MLS NEXT ACADEMY DIVISION

Loudoun Soccer's top boys teams in the U13 through U19 age groups participate in the MLS NEXT Academy Division (AD).


Our MLS NEXT AD regular season is Virginia-based and built around high school calendars, providing regionality while maintaining elite development standards. Academy Division players are permitted to participate in high school soccer, offering a unique balance between top-tier competition and local play.


Academy Division teams compete in:


  • A regular season within regional conferences
  • One of eight regional tournaments serving as MLS NEXT Cup Qualifiers
  • Two marquee national events: MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Cup
  • Coaching education, talent identification, and high-performance programs


Click here to register for our upcoming 2026/27 Talent ID sessions. Sessions are by invitation only, so register now to ensure consideration. Selected players will receive an email with details on their session.

2026/27 MLS NEXT AD STAFF

COACHING STAFF

U18/19  |  Dean McAlpin,  USSF A License

U17  |  Matt Aubel,  USSF B License

U16  |  Mark Simpson,  USSF B License

U15  |  Matt Aubel,  USSF B License

U14  |  Dean McAlpin,  USSF A License

U13  |  Bretton Krocker,  USSF B License


TECHNICAL STAFF

Dean McAlpin     MLS NEXT AD Director
John O'Hara     Technical Director

Dave Bucciero     Assistant Technical Director

Kent Legg     SAQ Coach

Matt Zambetti     GK Coach

Wednesday March 5th Loudoun Soccer Park 2


5:00-6:15PM 2013s

6:30-7:45PM 2012s

8:00-9:15PM 2011s

 

Thursday March 6th Bolen Park 21


5:00-6:15PM 2013s

6:30-7:45PM 2012s

8:00-9:15PM 2011s

 

Sunday March 9th Bolen Park 20


5:00-6:15PM 2010s

6:30-7:45PM 2009s

8:00-9:15PM 2008/07s

 

Sunday March 16th Loudoun Soccer Park


5:00-6:15PM 2010s

6:30-7:45PM 2009s

8:00-9:15PM 2008/07s

MLS NEXT AD ID

Age Date Time Location
U13 Feb 22 5-6:15pm TBD
U14 Feb 22 6:30-7:45pm TBD
U15 Feb 22 8-9:15pm TBD
U16 Feb 22 8-9:15pm TBD
U17 Feb 22 6:30-7:45pm TBD
U18/19 Feb 22 5-6:15pm TBD

2026/27 AGE GROUP TRANSITION

In June 2025, US Youth Soccer announced changes taking effect in the 2026/27 seasonal year to its age group classification system for youth players.


These mandated changes will be implemented for the 2026/27 season in all competitive teams Club-wide except for MLS Next Homegrown Division (NVA Boys).


For more information, visit our Age Group Transition page.

MLS NEXT AD FAQs

  • What is the MLS NEXT AD League?

    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 launched the Academy Division in 2025/26 season, furthering its commitment to player development and creating opportunities for all players to reach their highest potential.


    With this expansion, MLS NEXT has ore than doubled its participating players and clubs. With approximately 230 clubs and 25,000 players, the Academy Division brings together additional teams of current MLS NEXT clubs and more than 100 newly-admitted clubs.

  • What is the LS/NVA MLS NEXT player pathway?

    At the pre-Homegrown level of competition, Loudoun Soccer MLS NEXT AD teams collaborate with NVA MLS NEXT Homegrown teams to provide elevated training and promotion opportunities for top players

  • What clubs are a part of the MLS NEXT AD Virginia Division?

    • Loudoun Soccer
    • Alexandria SA
    • McLean Youth Soccer
    • FC Richmond
    • Springfield SYC
    • The St. James
    • Virginia Revolution SC
    • Virginia Rush

  • Can MLS NEXT AD teams in compete outside competitions?

    Clubs may participate in high-level tournaments (e.g., Jefferson Cup, NCFC, etc.) 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.


  • What is the training commitment?

    Loudoun Spccer MLS NEXT AD teams train three days a week in season, and two days a week in Winter. In addition to our in-house Sports Conditioning coach Kent Legg, players also receive strength and conditioning training through our partnership with PR Star Fitness in the Fall (U13-U19) and Spring (U13-U14).


    Our goalokeepers receive training 1x per week training with our Goal Keeper coach, Matt Zambetti.

  • What is the player selection process?

    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 AD team. Players interested in receiving an invitation to a Talent ID session must register for MLS NEXT AD 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.

  • Can I play for my High School team?

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

  • What are Club fees for Loudoun Soccer MLS NEXT AD?

    Club fees for the 2026/27 season are:


    U13-U19: $3,250

    U18/19: $3,150


    Please note that Club fees do not include additional items such as uniform or team fees.

  • Is financial assistance available?

    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.

MLS NEXT ad COACHES

MLS NEXT AD TECHNICAL STAFF