United States
Adri Mehmeti: The Teen Captain Who’s Redefining U.S. Talent
After captaining the New York Red Bulls II to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, Mehmeti officially became the youngest captain ever to lead a team to a professional title.
Leo Santos ·
Footy Access coverage
Youth soccer stories & features
Reporting, player profiles and analysis from across youth soccer. Follow the story, then explore the competition.
Latest stories
Page 25 of 28
Transfers
Chelsea Targeting 15-Year-Old Midfield Prodigy Vicente Garcia
Garcia isn’t just another academy standout — he’s already made MLS history when LA Galaxy signed him as the youngest professional player in club history.
Leo Santos ·
United States
MLS’s Calendar Makeover Could Level Up U.S. Soccer's Pipeline
By matching the world calendar, MLS clubs will finally operate on the same transfer rhythm as Europe. For youth players, this is massive.
Leo Santos ·
Features
Roald Mitchell’s Rise From Setback to Champion
For most young players, suffering a torn ACL is the kind of injury that can change everything. That moment came for Roald Mitchell midway through the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season — just when he was beginning to hit his stride as one of New York Red Bulls II’s most dangerous forwards.
Lucas Aguirre ·
International
Da’vian Kimbrough and the Future of North American Dual-National Battles
Phenom Da’vian Kimbrough is eligible to represent both Mexico and the United States on the international stage, and his talent leads to no surprise that both nations want him in their long-term plans.
Leo Santos ·
United States
How Ramiz Hamouda Turned His First Pro Chance Into a Launchpad for What’s Next
At just 17 years old, Ramiz Hamouda has quickly become one of the most exciting young defenders in American soccer. From Sporting Kansas City’s academy to Birmingham Legion’s back line, the U.S. youth international is proving that composure and maturity can stand tall against experience.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
Rising Stars: Freeman, Luna, Vargas Named Finalists for 2025 MLS Young Player of the Year
Alex Freeman, Diego Luna and Obed Vargas have all proven that development isn’t just about potential — it’s about impact now.
Leo Santos ·
International
From LA to Buenos Aires: 15-Year-Old Santi Garcia Joins River Plate’s Elite Academy
Santi Garcia is taking his global game to Argentina, joining River Plate’s world-famous academy in a move that bridges American roots with South American flair.
Lucas Aguirre ·
United States
Messi's New Inter Miami Contract Continues to Build Future of North American Youth Soccer
Messi’s not just re-upping with Inter Miami — he’s turning North American soccer into his next-gen playground, building a legacy that fuels the future both on and off the pitch.
Leo Santos ·