MLS NEXT is the youth player development platform of Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS NEXT provides the most comprehensive and effective player development experience in North America. With a commitment to development, innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life.

Since its introduction in 2020, MLS NEXT has experienced rapid growth and expansion in membership. The 2024-25 season includes 29 MLS Academies, 123 Elite Academies (152 total clubs), over 700 teams and more than 15,000 players across the U.S. and Canada competing in six age groups: U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U19. MLS NEXT players also make up a majority of the U.S. and Canadian Youth National Teams.

MLS NEXT received hundreds of applications for their “full slate” (MLS NEXT 1 and MLS NEXT 2) status. NVA, based on the Club’s robust structure, as well as elevating levels of team performance, is one of a small group of clubs nationwide who were invited for full participation in the 2025-26 year. MLS NEXT brings the opportunity for high level regional play, external interactions with MLS pro-level national competition, collegiate and pro scouts and more. This opportunity, for players ready for a high level of play and increased time commitment, improves the comprehensive experience for all of our academy teams by introducing supplemental MLS opportunities to the broader community. 

Our commitment to providing an appropriate level of competition for each player remains the same. The MLS NEXT platform simply provides an additional level of play as boys develop, and the timing of the invitation to MLS NEXT aligns with NVA’s overall level of play and experience. As with any league, we will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the experience to ensure we provide our families with the highest quality training and competition.

The MLS NEXT pathway provides players with access to elite competition, professional and collegiate scouting opportunities, and a direct connection to Major League Soccer, ensuring unmatched exposure and development.

The NVA MLS NEXT program will be led by our Technical Director, Maurice Hughes.

NVA will host six age groups – U13 through U18/19 – competing in MLS NEXT.  These teams will begin play in the Fall of 2025 (2025-26 season).

NVA MLS NEXT teams will hold mandatory training a total of 4 days per week.

NVA MLS NEXT Teams will train at one of our turf or Bermuda grass field locations; likely a combination of fields such as Bolen Park, Loudoun Soccer Park, and Hanson Park in Loudoun County.

Divisions for MLS NEXT are regionally-based, with NVA teams participating in the Mid-Atlantic Region Division. Mid-Atlantic Region travel will be similar to other national youth leagues (ECNL, DA, etc.). A full list of all MLS NEXT Academies per region/state can be found here.

The yearly schedule breaks down as follows:

25-30 Game Regular Season (10 Months)

MLS NEXT Fest (Winter Showcase)

MLS NEXT Flex (Spring Showcase)

MLS NEXT Cup (Playoffs)

Club Players are generally not permitted to compete simultaneously in both MLS NEXT and high school or middle school soccer; however, players may apply for and receive a waiver to participate on their high school team if (1) the player received or will receive financial aid dependent on high school soccer participation or (2) the player has been accepted into a private high school contingent on soccer participation.

Full-time players registered with a Club who do not meet waiver eligibility and choose to play with their high school team will not be allowed to re-enter the program during the same MLS NEXT Season after participating in the high school season with their current or a different Club. 

For reference, the 2024-25 season’s MLS NEXT detailed Technical Standard Information can be found here.

Yes. NVA offers need-based scholarships to players to help offset player registration fees. 

MLS NEXT recognizes that players develop at different paces and offers four player designations to ensure flexibility and support for players at various stages of their development:

• Primary Players: These are full time MLS NEXT players who are fully committed to the program. They exclusively participate in MLS NEXT competitions and do not play high school soccer or other non MLS NEXT events. Primary players benefit from elite level coaching, training and competition.
• Future Players: These players are part of the MLS NEXT program but retain the flexibility to play high school soccer. They can participate in up to 12 MLS NEXT matches during the season, balancing their development across both environments.
• Discovery Players: Discovery players are registered with other clubs but may compete with an MLS NEXT team in select matches or events. The designation allows clubs to scout and provide opportunities to play without requiring a full time commitment.
• Late Developer Players: Late Developers are players who may not yet have reached the same level of physical growth as their peers of the same birth yer but demonstrate significant potential. This designation provides an opportunity for these players to compete at an appropriate level while continuing to develop their skills and confidence. To qualify, players must complete a formal assessment to ensure this pathway alings with their individual growth and development needs.

A: Late Developer is a player who is approved to participate in the program, despite being slightly older than the typical age for the program

• Three (3) Late Developers per team - Late Developers can only be Primary Players.
• All age groups are eligible.
• Must complete the Late Developer forms and receive approval from MLS Next.