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MLS NEXT have announced eight new clubs as part of the program’s expansion for the 2024-25 season. Each new member is committed to fostering elite player development with a local community framework aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals. All eight clubs will begin play in the fall of 2024.
Two clubs – AC River and Hoosier Premier Academy – will provide a full player pathway, competing in all age groups of MLS NEXT competition from U13 to U19.
With the addition of Southern States Soccer (Mississippi), MLS NEXT will also now feature teams from 35 different states, three Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia.
Connecticut United Football Club (U14, U16) will join the previously announced Carolina Core FC (U13, U14) as independent clubs in MLS NEXT Pro that will have their fully-funded academies participate in MLS NEXT. Chattanooga FC, which started competing in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024 as an independent club, will join MLS NEXT in 2025-26.
The eight expansion clubs who will debut in 2024-25 are:
- AC River (San Antonio, Texas) – U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U19
- Carolina Core FC (High Point, N.C.) – U13, U14
- Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (Aurora, Colo.) – U13, U14
- Connecticut United Football Club (Connecticut) – U14, U16
- Downtown United Soccer Club (New York, N.Y.) – U13, U14
- Hoosier Premier Academy (Noblesville, Ind.) – U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U19
- Keystone FC (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) – U13, U14, U15
- Southern States Soccer (Hattiesburg, Miss.) – U13, U14, U15
“At their core, each expansion club has their own unique commitment to player development through high-level leadership and an emphasis on the holistic growth of each player, coach and staff member,” said MLS Executive Vice President Charles Altchek. “We are proud to add these eight clubs and grateful for the overwhelming interest we received to join MLS NEXT in 2024-25. MLS NEXT is the most elite player development program in North America and a top program globally.”
MLS NEXT annually executes a rigorous expansion process to select new clubs to compete in the upcoming season. Several factors were considered, including top-notch training plans, experienced coaching, effective player ID and recruitment, high-quality facilities, cutting-edge technological opportunities, and defined player pathways. Off the field, clubs were required to demonstrate a mission-aligned culture with core values, overall community engagement, holistic development strategies, a strong commitment to access and representation, robust financial aid and scholarship programs, and a forward-thinking leadership team. These characteristics ensured that chosen clubs aligned with MLS NEXT’s standards for accessibility, representation, and player development within North America’s most elite platform for youth soccer.
