MLS Next Clubs in New York, New York

Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) is a comprehensive youth soccer club in NYC, serving around 5,000 participants annually. They offer programs for all ages and skill levels, from beginner classes for three-year-olds to highly competitive U23 teams. DUSC is committed to providing opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds and offers significant financial aid. DUSC is a member of MLS NEXT, providing a high-level platform for player development. They joined MLS NEXT for the U13 and U14 divisions in the 2024-2025 season and have been granted MLS NEXT Full Pathway status (U13-U19) starting in Fall 2025. This allows their Boys Academy players to pursue development opportunities at the highest level. DUSC is the only club in NYC that is a member of both the Girls Academy (GA) and MLS NEXT, offering extensive playing opportunities in the city. They will also have both their first and second teams competing in MLS youth platforms starting in Fall 2025 with the introduction of a Tier 2 league program.

Leagues: MLS Next

New York City FC is dedicated to youth soccer development, offering a clear pathway for young players through their youth programs and MLS NEXT Academy. The club's youth initiatives include Regional Hubs with programs like "City Roots" for players aged 5-8, focusing on fundamental skills in a fun environment. For players aged 9-11, NYCFC offers Boys Select Teams and Girls Teams that provide advanced training and competitive play, aiming to identify and develop talent. These teams compete in leagues such as EDP and the Girls Academy - Aspire league. The NYCFC Boys Academy is a free-to-play program for players U12 and older, operating with the goal of identifying, developing, and producing top local youth players in the New York Metropolitan area. The Academy operates across multiple age groups (U12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19) and provides coaching, guidance, and evaluation with direct contact to Academy and first-team staff. The Academy emphasizes a development philosophy that includes technical skill, possession-based play, and high pressing, aligning with the first team's style. Players in the Academy have opportunities to compete in top-level tournaments, including MLS NEXT Fest and the Generation Adidas Cup. NYCFC's Academy has a track record of developing players who have gone on to play for the first team and in Europe. NYCFC also has Youth Affiliate Clubs, providing technical support and a pathway for players within these partner clubs to potentially reach the highest levels of competition. The club's youth programs and Academy prioritize player welfare, well-being, and education both on and off the field.

Leagues: MLS Next