhere, but the concentration of high-level players in MLS NEXT makes it a recruiter’s dream.
The MLS Advantage
Having Major League Soccer behind your youth league is like having a rich uncle who actually wants to help. The backing means better fields, better coaching education, better referee development, and most importantly—real connections to professional opportunities.
MLS clubs can sign their own academy players through the Homegrown Player rule. That’s a direct path to a professional contract that simply doesn’t exist in other youth leagues. A kid can go from playing in their local MLS academy to signing a first-team deal without ever entering a college draft.
Three Key Insights:
- The Homegrown Pipeline is Real: MLS academies have produced over 300 professional players through the Homegrown rule since 2008. This isn’t just a development pathway—it’s a proven talent factory that puts players directly into professional environments.
- Scouting Efficiency Matters: College coaches and pro scouts have limited time and travel budgets. MLS NEXT’s centralized showcase system means they can see 50+ top prospects in one weekend rather than driving to individual games for months. This concentration of talent makes MLS NEXT players more visible than equally skilled players in smaller leagues.
- The League is Still Evolving: MLS NEXT only launched in 2020, replacing the old Development Academy. It’s already become the top boys pathway, but it’s continuously improving its standards, adding clubs, and refining competition levels. Getting in now means growing with a league that’s investing heavily in its future.
Getting Better Every Year
Here’s something exciting: MLS NEXT is still relatively young, but it’s improving fast. The league is constantly tweaking its rules, adding quality clubs, and raising standards. What was good last year is even better this year.
The competition keeps getting fiercer, which pushes everyone to improve. Players, coaches, and clubs know they need to keep raising their game or they’ll get left behind.
What About the Girls?
Now, if you have a daughter playing soccer, the picture isn’t as clear. The girls side is more of a toss-up between Girls Academy and ECNL, depending on where you live. Different regions have different league strengths, so you’ll need to do more homework to figure out the best path in your area.
But for boys? The choice is pretty straightforward. MLS NEXT Homegrown Division is where you want to be.
The Bottom Line
If your son is serious about soccer—and we’re talking about the kids who practice in the backyard until dark, who watch pro games and study the moves, who dream big dreams—then MLS NEXT should be on their radar, if they are good enough.
It’s not a guarantee of success. Nothing ever is. But it’s the clearest, most direct path to both college soccer and professional opportunities that exists in American youth soccer today. The scouts are there. The pathway is proven. The backing is real.
For boys chasing the soccer dream, MLS NEXT isn’t just a good option. Right now, it’s the best option.
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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