Footy Access coverage
Reporting, player profiles and analysis from across youth soccer. Follow the story, then explore the competition.
The U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team has named its 21-player roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, featuring top MLS, USL, and European prospects as the Americans aim for another deep run on the global stage.
Lucas Aguirre ·
The future of football is heading to Miami. From Dec. 9–14, the Messi Cup will take over South Florida — a global youth football tournament bringing together some of the top academy teams from around the world.
Leo Santos ·
San Diego FC has officially opened its groundbreaking Right to Dream Academy, MLS’s first fully-funded residential school and football academy. With classrooms, dorms, and elite training facilities, the Academy launches with 17 U-13 players from San Diego, Tijuana, and beyond — and aims to reshape player development in North America.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Tanner Tessmann’s journey has taken him from FC Dallas academy to Serie A and now to Lyon. Last night, the 24-year-old midfielder scored his first European goal in the Europa League — a thunderous strike that capped his remarkable rise.
Lucas Aguirre ·
After three formative years at Borussia Dortmund, 17-year-old midfielder Jack Mize has returned to the U.S. to join FC Cincinnati. Starting in the academy, he will move to the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side in 2026, with the option of a first-team contract on the horizon.
Lucas Aguirre ·
From Cedar Stars Bergen to New York City history, 17-year-old Jamaican striker Seymour Reid has made a stunning rise. With 11 goals in MLS NEXT Pro and a record-breaking MLS strike, he’s proving himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in the game.
Lucas Aguirre ·
The 2025-26 MLS NEXT season marks a new era for youth soccer in North America. With record participation, expanded competition, and five marquee events — from MLS NEXT Fest in Arizona to MLS NEXT Cup in Salt Lake City — the sixth season promises to showcase the continent’s brightest young stars while setting a new standard for player development.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Top U.S. youth prospect Apolo Marinch has signed his first professional contract with Orange County SC. At just 15, the Slovenian-American forward is joining OCSC’s #NextWave pathway after historic milestones with Columbus Crew 2 and the U.S. U-15 national team.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Orlando City SC’s U-17 squad reached the final of the prestigious Liga MX Invitational in Mexico City, showcasing resilience, growth, and international experience. The run highlighted the academy’s commitment to development, international exposure, and preparing players for the professional stage—values that have already produced first-team debuts for three homegrown talents in 2025.
Leo Santos ·
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