Our U13-U19 Boys Competitive teams are well underway in their inaugural MLS NEXT Academy season.

Facing tough competition from MLS NEXT clubs, the teams have started the season strongly, with games vs. Dallas Hornets, Tulsa Greenwood, Sporting Oklahoma and 956 United upcoming.

The boys have been working very hard in training, implementing session elements and constantly developing their game, eagerly looking forward to every match. Later on this year our U14, U15, U17 and U19 boys teams are very much looking forward to attending their very first MLS FEST in Phoenix, mid-December. It is an exciting time, not only our club but also our players and their families. With high level exposure for our players at the event (with over a thousand scouts and College recruiters present), it will be an invaluable experience for them and we are extremely excited to see what our players can achieve.

Our Director of Coaching Ivan Ferreris gives his thoughts on what the MLS NEXT can offer our players.

Ivan Ferreris - Director of Coaching

From the MLS NEXT

MLS NEXT announced the division structure and participating teams in the new tier of competition, which was previously unveiled in January. The new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Of those clubs, more than half previously competed outside of MLS NEXT. Each division will be managed by leading league operators across the youth landscape with a strong commitment to player development – the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association.

Regular season play began in September 2025, and will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer. SA United will be competing in the newly formed Pioneer Division, a full breakdown of the divisions and participating clubs is available here.