MLS Next Clubs in Texas

FC Dallas Youth is a leading youth soccer club in the United States, offering programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Their approach, known as "The FCD Way," focuses on holistic player development, emphasizing technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal growth both on and off the field. This includes aspects like player welfare, integrity, academic support, college preparation, and sportsmanship. The club provides a progressive curriculum for boys and girls from U7 to U19, with age-specific instruction designed to meet developmental needs. They offer various programs, including Youth Player Development camps for beginners aged 6-9, and more advanced programs like Junior Player Development, Advanced Player Development, and Elite Academy Development for older players. FC Dallas Youth also has an Academy program with teams participating in leagues like MLS NEXT and ECNL, providing a competitive environment where players can be scouted by national teams and college programs. Players in the FC Dallas Youth program have access to professional coaching staff, training facilities at Toyota Stadium and Toyota Soccer Center, and opportunities to interact with the professional team. The club has a history of developing players who go on to play in college and professionally, with many Academy graduates signing professional contracts or playing for college programs.

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

The Dallas Hornets Soccer Club, established in 1985, is a prominent youth soccer development club in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They are one of only two MLS Next clubs in the area, aiming to be a national leader in youth soccer while setting a high standard in North Texas. The club focuses on cultivating talent on the field and developing compassionate and educated individuals who prioritize service to the community. They offer a pathway for players to reach the highest level of soccer possible, with experienced coaches who provide personalized development based on each player's unique needs and goals. The Dallas Hornets utilize facilities in Plano and Rockwall, including a partnership with The Athletic Club - The Colony for training and matches.

Leagues: MLS Next

The Houston Dynamo FC Academy is dedicated to developing young soccer players to the highest international youth standards. The academy provides a holistic development program focusing on athletic, academic, and social growth. They utilize a unique Game Model and methodology across three phases of development: Foundation, Formation, and Pre-Professional, with vertical integration to the Houston Dynamo First Team. The academy aims to cultivate a growth mindset, teach the game in a positive way, and develop skillful and intelligent players. Their goal is to prepare players for national and international competition, and potentially integration into a professional environment, including the MLS First Team or MLS NEXT Pro team, or to obtain scholarships to NCAA universities. The academy is located at the Houston Sports Park, which serves as the professional training center for the Dynamo first team and youth academy. The Dynamo Youth program also includes teams competing in MLS NEXT and ECNL for various age groups.

Leagues: MLS Next

The Houston Rangers are a soccer club dedicated to providing a safe and professional environment for youth player development in Houston. Their mission is to be a leader in player development in the region. They offer competitive programs for boys and girls. The boys' teams compete in MLS Next and Texas 2, while the girls' teams compete in DPL. The club was founded in 2022 with the help of Josh Gardner, who serves as the academy director. They aim to foster the growth of talented youth players in Katy and West Houston. The Houston Rangers also provide financial support to families in need, ensuring opportunities for players to compete at a high level.

Leagues: MLS Next

GFI Academy is a premier youth soccer club in the Houston area, with locations in The Woodlands-Spring, Grand Oaks, Spring Branch, and Sugar Land. They are dedicated to player development, focusing on empowering players to reach their full potential both on and off the field through their GFI Players Centric Methodology. This philosophy emphasizes fundamental values and provides access to resources, facilities, experiences, and support. Players are trained by top coaches with international experience and professional coaching licenses from UEFA and USSF. GFI Academy offers a pathway to college and professional soccer, with partnerships including Chivas Guadalajara and C.F. Fuenlabrada. They offer programs for boys and girls born between 2015 and 2006, including MLS Next Gen, Texas Next, MLS Next, Girls DPL, and DPL Next teams. GFI Academy also offers summer camps for various age groups and skill levels, including specialized goalkeeper training. Additionally, they have a boarding program with options for HomeStay, Boarding School, and a European Academy in Madrid, combining education with athlete development.

Leagues: MLS Next

AC River, born from the vision of Soccer Central San Antonio, is a youth soccer club in South Texas. Inspired by the city of San Antonio, the "River City," AC River aims to embody the same dynamic energy and spirit. The club is dedicated to forging connections within the community and beyond, building bridges of camaraderie. AC River is part of the MLS NEXT league, which is the top level of boys' youth soccer in the United States, providing a pathway to professional soccer for players from U13 to U19. They are the only club in San Antonio participating in MLS NEXT. AC River operates out of Soccer Central San Antonio's 82,000 square foot facility, offering programs like individualized player performance plans, coaching education, and access to technology. They offer programs for players of all ages and skill levels, participating in leagues such as PDF, WDDOA, UPSL, Texas 2, and MLS Next. AC River is committed to excellence and innovation in youth soccer, aiming to inspire, empower, and create lasting legacies on and off the pitch.

Leagues: MLS Next

IDEA Toros Futbol Academy is a youth soccer program that is a member of MLS NEXT. MLS NEXT is an elite youth soccer league in the United States and Canada, organized and controlled by Major League Soccer. The IDEA Toros program includes an MLS NEXT program for elite athletes, with a Director of Soccer Program Coaching responsible for developing and implementing training programs for student-athletes. This program aims to provide players with high-level training, competition, and exposure to college, professional, and national team scouts. IDEA Toros Futbol Academy has teams competing in various age groups within MLS NEXT, such as the U17 and U19 teams.

Leagues: MLS Next

Capital City Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer club in Central Texas, founded in 2018 with the goal of improving soccer in the region with a local identity. They are dedicated to developing skilled players and fostering a love for the game, emphasizing both individual growth and teamwork. The club aims to create a supportive community and provide a complete soccer experience for players and families. Capital City SC offers professional coaching and player development for youth soccer enthusiasts, with a focus on fostering skills and confidence on and off the field. They have experienced significant growth since their founding, expanding their teams and staff. The club has achieved notable on-field success, including state championships and appearances in major tournaments like the Dallas Cup. They were accepted into the MLS NEXT league for the 2023-2024 season, receiving full acceptance across all six age groups. Capital City SC is recognized for its player-centric approach and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.

Leagues: MLS Next

The Austin FC Academy is a fully funded development academy based in Austin, Texas, that provides a pathway for talented young players to potentially reach the professional level. It is part of the MLS NEXT system, which is managed by Major League Soccer. The Academy began play in 2019 with a U-14 team and has since expanded to include multiple age groups. The Academy trains at the St. David's Performance Center alongside the Austin FC first team and Austin FC II, the club's MLS NEXT Pro team. The Academy focuses on developing players both on and off the field, with a tailored approach that includes academic support. Several Academy players have gone on to sign professional contracts, including the first Academy product to sign with the Austin FC first team.

Leagues: MLS Next