MLS Next Clubs near Shelby, North Carolina

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

Fox Soccer Academy Carolinas is a youth soccer organization operating in the Carolinas, with a primary presence in Mooresville, NC, and the greater Charlotte area. The academy was established in the spring of 2023 by Premier League champion and current Charlotte FC assistant coach, Christian Fuchs. It provides year-round elite soccer programs for boys and girls ranging from 3 to 19 years old, including "Mini Foxes" for younger age groups. The club distinguishes itself through a European-style, player-centered approach, implementing a Premier League Curriculum designed to develop players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. Fox Soccer Academy Carolinas emphasizes a "person-centric" philosophy, focusing on the holistic development of each individual. The academy maintains a team cap to ensure personalized attention for every player within a professional environment. It offers pathways for talented players, including international exposure within the Fox Soccer Academy network and connections with professional scouts and agents. Fox Soccer Academy Carolinas competes in MLS Next, a top competitive youth soccer league. The club also demonstrates a commitment to community impact through its partnership with The Gift of Soccer Foundation, collecting and repurposing soccer gear for underserved communities globally.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

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