MLS next team questions for dummies

L

Lou789

SILVER
My older son is on an EA team that will be MLS next next year at U13. His coaches indicated he will play on that team while others won’t I can tell. He gets a lot of playing time as is. But he does not know if or how things will change and I don’t either. And if he abuse even do this.

1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?
2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?
3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?
4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?
5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?
6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?
7. He wants to play for his high school team potentially eventually as well so the other option I guess would be to stay on an EA team at the same club? Can that be decided later like do MLS next one year and then if he wants to do HS move to a team on another league like EA?
 
Lou789 said:
My older son is on an EA team that will be MLS next next year at U13. His coaches indicated he will play on that team while others won’t I can tell. He gets a lot of playing time as is. But he does not know if or how things will change and I don’t either. And if he abuse even do this.

1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?
2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?
3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?
4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?
5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?
6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?
7. He wants to play for his high school team potentially eventually as well so the other option I guess would be to stay on an EA team at the same club? Can that be decided later like do MLS next one year and then if he wants to do HS move to a team on another league like EA?
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I can't help on this. Good luck Lou
 
Lou789 said:
My older son is on an EA team that will be MLS next next year at U13. His coaches indicated he will play on that team while others won’t I can tell. He gets a lot of playing time as is. But he does not know if or how things will change and I don’t either. And if he abuse even do this.

1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?
2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?
3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?
4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?
5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?
6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?
7. He wants to play for his high school team potentially eventually as well so the other option I guess would be to stay on an EA team at the same club? Can that be decided later like do MLS next one year and then if he wants to do HS move to a team on another league like EA?
Click to expand...
I can answer some of them.

Among the pros and cons are if you get on the MLS Next team in the first expansion you are in. You may still get sent down, but you have a lot more agency. The older they get the harder it is to break in because teams are established and you have to either fill a vacancy that becomes available (due to injury, moving etc) or you have to be substantially better (not merely somewhat better) than the kid already in the rolls.

Yes, this is the league where some kids may never get to play, even if they are core players. Once you go 11v11 only 18 are allowed to dress. It varies from club to club, but some teams carry close to 30 players which means you may never dress. Out of those 18 a couple (including the second goalkeeper) likely won't be allowed to play but can dress: the substitution rules become very limited. It varies from club to club (some carry smaller rosters other very large ones) and it gets worse as the squad gets older/bigger. Players are classified in 4 levels of MLS Core (can only play for that team and aren't supposed to do other activities like UPSL, futsal or high school), MLS Futures (Can play some maximum number of games in Core but otherwise in practice suppose to play for the B team) and MLS Reserve (can only play if the MLS team uses a guest slot, also used for player's playing up, and for player's trying out, and supposed to primarily play with the B team but players tend to shy away hoping to get that guest slot at the last minute and preserve their eligibility or avoid being permanently sent down). The 4th is an age banded player but that's complicated & outside the scope of this. As stated, the roster size varies (some clubs don't believe in using reserve, futures or banded players)

In Socal, MLS has player's grouped around the area so "bad" depends upon what you consider "bad". You will be going to farther off places in SoCal like San Diego and Santa Barbara, and at least Arizona once a season. There are tournaments like Flex and the playoffs which are mandatory and do require travel. But it's not as bad as the academy teams which are flying every weekend, and it also gets worse as they get older. It will require time off of school and none of these are excused absences.

The question you have to ask yourself is does he want to go the college recruitment route and devote himself to soccer or is he going to be academically focused and want to play high school. Because if he isn't looking to play college, it's a bit of your waste of time when he should be devoting himself to school and other activities where he'll find his passion, since it really does swallow up a bunch of time, including an inability to play high school. If he's still on the MLS Next team freshman year and having some success, they will likely pressure him to stay and not move to the EA team....moving to the EA team would also make college recruitment significantly harder....plus he might have a hard time with it (being teased you got sent down to the EA team).
 
Lou789 said:
My older son is on an EA team that will be MLS next next year at U13. His coaches indicated he will play on that team while others won’t I can tell. He gets a lot of playing time as is. But he does not know if or how things will change and I don’t either. And if he abuse even do this.

1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?
2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?
3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?
4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?
5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?
6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?
7. He wants to play for his high school team potentially eventually as well so the other option I guess would be to stay on an EA team at the same club? Can that be decided later like do MLS next one year and then if he wants to do HS move to a team on another league like EA?
Click to expand...
GraceT covered the bulk of it.

I would add a few things. The first couple of years of MLS Next are the most competitive in terms of roster spots and play time (and there is a significant bias for size). As it gets into the high school years there is a lot of attrition from kids playing high school sports (of all kinds), or generally just losing interest in playing soccer year round. MLS Next is a grind, effectively a year round commitment with plenty of travel required. It's easier if you child "lives and dies" for soccer.

Personally, I wouldn't look too far ahead in determining what your kid's soccer future may look like. I would take it one year at a time. One year is not going to make a significant difference in your child's long term soccer path unless he gets a soul and passion sucking coach.

I'm not a no on MLS Next, its a very competitive program that works for some kids, just don't expect the coaching to be any better at that level.
 
1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?

