MLS Next 2 Clubs in Georgia

AFC Lightning is a youth soccer organization primarily serving Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Griffin, and Middle Georgia. The club carries on the legacy of the Lightning and Lazers clubs, established in 1984. AFC Lightning offers programs for various age groups, including Pre-Academy (6U-8U), Academy (9U-12U), and Select (13U-19U). The club is dedicated to assisting players in achieving their soccer goals and dreams, fostering a competitive and challenging environment. They emphasize unity, transparent communication, financial stewardship, and ethical standards among all members. AFC Lightning also focuses on mentoring and developing both soccer and life skills. The club provides comprehensive college preparation resources, including information on college commitments and scholarships. Their competitive programs include participation in the UPSL and SCCL leagues.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Inter Atlanta FC (IAFC) is a youth soccer organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The club offers a comprehensive player pathway, including Recreational soccer for ages 4U-19U, an Academy program for enhanced training for ages 8U-12U, and a Select program for ages 13U-19U. IAFC is dedicated to developing individual skill, fitness, teamwork, and fair play among its players. The club's Select program fields teams in top competitive leagues such as MLS Next, GA Aspire, DPL, NAL, and SCCL. Inter Atlanta FC is committed to providing access to quality soccer experiences, including the development of the new Glenwood Soccer Park to serve thousands of local youth. The organization also provides financial aid and outreach programs to ensure broader participation. IAFC focuses on player development within a team environment, prioritizing each program level to create an optimal environment for players on and off the field. The club supports players with ambitions to play professionally or collegiately, as well as those who enjoy being part of a community-based club.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Kalonji Soccer Academy (KSA) is a youth soccer organization operating in the Rock Springs Park and Harmony Grove areas. The academy focuses on instilling confidence through discipline, health, and education, providing a path and opportunity for players' journeys in soccer. KSA offers a comprehensive development process for players, emphasizing individual progress and a unique strategy for development during practices and games. The club serves various age groups through its Recreational, Pre-Academy, Academy, Select, Pro-Profile, and Semi-Pro programs. KSA's competitive programs include MLS NEXT and the UPSL Program, with Pro-Profile teams competing against MLS NEXT teams. The academy aims to develop players for success at collegiate and professional levels, with a focus on preparing individuals for strong futures in soccer and life. KSA is featured in the "Life of a Baller" documentary series by Kleats, showcasing its adult Pro-Profile team and their preparation for professional soccer life.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Lanier Soccer Association (LSA) is a non-profit youth soccer organization based in Gainesville, Georgia, operating at the Allen Creek Soccer Complex. Since 2010, LSA has been providing soccer development programs for families in the surrounding community. Their mission is to instill ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, and loyalty in young players, helping them develop into responsible adults. LSA offers a range of inclusive programs with affordable fees, from their entry-level "Shark Baits" for young children to recreational and competitive leagues, including teams in MLS Next, DPL, and SCCL, positioning themselves as a "Rec-to-Pro" organization. They focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a positive and energetic environment.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Roswell Soccer Club (RSC) is a youth soccer organization operating in Roswell, Georgia, with competitive teams playing in the broader Metro Atlanta area. The club evolved from a youth recreational soccer program initiated by the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department in 1976, with the Roswell Soccer Club formally established in the late 1980s to support these programs and fundraising efforts. RSC offers a comprehensive range of programs for youth participants aged 2-18, including Kiddie Kickers, World Cup, Recreational, Academy, and Select levels. The competitive "Santos" program, named in honor of Pelé's former team, emphasizes core values of Respect & Responsibility, Sacrifice & Service, and Commitment & Cooperation. Kevin Kratz, a former Atlanta United player, serves as the Director of Coaching, bringing professional experience to the club. For boys, RSC's First Teams compete in the MLS NEXT New Tier, a significant pathway for elite youth development. Boys' Second Teams participate in the National Academy League (NAL), while other boys' teams compete in the Southeastern Club Champions League (SCCL) Premier divisions. Girls' First Teams play in the highly competitive Developmental Players League (DPL), with other girls' teams also competing in SCCL Premier divisions. The club has a history of developing successful teams, exemplified by its U19 Girls team, which achieved multiple league championships, regional championships, and state cup wins, with players advancing to collegiate soccer.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Southern Soccer Academy is a 501-(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing soccer training and league play for 3-19 years-old boys and girls of all ability levels and backgrounds and league play for adults ages 19 and older. The club, in its various forms, has been in existence since 1982 and has locations within the metro Atlanta area in Paulding, Cobb, Douglas, Coweta, DeKalb, and Fulton counties, as well as in Savannah. The club in its current form came about as the 2012 merger of a number of pre-existing soccer clubs in the southwest, west, and northwest areas of metro Atlanta. The club's membership now exceeds 5,000 players on 400+ teams, making it one of the largest soccer clubs in the Southeastern US.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

Tormenta FC Academy offers a premier soccer experience in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, with a mission to develop individuals and bond communities through the sport. They aim to create an environment where all members thrive, emphasizing leadership, best practices, and the importance of fun in keeping kids engaged in soccer. The academy provides a pathway to professional soccer for both boys and girls, being the only youth club in the region with a direct link to a professional team. They offer various programs tailored to different ages and skill levels, including Junior Academy (U8-U12), Boys and Girls Select (U13-U19) which compete in leagues like MLS NEXT and DPL, Pre-Academy (U6-U12), Recreation Soccer (U4-U14), and a school-based program called Tormenta Futures (ages 2.5-10). They also have a TOPSoccer program for young athletes with different abilities (U4-U19). Tormenta FC Academy is committed to developing players on and off the field, focusing on skill development, character building, and instilling core values such as teamwork, openness, responsibility, motivation, enjoyment, thankfulness, and ambition. They also offer summer camps designed to promote skill development, learning, character building, and exercise through fun games. These camps are available in various locations across South Georgia and the Lowcountry.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2