MLS NEXT ACADEMY

MLS Next2 is a new second tier of competition within the MLS Next youth soccer system. It expands access to a higher level of play for clubs, teams & players - offering regional league play & nationally renowned tournaments with the goal of developing talent & exposure to collegiate, professional and national team levels.

MLS Next Academy Talent ID Events / Tryouts 

High School Boys 15U(2011)-19U (2007)
Dates Sunday, Sept 14
Birth Year Location Time
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Kennedy Soccer Complex (9700 E Hampden Ave, Denver, 80231) 5:00-6:30PM
Register Now
High School Boys 15U(2011)-19U (2007)
Dates Sunday, Sept 28
Birth Year Location Time
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Kennedy Soccer Complex (9700 E Hampden Ave, Denver, 80231) 5:00 - 6:30PM
Register Now
High School Boys 15U(2011)-19U (2007)
Dates Sunday, Oct 12
Birth Year Location Time
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Kennedy Soccer Complex (9700 E Hampden Ave, Denver, 80231) 5:00 - 6:30PM
Register Now

Please take a moment to listen to Skylines' George Pavlantos, our MLS Next Academy Director, talk about the program. 4/24/25

Program Update 7/10/25

Skyline MLS Next Academy Teams 13U-19U compete in the Mountain League 

  • The Mountain League is made up of teams from Colorado (6) and New Mexico (2)


  • The League for 13U & U14U will be September, 2025 to May, 2026. Teams will play in the MLS Next Fest (in Dec.), MLS Next Regional Event (April 3-6, AZ) and MLS Next Cup (MUST QUALIFY in June).


  • The League for 15U-19U will be January, 2025 to May, 2026. Teams will play in the MLS Next Fest (in Dec.), MLS Next Regional Event (April 3-6, AZ) and MLS Next Cup (MUST QUALIFY in June). 


  • 15U-19U players will play for their HS and start training once HS is done in Nov. timeframe. *2011, 8th Graders, will play CSA Secondary League Fall 2025*


  • Teams that don’t qualify for MLS Cup will participate in Real Showcase (local - conducted over Memorial Weekend).

Benefits of Playing MLS Next Academy


  • MLS Next Academy Tournaments are guaranteed to have MLS recruiters and college coach recruiters which many tournaments boast, but don’t actually produce.
  • High School Boys can still play on their High School teams in the Fall
  • MLS Next Academy does require a certain level of performance & professional expectation requirements to maintain enrollment. Additional time is given to those teams that need to improve performance, but a high-level performance is expected. Other “Elite” programs are a “pay to play” structure and performance isn’t considered. This is why we have waited patiently for the right platform and opportunity for our players.
  • MLS Next Academy Team Coaches will be nationally licensed and only the club’s top coaches will be involved. This includes our club’s DOCs.
  • MLS Next Academy teams will receive” College Guidance” for those who are interested in continuing soccer after HS.
  • MLS Next Academy Bio-Banding opportunities for those players who qualify. Also, playing up in age is possible for those who need additional challenges.
  • MLS Next Academy requires that home games are recorded by the home team. There will be opportunities for players to breakdown game footage with their MLS Next Academy Team Coach and/or Directors. Players will learn how to critique their play, their team’s play and their opponent. We have a “Game Analysis Worksheet” to help guide them.