Mls next tier 2 teams

*** Update 5/27/25

Thank you for your interest in our MLS NEXT Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs.

We’ve received a number of inquiries regarding Tier 1 ID sessions, so we’d like to clarify that these sessions are invite-only. As stated on our website and registration pages, invitations are extended directly by our MLS Recruitment Team to selected players currently under consideration. If you have not received an invitation currently, it means you are not currently being considered for Tier 1.

However, we encourage all players to register for our open tryouts. These sessions provide an opportunity to be evaluated for MLS NEXT Tier 2, and for some, could lead to eventual Tier 1 consideration.

Many players who attended Tier 1 sessions may already be in the process of being considered for Tier 2. Communication regarding this will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Tier 2 offers significant benefits, including the chance to train alongside Tier 1 players, eligibility for promotion, and access to our MLS NEXT Futures Program. It remains the highest-level alternative league currently available in youth soccer.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

The Girls Academy (GA) represents the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. GA is also distinguished by the active role the league’s players have in shaping the direction of the league through their player Advisory Panel. GA is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their best potential as an exceptional athlete and human being.

• In 2024/25, GA boasted over 100 member clubs, with over 14,000 players ages U13-U19, and divided into eleven conferences nationwide. League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July; the most competitive teams qualify for an additional competition.

The GA provides players with elite, high level competition in a structured national league providing: 

o Maximized college exposure through showcases, tournaments, club hosted College ID evenings and partnerships

o Reduced league travel commitments while maintaining top-tier competition

o A player-first environment with leadership opportunities (GA Players Advisory Panel)

MLS NEXT announced Tuesday De Anza Force as a founding member of MLS NEXT Tier 2. The new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season.  

Regular season play will begin in September 2025, which will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs.

The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.

I am very optimistic about the MLS NEXT new competition tier and how we can use it to push both our Tier 1 and Tier 2 players further. Competing in Tier 1 and Tier 2 will allow us further opportunities to develop our players and staff.  Finding the right resistance and success for each player will be much easier competing on the top two platforms in the country. Overall, comb

MLS NEXT Academy Staff 2025-2026

"Starting in September 2025, clubs in the program will compete in regular season games, regional tournaments, and various MLS NEXT national events as well as coaching maturation and education programs, talent identification, and high-performance opportunities. The addition of a new tier to MLS NEXT reflects Major League Soccer’s continued dedication to growing the game at the youth level,” said MLS NEXT technical director Luis Robles. “We are excited to deepen the talent pool and welcome more players and coaches as we serve with them to develop the next generation of talent who will impact the professional game and national teams.



In the expanded tier of MLS NEXT, clubs will participate in one of eight regional tournaments each season in addition to the option for eligible age groups to attend MLS NEXT Fest in December. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at MLS NEXT Cup later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to

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MLS NEXT Mission

Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life.

ALBION SC Boulder County MLS Next 2 Experience

MLS NEXT 2 is the newly developed second tier to MLS NEXT providing a streamlined pathway for players to develop. Players will train in line with the MLS NEXT vision and attend events that provide for a larger player pool, with tier 1 and tier 2 clubs competing alongside each other.

U13-U14 MLS NEXT2 teams will compete in a new division with clubs from Colorado, New Mexico and neighboring states. The league will provide an estimated 24 high-level matches between September, 2025 and May, 2026 with a post-season in June to complete a 10-month playing season.

U15-U19 MLS NEXT2 teams will also compete in a new division with clubs from Colorado, New Mexico and neighboring states. The league will provide an estimated 16 high-level matches between November, 2025 and May, 2026 with a post-season in June to complete an 8-mont