Leagues

MLS NEXT

The top boys competition platform, run by Major League Soccer.

MLS NEXT is the elite boys platform launched by Major League Soccer in 2020. It includes every MLS academy plus selected elite independent clubs, and runs two tiers: the Homegrown Division at the top, and an Academy Division whose players are permitted to play high school soccer.

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Related terms

ECNL
A premier national league, top tier for girls, near-top for boys.
Academy
An unregulated label. Check the league the team plays in.
Homegrown Player
An MLS rule letting clubs sign their own academy products.

All terms

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