Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for boys player development in North America, offering top players the most elite training and coaching opportunities available. MLS NEXT has 151 member clubs with more than 16,000 players competing in the U13-U19 age groups. The league expects the number of players and teams to more than double for September 2025.

Earlier this year MLS NEXT announced a new competitive tier–MLS NEXT 2. Beginning with the 2025/26 seasonal year, MLS NEXT 2 clubs will compete in regular season games, regional tournaments, and national events, as well as coaching development and education programs, talent identification, and high-performance opportunities.

Loudoun Soccer leadership constantly studies the youth soccer landscape for the most impactful development opportunities for our elite players. MLS NEXT 2 affords our teams high-level regional play, as well as interactions with MLS pro-level national competition, collegiate and pro scouts. For players prepared for a high level of play and increased time commitment, this opportunity improves players’ comprehensive experience by introducing supplemental MLS opportunities to the broader community. 

This year, MLS NEXT received hundreds of applications for their leagues. Based on our Club’s robust structure, alongside our growing levels of team performance, Loudoun Soccer has been included in a small group of clubs nationwide invited for participation.

The MLS NEXT pathway is intended to help youth soccer players develop from their teenage years into adult professional players. Run by Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-level professional league in the US and Canada, MLS NEXT includes a league, postseason competition, and other initiatives.

When it opens in Fall 2025, MLS NEXT 2 will include the National Academy League (NAL), Elite Academy League (EAL), Cobalt Sports, Cal North SA, and Sporting Development League (SDL), who will come together for regional and national MLS NEXT events.

Current Loudoun Soccer Boys ECNL-RL teams will transition into MLS NEXT 2 following completion of their 24/25 seasons. These teams will be formed by a combination of internal and open ID sessions.

Sample list of teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region MLS NEXT 2 possible teams: 

• Alexandria 
• SYC
• McLean
• Bethesda (MD)
• SAC (MD)
• Achilles FC (DC)
• West Virginia
• Sporting Del 
• Beadling (PA)
• Keystone (PA)
• PA Classics (PA)
• FC Delco 

Clubs may participate in high-level tournaments (e.g., Jefferson Cup) outside of MLS NEXT, in each case subject to approval by MLS Player Development Department. Clubs will only be permitted to participate in approved competitions and events that follow the MLS NEXT Technical Framework and are in compliance with the standards outlined in the MLS NEXT Outside Competition Standards. 

The MLS NEXT platform is designed to provide a comprehensive annual competition schedule with regional and national events to complement the Mid-Atlantic schedule listed above.

LS MLS NEXT teams will train three days a week in the Fall and Spring seasons, and two days a week in Winter. Practice days and times will be confirmed approximately one month prior to the season opening. 

Support Staff for Loudoun Soccer MLS NEXT 2 teams will include weekly GK training, injury prevention, sports performance instruction, and mental health training.

Divisions for MLS NEXT 2 are regionally-based. Loudoun Soccer will participate in the Mid-Atlantic Region, which consists of local and regionally-based teams. As a result, the MLS NEXT 2 league travel commitment is similar to current USYS regional leagues (e.g., National League, EDP, and CCL). 

U13/2013: Bretton Krocker

U14/2012: Dean McAlpin

U15/2011: Mark Simpson

U16/2010: Matt Aubel

U17/2009: Dean McAlpin

U19/2007/08: Matt Aubel

Teams will be formed through a combination of internal and open ID sessions. Talent ID sessions are by invitation only and are intended for TOP PLAYERS interested in joining Loudoun Soccer’s MLS NEXT 2 team. Players interested in receiving an invitation to a Talent ID session must register for MLS NEXT Talent ID; selected players will be invited for specific training dates/locations/times. Players selected for ID sessions will receive a notification via Playmetrics or an email that they have been selected to try out. Those not selected for ID sessions will be notified by email regarding more appropriate soccer development opportunities at the Club.

Yes! MLS NEXT Tier 2 players are eligible for HS play.

A: Roster sizes for 2025/26 remain unchanged from 2024/25: 

• U13: 16-17 Players
• U14: 16-17 Players
• U15: 16-18 Players
• U16: 18-20 Players
• U17: 20-22 Players
• U18/19: 20-22 Players

Financial assistance is available for players identified who demonstrate talent, commitment, and need. For more information on our scholarship program, visit the Financial Assistance form our website.

No. All current teams will finish their spring seasons and post season play in their current league.