MLS NEXT Changes for 2025-26 Announced: What Every U.S. Youth Soccer Family Needs to Know
If you’re the parent of a youth soccer player with big dreams, you’ve probably heard of MLS NEXT—Major League Soccer’s elite youth development platform. This past spring, MLS NEXT announced a major expansion; the details have been revealed. Read about the changes starting with the 2025-26 season.
Understanding the Layers of ECNL: More Than Just a League
When parents begin to navigate the world of elite youth soccer, they often hear about the ECNL, or Elite Clubs National League. While it’s commonly referred to as a “league,” ECNL is actually a national organization that offers multiple layers of competition and development. Understanding these layers is key for parents seeking the best fit for their young player.
Development Player League (DPL): Empowering Elite Girls’ Soccer
The Development Player League (DPL) is a national, elite-level girls’ youth soccer league designed for top clubs and players, in the U13-U19 age groups. DPL offers a high-level competition platform that focuses on both athletic and personal growth, providing a purposeful environment where players can develop their skills and reach their full potential.
USL Youth & USL Academy: Player Pathways
The United Soccer League (USL) offers a unique player pathway through its USL Academy and USL Youth platforms. USL Youth provides national competition and community engagement for players of all levels, while the USL Academy establishes a direct link between top youth prospects and professional USL clubs. With a focus on high standards, college eligibility, and meaningful development opportunities, these programs are designed to help players progress from grassroots soccer to the professional ranks.
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) is a cornerstone of youth soccer in the United States, offering an inclusive, family-focused environment where every child can play, learn, and grow. Founded on the principles of “Everyone Plays®,” balanced teams, and positive coaching, AYSO welcomes players of all skill levels without tryouts or cuts. Whether your child is just starting out or looking for a supportive community to develop their love of the game, AYSO provides age-appropriate programs and a safe, fun experience for families nationwide.
National Premier Leagues (NPL): The Complete Guide for Youth Soccer Parents
Navigating the world of youth soccer in the United States can be overwhelming for parents. Between the alphabet soup of league acronyms—ECNL, GA, MLS NEXT, NPL—and the constantly evolving landscape, it’s hard to know which path is right for your child.
Click the link below for our comprehensive breakdown of the NPL. We explain how it fits into the broader youth soccer ecosystem, and help you make informed decisions about your young athlete’s future.
National Academy League (NAL)
Curious about the National Academy League (NAL) and how it shapes the youth soccer journey for both boys and girls? breakdown what you need to know about NAL’s competition level, development pathways, travel, college exposure, where it sits in the youth soccer pyramid and more. This comprehensive guide breaks down what to expect and how your family can benefit.
Elite Academy League (EAL)
Navigating the world of competitive youth soccer can feel overwhelming—especially with new expansions and shifting league structures every year. For families considering the Elite Academy League (EAL) as the next step or simply wanting to understand where it fits, this detailed guide clarifies EAL’s role, benefits, and differences from other major platforms like ECNL, NAL, and MLS NEXT.
Girls Academy & Aspire
Discover how Girls Academy, GA Aspire, and ECNL compare for elite girls’ soccer players. This parent-friendly guide explains league levels, competition, travel, and college exposure so you can choose the best pathway for your daughter’s development and recruiting goals.
USYS National League
Curious about the USYS National League and what it means for your young soccer player? Our comprehensive guide covers everything parents need to know—from team qualifications and league formats to college recruiting, travel, and more.
Read our breakdown at the link.
Soccer Forward Foundation: Making Soccer More Accessible & Affordable for All
Youth soccer in the U.S. is undergoing a transformation—making the game accessible, inclusive, and affordable for every family. At the center of this shift is the Soccer Forward Foundation.
Discover new opportunities, upcoming initiatives, and answers to parents’ top questions in our break down at the link.
USL League & Youth Soccer
As a youth soccer parent in the United States, you may have seen headlines about the United Soccer League (USL) launching a promotion and relegation system. This is a major shift-one that brings the USL in line with global soccer traditions and has the potential to reshape the American soccer landscape for clubs, communities, and, most importantly, young players like your child.
At the pinnacle of youth soccer are MLS Next for boys and the Girls Academy (GA) for girls. These leagues are considered the highest level and are designed to develop players for professional and national teams.
Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and ECNL Regional Leagues
The ECNL is a national league that features top youth teams. The ECNL Regional Leagues are a step below, focusing on regional competition.
The Elite Academy League (EAL) is a boys’ youth soccer development league. It serves as a platform for elite clubs to provide high-level competition and player development. It’s designed to mirror the structure of higher-level leagues like MLS Next.
The National Academy League is a newer league that aims to provide a pathway for players to reach MLS Next and other elite leagues. It started its first season in 2023.
National Premier Leagues (NPL) and National League Conferences
The NPL, sanctioned by US Club Soccer, allows top teams from different regions to compete against each other. National League Conferences, such as Premier I and Premier II, provide further opportunities for high-level competition.
DPL is a national, elite-level girls’ youth soccer league in the U.S. It serves as a high-level competition platform for top clubs and players, primarily in the U13-U19 age groups. The DPL is designed to develop players and empower them in a purposeful environment, emphasizing both athletic and personal growth.
The US Youth Soccer (USYS) National League holds significant importance in youth soccer as it represents the highest level of competition within the USYS structure.
Recreational Leagues
Town Travel Leagues
Above recreational leagues are town travel leagues, which introduce a higher level of competition and travel to play against teams from other areas.
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