MLS Next Clubs in North Carolina

Carolina Core FC Academy is a groundbreaking initiative focused on youth soccer development, participating in the MLS NEXT league. The academy aims to revolutionize youth soccer in the region by providing a fully funded program for players, removing financial barriers often associated with high-level youth soccer. This approach ensures that talent and potential are the primary factors in a player's journey, offering young athletes an unprecedented opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach the highest level of the sport. Carolina Core FC Academy began participating in MLS NEXT in the 2024 season with U13 and U14 teams and has been accepted into MLS NEXT's new competition tier starting in Fall 2025. MLS NEXT is considered the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. The academy is committed to creating a level playing field for every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, to chase their aspirations of a professional soccer career.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Charlotte FC Academy is the youth development arm of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Charlotte FC, operating in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. The Academy focuses on identifying and developing elite youth soccer talent. It serves various age groups, with news articles mentioning U-16 teams and players being called up to U-19 national teams, indicating a focus on older youth players. A unique selling point is its direct affiliation with an MLS club, providing a clear pathway for talented players to potentially advance to professional levels, including the Crown Legacy FC (the MLS NEXT Pro team) and the Charlotte FC first team. The Academy competes in the MLS NEXT league, which is the highest level of youth soccer in North America. The program includes a Discovery Program and a Homestay Program, supporting player development and well-being. The Academy consistently participates in high-level competitions such as the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and the Generation adidas Cup.

Leagues: MLS Next

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its surrounding communities. The club was established in April 2019 through the merger of Carolina Rapids Soccer Club, Discoveries Soccer Club, and Lake Norman Soccer Club, making it one of the largest youth soccer clubs in the United States with approximately 12,000 members. CISC offers a comprehensive range of programs for boys and girls, serving age groups from U-7 through U-19. A unique feature of the club is its direct pathway to professional soccer, stemming from its affiliation with the Charlotte Independence USL League One team. The club also supports USL League Two and USL W League teams, providing further opportunities for player development. Charlotte Independence Soccer Club emphasizes a strong club culture, player development, and community growth. Their competitive teams participate in top-tier leagues including MLS Next, ECNL, ECNL Regional League, NPL, and USL Academy. The club is committed to developing players and promoting the game of soccer through core values such as Character, Commitment, Community, Competition, and Communication.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

Queen City Mutiny is a premier youth soccer club based in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on developing players aged 6 to 19. They aim to foster youth soccer talent through player development programs, scholarships, and a holistic environment. Their mission is to develop world-class professional players using a unique methodology and values. Queen City Mutiny offers various programs, including a Youth Academy, Pre-MLS Academy, and MLS NEXT. Their development philosophy is built on four pillars: Strength and Conditioning, Technical Training, Tactical Understanding, and Competition, with a focus on personalized growth. As part of the MLS Next league, their teams compete against other top youth academies, providing exposure and a pathway for players aspiring to collegiate and professional levels. They also provide comprehensive support, including academic advising, college recruitment assistance, and life skills training.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Triangle United is a community-driven youth soccer club in the Chapel Hill/Durham area of North Carolina, formed in 2005 by the merger of the Durham Chapel Hill Strikers and Chapel Hill United. It is the largest youth soccer club in the Western Triangle area. Triangle United provides a positive, healthy, and progressive environment for youth development through soccer for players aged 3 to 19, offering both recreational and travel programs. They focus on character and skill development for approximately 2,800 children, providing trained coaches and maintaining fields. The club emphasizes core values such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, diversity, and providing excellent training. They aim for a balanced youth experience that respects family values and promotes good citizenship through community involvement. Triangle United offers various programs, including the Girls Academy and MLS NEXT for the highest level of competition, as well as the Youth Development Academy (YDA) for players transitioning to competitive soccer. They also have a partnership with Tobacco Road FC to offer players an opportunity to play in the USL Academy.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

Wake Futbol Club (Wake FC) is a youth soccer club based in Holly Springs, North Carolina, founded in 2012. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a character-building soccer experience for young athletes in Wake County and surrounding areas. Wake FC aims to promote soccer at all levels and build lasting community relationships. They offer quality coaching and training in a positive and safe environment for players of all ages and levels. Wake FC's senior teams compete in USL League Two (men) and USL W League (women). The club emphasizes core values of character, integrity, and accountability. Wake FC operates regional hubs in North and South Wake County to better serve its members.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2