Media Resources - MLS NEXT Development Grant

Further details about the MLS NEXT Development Grant can be found at the below link:

MLS NEXT Development Grant Details

Photo and video assets for each of the eligible players and clubs for the MLS NEXT Development Grant can be found at the below link:

Digital Assets for MLS NEXT Development Grant

Ged Quinn, Academy Director, Barça Residency Academy USA

"Brooklyn first stepped onto our academy during one of our winter camp programs in January of 2018 as a 12-year-old boy. It was clear then, at that young age, that he was a special talent and one we would love to have as part of our academy here in Arizona. In the summer of that same year Brooklyn and his family relocated from Chicago to Arizona, and Brooklyn joined our program on a full-time basis, playing up an age group on our U15 team for the 2018-19 season. During the four years in which Brooklyn was a part of our academy he was consistently playing above his true age group and excelled while doing so. Outside of playing in our MLS NEXT platform, he also had multiple training stints at La Masia in Spain with the FC Barcelona academy teams. All of these experiences helped to advance his development as a player and ultimately prepare him for that next level of the game. Seeing Brooklyn grow and mature on and off the field was an absolute pleasure and his infectious smile and personality made him a favorite with all of the departments within our residency program. It came as no surprise to us that Brooklyn garnered a lot of attention from professional clubs within Major League Soccer and it was a proud moment for all of us when he signed an MLS first-team contract with Houston Dynamo in February of 2022 as a 16-year-old. This was fully deserved for Brooklyn and a great first step in his career as a professional soccer player.”

"Our Academy and others across the U.S. provide great platforms for players like Brooklyn to develop holistically while still playing in the MLS NEXT system. The Development Grant that we receive from MLS will be reinvested into our scholarship fund in order to help provide future opportunities for the next generation of players coming through our program here at Barça Residency Academy."

Brooklyn Raines, Houston Dynamo FC midfielder

“I was about 13 years old when I joined the Barca Residency Academy and they saw potential in me. But more so on my part, it was about learning and being as active as I could, understanding that the Barca system is one of the best in the world. It’s very beneficial that they try to implement a culture of learning into younger players, especially since they are a possession-based team. That allows players to work in tights spaces and practice working on two touches, breaking lines and trying to always go forward. The coaching staff was also always wanting to give back to the players and letting us know that they were there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience there and the Barca Academy was always a great support system.”

Luis Mendoza, Technical Director, Weston FC

"This year Weston FC celebrates its 25th Anniversary. The Club has a long history of developing players and assisting in placing players at the collegiate and professional level. As an MLS NEXT club, we adhere to the highest technical and professional standards. The pathway that MLS NEXT provides to MLS NEXT clubs gives our players an opportunity to achieve their dream of playing professional soccer. Benjamin Cremaschi is an example of the success of the MLS NEXT program, and he has left an important mark in our Club's legacy.”

Throughout the years that Benjamin played for the Club, he demonstrated hard work, dedication and a professional mentality. As the Director of Weston FC, I was able to see Benjamin's evolution, both as a player and a human being. His commitment and work ethic set him apart on his path to professional success, representing our Club's values.

Benjamin played an important role in securing a National Championship for Weston FC, showcasing teamwork and leadership. This achievement speaks to the winning culture in our Club. Benjamin's legacy at the Club serves as an inspiration for all our players. He is a role model emphasizing that with grit, determination, and humility, dreams can become reality.

We are very appreciative of the grant being provided to us by MLS NEXT. Weston FC provides significant financial aid to players and families in need. This grant will help to support players who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play with an MLS NEXT club like ours.”

Clint Baumstark, Academy Director, Real Colorado

"Adam Beaudry's tenure at Real Colorado, from ages 9 to 16, embodied a journey marked by leadership and unwavering dedication. A linchpin in every academy team, he not only upheld high standards for himself but also inspired his fellow goalkeepers with his relentless commitment. Supported by his family's steadfast involvement, they all epitomized the club's values both on and off the field, always giving as much as they’ve got.

Real Colorado believes our impact extends from player development, into fostering a culture of teamwork and beyond with cohesion in our community. The club enthusiastically applauds the initiative of the Development Grant. We believe it will allow us to continue to elevate our standards as well as enrich the landscape of youth soccer, benefiting Real Colorado and the wider community alike."

Justin Bokmeyer, General Manager, MLS NEXT

“The MLS NEXT Development Grant is an important program that will positively impact MLS NEXT Elite Academies and Major League Soccer by rewarding those clubs for their critical role in the growth of the best young players in the United States and Canada.”

Rick Derella, President/Technical Director, Oakwood Soccer Club

“Peyton Miller fit perfectly into our academy environment with his character, drive and extreme talent. Our club model and intimate training facility allowed Peyton access to extra training, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when individual training was required to stay fit and on top of your game.”

“Oakwood is a boutique club where top talents can train on-demand year-round with our club-controlled indoor and outdoor facilities. At the age of 13, Peyton took ownership of his development within our club culture. Peyton is grounded, generous and grateful – all very good attributes for a teenager these days.”

Juan Fresquez, MLS NEXT Director of Coaching, RSL Arizona

“As a player, if you want to become an elite player, you must play in the best league. MLS NEXT, in my opinion, is the best youth soccer platform in this country. The ability to sponsor players from all social-economic backgrounds is very important. Player development needs to be accessible regardless of where you come from."

Steve Trittschuh, Academy Director, St. Louis Scott Gallagher

"Caden Glover and Tyson Pearce are two players in a long line of players from our club that have gone on to sign professional contracts in the USA or abroad. This club has done a fantastic job throughout the years of preparing players to play at the professional level and to represent the USA at the International level. We have a proven track record. In terms of development, our club provides all the necessary ingredients for players with the ambition to play at the next level."