MLS Next 2
EA SET TO HELP OPERATE A NEW MLS NEXT TIER WHILE ALLOWING THE EA TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND EXPAND AROUND THE COUNTRY, HIGHLIGHTING THE POWER OF CLUB PATHWAY
The Elite Academy League and MLS NEXT were established separately in 2020, both with the mission to support aspiring clubs within the US to develop top players. First instituted by US Soccer leadership through their facilitation of the US Development Academy, operational standards were put in place to define top clubs within markets across the country. These standards were focused in the areas of administration, training, and coaching education, all in the effort toward improving the opportunity to develop top players. MLS NEXT has been a market leader while the Elite Academy League has proven to be both a supportive environment for MLS NEXT second teams as well as a launchpad for top performing and growing clubs who have been recognized through expansion with MLS NEXT over the last 4 years and now part of the roadmap for MLS NEXT expansion.
Now one of the top elite leagues in the US, the EA is greatly looking forward to supporting the growth of MLS NEXT and continuing to drive the EA forward as part of the echo system here in the US for elite player pathway and to help grow the game into MLS NEXT.
“The EA has such an important role in this developing soccer landscape. Recognizing aspiring clubs and helping those clubs grow and align with standards that allow for players to maximize their development as well as their visibility is critical to our country developing top class players. Personally, I want to see our Men’s National Team win a World Cup and want to see our Women’s National Team continue to deliver the excellence they’ve already set and I know how important the EA is to accomplishing that.” EA Commissioner, Ryan Miller
“The EA providing clubs across the country with a player and club pathway is critical and will continue to be strong. The EA will allow clubs to mature and develop alongside MLS NEXT and will have natural synergies that will help prepare clubs and qualify them for MLS NEXT while also serving the team, player and clubs’ immediate needs.” Noah Gins, EA National Chair
With this partnership between MLS NEXT and the Elite Academy League, the EA will help operate within MLS NEXT, as well as continue its pathway of supporting and growing by adding top aspiring clubs across the country to the EA family.
EA SET TO HELP OPERATE A NEW MLS NEXT TIER WHILE ALLOWING THE EA TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND EXPAND AROUND THE COUNTRY, HIGHLIGHTING THE POWER OF CLUB PATHWAY
The Elite Academy League and MLS NEXT were established separately in 2020, both with the mission to support aspiring clubs within the US to develop top players. First instituted by US Soccer leadership through their facilitation of the US Development Academy, operational standards were put in place to define top clubs within markets across the country. These standards were focused in the areas of administration, training, and coaching education, all in the effort toward improving the opportunity to develop top players. MLS NEXT has been a market leader while the Elite Academy League has proven to be both a supportive environment for MLS NEXT second teams as well as a launchpad for top performing and growing clubs who have been recognized through expansion with MLS NEXT over the last 4 years and now part of the roadmap for MLS NEXT expansion.
Now one of the top elite leagues in the US, the EA is greatly looking forward to supporting the growth of MLS NEXT and continuing to drive the EA forward as part of the echo system here in the US for elite player pathway and to help grow the game into MLS NEXT.
“The EA has such an important role in this developing soccer landscape. Recognizing aspiring clubs and helping those clubs grow and align with standards that allow for players to maximize their development as well as their visibility is critical to our country developing top class players. Personally, I want to see our Men’s National Team win a World Cup and want to see our Women’s National Team continue to deliver the excellence they’ve already set and I know how important the EA is to accomplishing that.” EA Commissioner, Ryan Miller
“The EA providing clubs across the country with a player and club pathway is critical and will continue to be strong. The EA will allow clubs to mature and develop alongside MLS NEXT and will have natural synergies that will help prepare clubs and qualify them for MLS NEXT while also serving the team, player and clubs’ immediate needs.” Noah Gins, EA National Chair
With this partnership between MLS NEXT and the Elite Academy League, the EA will help operate within MLS NEXT, as well as continue its pathway of supporting and growing by adding top aspiring clubs across the country to the EA family.
Michigan Jaguars United FC
United FC is pleased to announce a partnership that will transform the youth soccer landscape in Michigan. Beginning in the 2025-26 season, we will collaborate with Michigan Jaguars FC to compete under the name Michigan Jaguars United FC in the MLS Next Tier2. This partnership is a significant advancement for player development, competition, and national exposure.
By combining the strengths and resources of both clubs, Michigan Jaguars United FC will offer an elite soccer experience with expanded opportunities for players to compete at the highest levels. The partnership will provide access to MLS Next's new competition tier, top training facilities, and enhanced visibility with college recruiters and national team scouts.