United States
MLS NEXT Sets the Stage for a Bigger 2026-27 Season
MLS NEXT has confirmed the dates and locations for its major 2026-27 events, including MLS NEXT Fest, Generation adidas Cup, MLS NEXT Flex and MLS NEXT Cup.
Lucas Aguirre ·
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Youth soccer stories & features
Reporting, player profiles and analysis from across youth soccer. Follow the story, then explore the competition.
MLS NEXT stories
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United States
Samuel Pereda: From Non-MLS Academy to a Bronze Medal With Peru
Born in the United States and developed at Queen City Mutiny, Samuel Pereda moved to Alianza Lima and has now won a bronze medal with Peru at the 2026 South American Games.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
Akol Akon: Sydney’s Teenage Sensation Lands a Record-Breaking MLS Move
At 17, Australian winger Akol Akon has signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Colorado Rapids after breaking multiple age records with Sydney FC.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
Connor Dale Signs Homegrown Deal With FC Cincinnati After Rapid Rise
Connor Dale, the 2010-born goalkeeper, has signed a Homegrown contract with FC Cincinnati after joining the academy from Inter Miami in January 2026. In just months, Dale made his MLS NEXT Pro debut, represented the U.S. U-16s, was selected for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game and emerged as one of the country’s notable young goalkeeper prospects.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
LALIGA FC FUTURES Returns to Orlando With a New Generation of Stars
The 10th LALIGA FC FUTURES International Tournament will bring 14 elite U-13 academies to Orlando from October 2-4, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Palmeiras, Inter Miami and Orlando City.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
USA U-16 and U-15 Bring Together 48 Players for First Camp at New National Training Center
U.S. Soccer has brought together 48 players born in 2011 and 2012 for concurrent U-16 and U-15 Boys’ National Team camps from September 10-17 at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Georgia. The 2012 group begins its new U-15 cycle, while the 2011s transition into U-16 under Ross Brady.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
FC Bayern’s San Diego Academy Is Now Up and Running With U-15 and U-17 Teams
FC Bayern Munich’s new San Diego Residential Academy is officially up and running, with U-15 and U-17 teams beginning training this week at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. The project marks Bayern’s first permanent youth development structure in the United States.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
Elijah Johnson Earns Philippines U-17 Call-Up as Son of USMNT Legend Eddie Johnson
2011-born LA Galaxy Academy prospect Elijah Johnson has been called up to the Philippines U-17 national team for a training camp in Spain from September 17-22. The young forward is the son of former U.S. international and 2006 World Cup player Eddie Johnson.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
Benji Flowers Scores for Mexico U16 After Representing USA as His Dual-National Story Continues
Benji Flowers scored his first goal for Mexico U16 in a 1-0 win over Monterrey at the Liga MX International Tournament, adding a new chapter to the dual-national’s rapidly developing international career. The FC Dallas Homegrown has previously scored twice in three appearances for USA U15 and is also set for a future move to Chelsea.
Lucas Aguirre ·