MLS Next Clubs in Texas

Austin FC Academy is a youth soccer organization operating in Austin, Texas, as the official academy of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Austin FC. The academy focuses on developing elite youth soccer talent within the region. It serves various age groups, with teams competing at U-15, U-16, and U-18 levels. A key distinguishing feature is its direct affiliation with a professional MLS club, providing a clear pathway for player development into professional soccer. The academy's teams compete in the MLS NEXT league, which is a top-tier youth soccer platform in North America. Austin FC Academy emphasizes a comprehensive development approach, including technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of the game. The academy regularly participates in significant youth soccer events, such as the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. It also hosts goalkeeper clinics, demonstrating a commitment to specialized training. The program aims to prepare players for collegiate and professional soccer careers.

Leagues: MLS Next

Capital City SC is a youth soccer organization based in Central Texas, with a strong presence in Austin. The club was founded in the fall of 2018 with a mission to enhance soccer in the region and foster a local identity. Capital City SC provides programs for a wide range of age groups, from young children aged 2-5 in their Soccer Stars program, through various competitive youth levels including Junior Academy and Select teams. The club emphasizes the holistic development of both players and individuals, aiming to build confidence and awareness on and off the field. A notable feature is their comprehensive College Pathway program, designed to guide players towards collegiate soccer opportunities. Capital City SC competes in prominent national leagues such as MLS NEXT, GA Aspire, DPL, and Elite Academy (EA). They also offer a UPSL program, providing a pathway for players into semi-professional soccer. The club is dedicated to providing a complete soccer experience for its players and their families.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

The Dallas Hornets Soccer Club is a prominent youth soccer organization operating within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and North Texas region. Established in 1985, the club has a long-standing history in youth soccer development. It is recognized as one of only two MLS Next clubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, signifying its elite competitive standing. The club aims to be a leader in youth soccer development, setting an elite standard within North Texas. Beyond on-field talent cultivation, the Dallas Hornets are committed to developing compassionate and educated individuals who prioritize community service. The club offers programs that include participation in the MLS Next league, a top-tier youth soccer platform. They also have a presence in the UPSL Division 1. The Dallas Hornets have expanded their reach through strategic partnerships with other soccer entities, such as Supra United FC and American Academy of Soccer. The club focuses on player development across various youth age groups, with players listed from different high school graduation years.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

FC Dallas Youth is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in the Dallas area, serving as the youth development arm of Major League Soccer's FC Dallas. The club offers programs for boys and girls across various age groups, specifically from 7U through 19U. FC Dallas Youth is distinguished by its comprehensive player development pathway, which aims to transition talented youth players into professional ranks. They participate in top competitive soccer leagues, including MLS Next for boys and ECNL for both boys and girls. The club has a strong track record of success, with multiple teams winning Dallas Cup titles across various divisions. Furthermore, FC Dallas Youth is recognized for developing players who advance to collegiate and professional levels, with alumni representing the U.S. National Team. The club also emphasizes a holistic approach to player development, encompassing skills training, performance enhancement, and college placement guidance.

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

Global Football Innovation Academy (GFI Academy) is a youth soccer organization operating across Houston, South Texas, and Austin, with multiple locations including The Woodlands, Grand Oaks, Spring Branch, and Sugar Land. The academy serves a wide range of age groups, from recreational players born in 2020 (U-5) to high-performance athletes born in 2006 (U-19). GFI Academy distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive pathway to college and professional soccer through partnerships with international clubs like C.F. Fuenlabrada and C.D. Guadalajara. It is the only club in Houston providing this direct professional pathway. The club's unique "Players of Life" program focuses on developing well-rounded individuals alongside soccer skills, empowering athletes in key life areas. GFI Academy offers various competitive programs, including MLS Next Homegrown, MLS Next Academy, GA Aspire, Girls DPL, Texas Next, and Next Gen/GA Futures. The academy also features a Pro Pathway that includes USL2. Additionally, GFI Academy provides specialized training such as high-performance, private coaching, goalkeeper training, and sport psychology. The organization also offers a GFI Learning Center and boarding options for its athletes.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

The Houston Dynamo FC Academy is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Houston, Texas. The Academy commenced its first training sessions in March 2007, following the establishment of the Houston Dynamo FC in December 2005. It provides an elite training environment for young players, utilizing a clear Game Model and development methodology. The Academy serves various age groups, including U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-18. A key feature is its vertical integration with the Houston Dynamo First Team, allowing Academy players to regularly participate in First Team training sessions. The program aims to develop players for professional contracts with the MLS First Team or MLS NEXT Pro team, and to secure scholarships to top NCAA Universities. The Houston Dynamo Academy competes in MLS Next, a top-tier youth soccer league in the United States. The Academy has a history of developing players who sign homegrown contracts and earn minutes with the professional team.

Leagues: MLS Next

Houston Rangers is a youth soccer organization based in Houston, Texas. The club focuses on player development and competes in various top-level leagues. They offer programs for both boys and girls, with teams ranging from Pre-MLS Next to U19. Houston Rangers teams compete in prominent leagues such as MLS Next, Texas 2, and the Girls Academy (DPL). The club's boys' teams have qualified for events like the MLS Next Flex, competing for spots in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs and Showcase. Houston Rangers players participate in U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Identification Centers. The club has also seen players named to international youth national teams, such as the Saint Kitts and Nevis U15 National Team. A recent partnership with The ACDMY further strengthens their development pathways.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

IDEA Toros Futbol Academy is a youth soccer program operating within the IDEA Public Schools network, primarily serving the Mid Rio Grande Valley region of Texas, with specific mention of Pharr. Established in 2016, the academy is a sports-centric charter school with a unique partnership to local semi-professional organizations. It serves students in grades 8-12, with competitive athletic teams beginning in middle school and high school. The program is deeply integrated into IDEA Public Schools' mission of "College for all children," aiming to develop students with academic, social, and leadership characteristics essential for college success. IDEA Toros Futbol Academy is a member club of the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division, providing a pathway for elite youth development. The academy also competes in competitive interscholastic leagues, including the Texas Charter Schools Academic and Athletic League, where both boys' and girls' teams have achieved state championships. A key feature is the emphasis on cultivating perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills through its athletic programs. The academy assists in the college placement of its student-athletes, aligning with the broader educational goals of IDEA Public Schools.

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, MLS Next 2