Major League Soccer and adidas have introduced the MLS Youth Affiliate Network, which will provide access to players, coaches and clubs across all levels, the league announced Monday. It will launch this fall, ahead of the 2019/20 youth academy season.
The MLS Youth Affiliate Network will improve athlete identification and development, as well as creating a path to professional soccer for youth players. Select players within the network will participate in elite player development and talent identification programming while coaches will have access to high-level coaching education opportunities.
“Major League Soccer is committed to growing the game of soccer in the United States and Canada from the youth level to the pros,” MLS VP of Player Development Fred Lipka said in a league statement. “The launch of The MLS Youth Affiliate Program, with the support from Adidas, allows us to strengthen our ecosystem by casting a wider net at the youth level.”
The MLS Youth Affiliate Network will also grant access to the MLS Youth Affiliate Coaches Summit at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in January 2020.
“Through this new program, Major League Soccer and Adidas will create unparalleled visibility and exposure for young creators that have the skills to get to next level of the game, driving long-term benefits for their future” said Aaron Maines Head of U.S. Soccer Sports Marketing for Adidas. “At Adidas, we believe that through sport, we have the power to change lives, and this initiative helps support that position for affiliate players in the network, and beyond.”
