MLS NEXT enters strategic relationship with Northeast Academy League
MLS NEXT has entered a strategic relationship with the Northeast Academy League to enhance player identification and scouting, beginning with the 2021-2022 season.
Northeast Academy League
The Northeast Academy League (which is not a part of, nor operated by MLS NEXT) will provide a competition platform for players who aspire to participate in MLS NEXT.
As part of the strategic cooperation agreement, MLS NEXT will collaborate with the Northeast Academy League to provide players with increased identification opportunities, individual assessments, and enhanced scouting and coaching education for team technical staff.
“It is important that we provide opportunities for players to participate in MLS NEXT. Players develop at different ages, and at different rates” said Fred Lipka. “This strategic relationship is intended to address that dynamic.”
U11-U19 age groups
The Northeast Academy League is comprised of the U11-U19 age groups and includes the following clubs:
- Metropolitan Oval
- Cedar Stars Bergen
- TSF
- Cedar Star Monmouth
- New York Soccer Club
- FC Westchester
- Beachside
- BW Gottschee
- FA Euro
- LI Slammers
- NY Elite
- Oakwood
- Boston Bolts
- Valeo
- NEFC
- Bayside
- Seacoast
The Northeast Academy League is sanctioned and operated under USYS through local state associations including New Jersey, Eastern NY, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
“The strategic relationship with MLS NEXT ensures that Northeast Academy League players will be evaluated for potential participation in MLS NEXT” said Jeffrey Saunders, Sporting Director at Metropolitan Oval. “This will provide players with increased opportunities and access to MLS NEXT which represents the highest level of youth competition in the U.S. and Canada.
Related News
MLS NEXT and ECNL Boys kickoff the 2021-22 season
The top boys leagues kicked off play this weekend.
MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs 2021: Club-By-Club Results
A complete look at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoff results.
Full list of Golden Ball winners from the 2020-21 MLS NEXT season
Winners from the U15, U16, U17 and U19 age groups.
Atlanta United Academy announces coaching staff and rosters for 2021-22
Atlanta United's 7 teams will compete across 3 leagues.
Atlanta United Academy U-19 team joins UPSL
The MLS club's academy squad will compete this fall.
Benny Feilhaber named Sporting KC Academy U-17 head coach
Feilhaber recently concluded his 15-year playing career.
SOCCERWIRE MARKETPLACE
- Loudoun College Showcase 2025: Earlybird Registration is OPEN NOW
- GET SEEN AT OUR COLLEGE ID CAMP!
- Maryland United College Showcase Series 2025
- The St. James Winter Futsal Program
- Chelsea FC 3v3 Youth Winter Cup
- International Tryout in Spain
- ECNL Girls Goalkeepers Wanted!
- Adidas College Showcase 2024
- Apply today for the 2025 Jefferson Cup!
- International Soccer Tours & Tournaments
College Recruiting Commitment Tracker
Featured Players
Geoffrey Shi
COLLEGE RECRUITING STARTS HERE
Join the SoccerWire College Soccer Recruiting Search Engine and learn how to be seen OVER 1 MILLION TIMES PER YEAR.
- Basic $99 – for life
- Featured $299 – for life
- Featured PLUS $399 – for life