MLS NEXT
Youth & DevelopmentThe current top-tier youth league for boys in the United States and Canada, organized by Major League Soccer.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Kick and Run
A primitive style of play common in youth soccer where the strategy is simply to kick the ball far downfield and chase it.
Showcase
A tournament where the primary goal is not just winning, but playing in front of college scouts and recruiters.
Small-Sided Games
Games played with fewer than 11 players (e.g., 4v4, 7v7, 9v9) on smaller fields to ensure young players get more touches on the ball.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
U.S. Soccer Federation and US Club Soccer Launch New Shared Services Partnership: What Parents Need to Know
January 14, 2026
Play Club Soccer Staff
The U.S. Soccer Federation has officially entered a new strategic relationship with US Club Soccer. This isn't just a press release; it is a move that could fundamentally change how the back-end of youth soccer operates.
The U.S. Girls Youth Soccer Pyramid: A Parent's Guide to League Tiers in 2025/2026
November 6, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
August 2, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.