MLS Next Clubs in New Jersey

The New York Red Bulls offer a multi-layered youth soccer development system, providing a professional training environment for young players in the Tri-State area. A key component of this system is the New York Red Bulls Academy, which participates in MLS NEXT, the top tier of youth soccer in the United States. The Academy is a cost-free program designed to develop elite players, with the ultimate goal of progressing them to the Red Bulls First Team. Academy teams range from U-12 to U-19 and train multiple times a week under professional staff. The Red Bulls Player Development System also includes grassroots programs, skills clinics, and the Regional Development School (RDS), which serves as a recruitment tool for the Academy. The MLS NEXT platform provides players with high-level competition, training, and opportunities for personal development, preparing them for potential professional or college careers.

Leagues: MLS Next

TSF Academy, established in 2005, is a premier soccer academy in New Jersey dedicated to elite player development. Their mission is to inspire, educate, and develop players and teams by providing an elite training environment and club culture. TSF Academy aims to help young players reach their optimal playing level and athletic potential while fostering a lifelong passion for soccer. They focus on developing intelligent players with excellent game understanding to improve decision-making and execution. TSF Academy also uses soccer as a platform to instill discipline, respect, good manners, and a strong work ethic in young people. They are an affiliate of the New York Red Bulls, offering players a pathway to a professional club. TSF Academy teams compete in leagues such as MLS Next, the Elite Academy League, EDP, and US Youth Soccer National League. In addition to competitive teams, TSF Academy offers various programs including summer camps, Junior Academy, Goalkeeper Academy, and Individual Development Training (IDT) sessions designed to enhance technical, physical, and tactical skills. They also offer Winter and Summer Select programs for supplemental training and competition during the off-season. TSF Academy is recognized as a leading soccer training center in the United States, with teams having competed internationally.

Leagues: MLS Next

Ironbound Soccer Club is a youth soccer program in Newark, New Jersey, founded in 2006 through the merger of Ironbound Strikers and Ironbound Crusaders. The club offers programs for players of all ages and skill levels, from a developmental league for younger children to competitive travel and elite teams. Ironbound SC aims to develop players capable of earning college scholarships and pursuing professional careers, while also emphasizing character, self-esteem, confidence, and sportsmanship. They have achieved success in state, regional, and national competitions and have produced players who have gone on to professional soccer. Ironbound SC is an official club with an academy league supported by the United Soccer League (USL) and has a long-standing affiliation with the New York Red Bulls Academy, providing a player pathway to the professional level. The club is deeply rooted in the Ironbound neighborhood's rich soccer heritage, influenced by the area's Portuguese community.

Leagues: MLS Next

Cedar Stars Academy - Bergen is a premier youth soccer academy located in Carlstadt, New Jersey. It is the flagship division of Cedar Stars Academy and serves surrounding areas including Secaucus, Kearny, East Rutherford, Union City, Lodi, Hasbrouck Heights, Paterson, Hoboken, and Fort Lee. The academy offers programs for both boys and girls and is a member of elite youth soccer organizations such as MLS Next, Girls Academy League, USYS Elite 64, and the National Academy League. Cedar Stars Academy - Bergen is a founding member of the MLS Next platform, which provides a high level of competition and development for male players. The academy focuses on player development through quality coaching, access to facilities, and a structured pathway designed to enhance individual skills and team play. They aim to create a soccer-specific culture that challenges and stimulates players to raise their overall standard.

Leagues: MLS Next

Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth is a youth soccer academy located at the Capelli Sport Complex in Tinton Falls, NJ. They offer a competitive learning environment for players to develop their skills and understanding of the game. Programs are available for various age groups, starting from 4 years old, and include beginner and development programs like the ROOTS program. They also have travel teams for older age groups, with tryouts typically starting in March. The academy focuses on technical ability, tactical knowledge, and physical aptitude, with a philosophy of "PLAY TO LEARN AND LEARN BY PLAYING". Training takes place at the Capelli Sport Complex, which features synthetic outdoor fields and an indoor facility. Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth participates in elite youth leagues such as MLS Next and the Girls Academy League.

Leagues: MLS Next

Real Futbol Academy (RFA), formerly Real Jersey Football Club, is a premier youth soccer program based in Medford, New Jersey, founded in 2016. RFA is recognized for developing exceptional talent that competes at various levels, including national championships, collegiate programs, and professional arenas. They field teams for age groups U8 to U19, competing in leagues such as MLS NEXT, MLS NEXT 2, GIRLS ACADEMY, and NATIONAL ACADEMY LEAGUE. RFA emphasizes a holistic approach to player development, focusing on cultivating a winning mentality, a defined playing style, and camaraderie, guided by principles of grit, passion, and excellence. They have strong ties to the Philadelphia Union, leveraging their player development platform. RFA has a successful track record of placing players in collegiate programs and has had athletes represent the United States in international competition and play professionally.

Leagues: MLS Next

Players Development Academy (PDA) is a non-profit youth soccer organization in New Jersey, founded in 1998. PDA is recognized as a significant force in youth soccer, focusing on player development in a soccer-specific environment for young athletes from diverse backgrounds. They offer year-round training programs aimed at developing players to their full potential through high-quality instruction and exposure to top-level competition. PDA forms boys' and girls' teams across various age groups, from Under-9 to Under-19, who compete in premier leagues and national tournaments. A key objective is to provide players with opportunities to gain recognition for success at collegiate, national team, and professional levels. PDA is affiliated with MLS Next, among other soccer organizations. They also have a strong commitment to community, notably through their annual Soccer Marathon which benefits Special Olympics New Jersey.

Leagues: MLS Next, ECNL Girls, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls