AC River
"AC River, born from the purpose-driven vision of Soccer Central San Antonio, embodies a new era of soccer in South Texas. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of San Antonio, the river city, our club aims to flow with the same dynamic energy, carving new paths and creating unforgettable experiences for players and fans alike.
Just as the San Antonio River connects cultures and stories, AC River is poised to forge connections within our community and beyond. With our roots firmly planted in San Antonio soil, we aim to embody the same dynamic energy and spirit that flows through the heart of our beloved river city. Together, we'll navigate the currents of competition and build bridges of camaraderie that span beyond the pitch. This is more than just soccer - it's a movement, and AC River is leading the charge.
AC River's integration into MLS NEXT marks a pivotal moment in our journey, solidifying our commitment to excellence and innovation. Our house at Soccer Central San Antonio, boasting its state-of-the-art facility, underscores our dedication to providing unparalleled opportunities for young talent. With cutting-edge technology and tailored programs, we're not just shaping athletes; we're sculpting future stars who will illuminate the soccer world."
Carolina Core FC
"CCFC joining MLS NEXT is an important step because it removes the barriers of the pay to play system. This platform provides opportunities to the best players in our community, regardless of cost. MLS NEXT is just the beginning of the professional player pathway and it provides players with the necessary platform to make it to MLS." – Eddie Pope, CCFC Academy Executive Director for MLS NEXT
Chattanooga FC (joining in 2025-26)
Chattanooga Football Club CEO Alton Byrd on importance of joining MLS NEXT:
"Chattanooga Football Club is truly excited by the opportunity to enter MLS NEXT in 2025. We are planning in 2024 for entry in the league and MLS NEXT will give us a further platform for excellence that has already been created by our existing Chattanooga Football Club infrastructure. We are really looking forward to entrance and active participation in MLS NEXT representing the City of Chattanooga!"
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
"We're thrilled to join MLS Next, continuing the Colorado Rapids legacy by forging a complete pathway from grassroots to pro within our organization. Our ambition to nurture talent from the ground up, empower athletes to realize their full potential, and develop the next generation of soccer players in Colorado will be strengthened through our participation in MLS NEXT. - Danny Bills, Chief of Soccer Operations
Connecticut United FC
"We are delighted to launch CT United Academy and announce it will compete in North America's top youth soccer league, MLS NEXT," said Michelle Swanston, Partner, Connecticut Sports Group. "Our mission is to provide young athletes across Connecticut with access to top-tier training and development opportunities, regardless of their background or financial means."
Downtown United Soccer Club
"We are delighted to announce that DUSC has been invited to join the MLS NEXT U13 and U14 divisions for the 2024-2025 season. MLS NEXT will provide the most structured, high-level platform, a professional game-day environment, and a collaborative club experience alongside the nation’s premier clubs. Our invitation to join MLS NEXT marks a pivotal milestone in our club's growth and development. It opens pathways for our Boys Academy players to pursue their development opportunities at the highest level possible."
Hoosier Premier Academy
"We are excited to be a part of this collaborative effort in forming Hoosier Premier Academy, and look forward to creating a positive environment that is focused on developing top-tier players in Indiana to compete in MLS NEXT. We are looking forward to guiding and helping our players reach their goals on and off the field within Hoosier Premier Academy and beyond." - Tom Keenan, Executive Director of Coaching, Hoosier FC
"The acceptance of Hoosier Premier Academy into MLS NEXT beginning in the 2024-2025 season is a huge accomplishment for soccer in Indiana. We are so excited that players will get the opportunity to showcase their talents on such a stage, and we can’t wait to get started. I want to acknowledge and thank the coaches, players, and families who have paved the way, earning Hoosier Premier Academy a place in MLS NEXT. - Joel Chalkley, Boys Director of Coaching, Indy Premier
Keystone FC
"MLS NEXT continues to elevate the quality of soccer in this country, and we are honored to bring the top youth soccer program in North America to central Pennsylvania for the 2024-25 season. The league's core values and focus on developing youth players closely align with our beliefs, and we are thrilled to create more opportunities for players in our region," said Jason Brockman, Keystone FC MLS NEXT Director of Coaching. "This marks a key milestone for our club as we prepare to compete on the biggest stage and showcase our talents at a national level. Thank you MLS NEXT for welcoming Keystone FC to the league and entrusting us with this important role in our community.
Long Island Soccer Club
“LISC is tremendously proud to have been selected as the first MLS NEXT program in Nassau and Suffolk County, joining the USA’s most elite clubs in providing Long Island players with access to the highest level of player opportunity and development,” said LISC Technical Director Gary Book.
“LISC’s selection through the exacting MLS NEXT process speaks volumes to our commitment to provide an environment that consistently reflects and delivers excellence, both on and off the field. The whole club is incredibly excited to continue our mission of developing top-level players, while further extending our positive impact and exceptional support of the Long Island soccer community.”
Southern States Soccer
"The vision has always been to elevate the existing culture of soccer in the south," said Carl Reynolds, Director of Coaching at Southern States Soccer. “To bring the most professional environment for an area that needs and deserves it. MLS is the highest standard of soccer in North America. If we want to continue to chase our vision, we must be aligned with the best.”
Reynolds went on to say, “MLS has been fantastic throughout this entire process. Their philosophy towards the development of players in this country is something we support and are humbled to be a part of. Southern States Soccer has come a very long way in a short amount of time. To say we are motivated and primed to keep raising our standards would be an understatement. This is the first of many big things to come for this club. We are looking forward to being the flagship of the south."
