MLS Next 2 Clubs near Santa Barbara, California

Oaks FC is a youth soccer organization based in Thousand Oaks, California, serving the Conejo Valley and San Fernando Valley regions. The club has continuously operated in Thousand Oaks since the early 1980s and became a non-profit corporation in 1987. Oaks FC provides soccer education for boys and girls ranging from 4 through 19 years old, including a Juniors Program for the youngest players. The club emphasizes player development over a winning-at-all-costs mentality, fostering a challenging and supportive environment. It offers a clear player pathway, facilitating a smooth transition from recreational to competitive club soccer. From 2015-2021, Oaks FC operated as an LA Galaxy affiliate, LA Galaxy Conejo Valley. Oaks FC competitive teams participate in top-tier leagues such as ECNL, ECNL-RL, and the Elite Academy (EA) League. They are also a US Club Soccer affiliate and compete in the SOCAL Soccer League and Coast Soccer League. Oaks FC is listed as an MLS NEXT Academy Division Member Club for the 2025-26 season, providing a pathway to professional soccer. The club has a history of developing players, including notable alumni like Cobi Jones and Eric Wynalda.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Ventura County Fusion is a founding member of MLS NEXT, an elite youth development platform in partnership with Major League Soccer. This platform aims to transform youth player development in the United States and Canada by providing elite year-round competition, player identification initiatives, coaching education, and other programming. MLS NEXT operates with a collaborative governance structure to accelerate and enhance player development in North America. VC Fusion's participation in MLS NEXT means their players will compete against top teams, including MLS Academies and foreign competition, providing a challenging environment for player growth. Ventura County Fusion offers a full elite player pathway for youth players, with teams competing in various leagues including MLS NEXT.

Leagues: MLS Next | MLS Next 2 | NPL