MLS Next
Compete against the best talents in the country!
About MLS Next
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION - Strikers FC is proud to announce that they will be the first club in Orange County to be part of the MLS Next and Elite Academy programs.
“Strikers FC is excited to be able to offer our players and families another elite pathway for them to continue their development and pursue their individual dreams and goals. Joining MLS Next is a natural progression for our Club and another positive step in offering all our players various pathway opportunities that best fit their needs and abilities.” – Don Ebert, Strikers FC Technical Director
Pathway to Pros
Our goal will be providing the best we can for our athletes to achieve their dreams. The Strikers curriculum has provided nearly a dozen alumni with USMNT call-ups, as well as led to two of the youngest players to sign professional contracts in US Soccer history, Francis Jacobs and Shane Kaemerle, as well as breakout player Marcus Lee, the youngest goal scorer in US Open Cup history at 15-years old.
“Strikers FC has been one of the nation’s leading player development engines for over 20 years, producing eight former USMNT players Steve Birnbaum, Jonathan Bornstein, Benny Feilhaber, Chad Marshall, Michael Orozco, Chris Pontius, Christian Ramirez, Bobby Wood, and, current USMNT hopeful, Matthew Hoppe.” – MLS Next Official Announcement
Strikers FC is excited to be able to offer our players and families another elite pathway for them to continue their development and pursue their individual dreams and goals. Joining MLS Next is a natural progression for our Club and another positive step in offering all our players various pathway opportunities that best fit their needs and abilities.
FAQs
What Exactly is MLS Next?
MLS Next is the best youth soccer league in the country. Our teams will go up against some of the best players across the nation, competing against existing MLS Academies, as well as other top youth soccer academies in the country.
What makes MLS Next a higher level?
Our Strikers FC Coaching Staff expects excellence from all players in all aspects of their training. The group is collaborative and many age groups train together to raise the level of play, as well as build camaraderie among the players, thus creating an environment where players push themselves to improve everyday.
Where do MLS Next players end up after?
Our system has seen players join professional academies in the USA and Europe, as well as seen players join top college soccer programs in the country. Whatever your goal is, we’ll see that you are given the right tools to succeed.
How can I Join an MLS Next team?
Our MLS Next squads demand commitment, technical ability, and desire to improve everyday. If you’re currently playing for a competitive team and want to make the to our MLS Next teams, we recommend sending in a tryout request. Please note that we get dozens of tryout requests everyday for these teams, so tryout invitations are invite only once the coach receives your request. We do take a look at every single tryout request. Even if you are unable to join an MLS Next team from the start, we recommend joining our club’s other competitive teams. We prioritize development through the STRIKER way for all teams and promote players every year!
What age does mLS next start?
MLS Next starts from U13, and goes all the way up to U19.
