Understanding the MLS NEXT Path to Pro Structure for Players

Welcome back to The Boot Room, where we give you insights that can shape your soccer journey. This week, we're exploring the MLS NEXT pathway—a structure that’s creating future professionals and offering opportunities for academy players like you to reach the highest levels of the game. Whether your dream is to play professionally in the MLS, abroad, or even make the national team, understanding how MLS NEXT works can be your first step toward turning that dream into reality.

What is MLS NEXT?

MLS NEXT is Major League Soccer’s elite player development platform, launched in 2020 to unify the top youth soccer academies across the U.S. and Canada. It's designed to provide the highest competition level, professional coaching, and resources for players striving to make it to the professional ranks.

If you’re in the GoldCleats Player Community, you're likely aware of MLS NEXT’s reputation as the premier league for youth development. But the pathway doesn’t end at playing for a local club—MLS NEXT is structured to guide players from their teenage years through to becoming full-time professionals.

The Path to Pro: Key Phases

The MLS NEXT Path to Pro structure involves several phases, each designed to test and develop different aspects of your game. Let’s break it down.

• Youth Academy Level

Most players enter MLS NEXT at the academy level, which serves as the foundation of the entire system. Here, players from U13 to U19 are introduced to elite training environments. These academies are connected with MLS clubs and independent academies, giving players exposure to professional setups early on.

• What to Expect: High-level coaching, increased focus on tactical awareness, and participation in regional and national showcases that offer exposure to scouts and MLS coaches.
• Key Focus: Technical skill development, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning.
• Regional & National Competition

MLS NEXT organizes regional leagues and national events where top academy teams compete against each other. This is the proving ground for players to showcase their talents against the best in the country.

• What to Expect: Intense competition, where your ability to perform under pressure is tested. Players are evaluated by MLS scouts, coaches, and even college recruiters.
• Key Focus: Game intelligence, mental toughness, and consistency.
• MLS NEXT Fest & Showcase Events

One of the highlights of the MLS NEXT calendar is the MLS NEXT Fest and other showcase events. These tournaments provide national exposure and are often the first step toward earning a Homegrown Contract with an MLS club.

• What to Expect: Scouts from MLS clubs and other professional leagues in attendance, plus potential offers for trials and contracts.
• Key Focus: Standing out by demonstrating your unique strengths, whether it’s speed, passing ability, or leadership on the field.
• Professional Opportunities: Homegrown Contracts

Once a player reaches the U17 or U19 levels and shows consistent elite performance, they may be offered a Homegrown Contract. This allows MLS clubs to sign academy players directly to their first-team rosters without entering the MLS SuperDraft.

• What to Expect: If you sign a Homegrown Contract, you’ll likely begin training with the first team while continuing to develop in the academy or reserve squad.
• Key Focus: Adapting to the physical and mental demands of professional soccer, learning from experienced pros, and preparing for possible minutes in MLS matches.
• MLS NEXT Pro

MLS NEXT Pro is the newest addition to the pathway, acting as a bridge between the academy system and Major League Soccer. It’s designed for players who need more professional experience before fully integrating into an MLS first team. This league gives young players regular, high-level competition while allowing MLS clubs to develop their talents further.

• What to Expect: Competing against other top prospects and seasoned professionals, refining your game in a professional setting, and a direct path to MLS first teams.
• Key Focus: Professionalism on and off the field, tactical adaptability, and maximizing your performance at the highest levels.

How to Stand Out in the MLS NEXT System

• Consistency Is Key: In MLS NEXT, it's not just about having one standout game—it's about showing consistency over an entire season. Coaches and scouts are looking for players who can maintain a high level of performance every day, in training and matches.
• Professionalism On and Off the Pitch: Beyond technical ability, your attitude, work ethic, and leadership qualities are closely monitored. Professionalism doesn’t just start when you sign a contract—it begins in the academy. Show up early, stay late, and be a positive influence on your teammates.
• Understand Your Position and Role: One common trait of MLS NEXT graduates is their deep understanding of their position and tactical role. Study the game, learn the intricacies of different formations, and become a student of the sport.
• Leverage Your Network: As part of the GoldCleats Player Community, you have access to one of the largest networks of youth soccer talent in the world. Connect with other players, learn from their experiences, and use the platform to share your highlights, stats, and training progress. Being visible is crucial in a system as competitive as MLS NEXT.

What’s Next for You?

For players aspiring to go pro, MLS NEXT offers one of the clearest and most structured pathways. However, it’s a challenging journey that requires more than just talent—you need determination, resilience, and a relentless drive to improve.

As a member of the GoldCleats Player Community, you're already ahead of the curve. Continue refining your skills, be a student of the game, and take advantage of the opportunities that MLS NEXT provides. Whether you're dreaming of playing in the MLS or aiming for a professional career overseas, the MLS NEXT Path to Pro is your gateway to the top.