This is the highest-level league your son can play in starting next season, when 2013-born players become eligible. It's an exclusive and highly sought-after league, particularly due to the participation of MLS Academy teams. The visibility and exposure it provides greatly increase the chances of your child being noticed by top MLS teams like Galaxy or LAFC, which is why many parents want their children to play in this league.

2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?

Pros: Exposure to top-level tournaments, higher-quality referees, and generally better fields. Plus, wearing the MLS Next patch is a cool perk.

Cons: The travel can be demanding, with trips to places like Arizona and Nevada for weekend games. Additionally, there’s constant pressure to maintain your minutes. Your club will likely have new players trying out throughout the year, which means you could lose your starting spot, your playing time, or even be moved down to the MLS Next 2 team.

3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?

There are clubs like TFA, Galaxy, and LAFC that don’t charge club fees, and I believe everything is covered. These clubs typically carry 20+ players on their roster, which means they rotate the game day squad, so it’s possible your child may not be selected for every match. For example, LA Galaxy’s U13 team this year (or possibly still) has over 25 players on their roster at one point.

4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?

The number of players can vary; some clubs carry 18 or fewer, but there are times when clubs may have more players and rotate them in and out of matchday squads.

5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?

Nevada and Arizona 2x a full season.

6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?

I would prioritize playing time and player development over just winning. If your son is coming off the bench as one of the first substitutes, playing meaningful minutes, and is happy, then that's a good situation. However, if he’s not getting playing time over others he feels he’s better than, or if you suspect politics are at play, it’s time to move on. Find a team that will appreciate him and give him the chance to play. I've seen too many kids stay with top-tier clubs where they barely see the field, and in tight games, they might not play at all. That’s not worth it. Playing time is key to having fun and building a passion for the game, which they can lose if they’re constantly sitting on the bench. If it means dropping a flight to get those opportunities, it’s absolutely worth it in the long run.
 
Lou789 said:
My older son is on an EA team that will be MLS next next year at U13. His coaches indicated he will play on that team while others won’t I can tell. He gets a lot of playing time as is. But he does not know if or how things will change and I don’t either. And if he abuse even do this.

1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?
2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?
3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?
4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?
5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?
6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?
7. He wants to play for his high school team potentially eventually as well so the other option I guess would be to stay on an EA team at the same club? Can that be decided later like do MLS next one year and then if he wants to do HS move to a team on another league like EA?
Click to expand...
Most have been answered already, and I agree with what has been said.

To expand on question 5...you can expect to travel from Santa Barbara/Ventura to San Diego and everywhere in between on the regular. My son just played in Vegas two weeks ago, Phoenix last weekend, and back to Phoenix again in three weeks. Add in MLS Next Fest in December (fortunately it was in SoCal this year) and MLS Next Flex in Maryland this May and MLS Playoffs/Showcase in Nashville in June. This is a year-round commitment with minimal time off for the holidays and a few weeks off in summer.
 
** If your son goes to a private school he can get a waiver and play HS but he cannot participate in any MLS Next games during the HS season. This will depend on the club and or coach of his MLS Next team.
 
Lou789 said:
My older son is on an EA team that will be MLS next next year at U13. His coaches indicated he will play on that team while others won’t I can tell. He gets a lot of playing time as is. But he does not know if or how things will change and I don’t either. And if he abuse even do this.

1. Can someone tell me the dummies version of MLS next at this age?
2. what the pros and cons are of MLS next teams at this age and older ages?
3. Is this where they some kids may never play or get called to play, or is that when they are older? Or am I thinking of something else? I read somewhere about kids not even being called to the games?
4. Are most MLS next teams around the same number of players on roster?
5. Is the travel bad and how often realistically?
6. If your child play MLS next what would you do different or the same at u13, u14 and you get years?
7. He wants to play for his high school team potentially eventually as well so the other option I guess would be to stay on an EA team at the same club? Can that be decided later like do MLS next one year and then if he wants to do HS move to a team on another league like EA?
Click to expand...
2. At u13, your boy will get exposure to MLSN clubs and a high level of play very young. That's a lot of pressure. Depending on his club, he'll have some games where he'll get completely worked over. It will be a learning experience but a positive one IMO if the kid has his head on straight (you can help with that!). At the older age groups, specifically starting at u15, if he sticks with MLSN until graduation, he'll get approximately 1 year of additional training and game play over kids who play ECNL and the other leagues that release their players for high school. That's significant. With that, however? There is a lot of burnout. MLSN is a job and not an easy one.
5. In SoCal, the MLSN teams probably have the same travel range as ECNL.So there will be a few trips to Nevada and Arizona. There's also the showcase (MLSN Fest), Flex (a playoff to qualify for the national playoffs in addition to league), and then the national playoffs. Those 3 events are all over the country. There are other tournaments and showcases, too.
6. Best case? Your kid plays from u13 to u19. But do consider burnout and lifestyle. If he's a social kid with lots of friends and would rather be doing other things in addition to soccer? Consider ECNL, ECRL, or EA until u15. The negative, as some have noted, is that as they age, entry into MLSN is tough especially starting with u15 when most of his peer group will be freshman.

Also, and this can't be emphasized enough: while your kid will have a leg-up with college opportunities, please please please don't go into this thinking it's a walk into a scholarship or even a partial/no scholarship D1 spot. That's just fool's gold.
 
KiloOne said:
Most have been answered already, and I agree with what has been said.

To expand on question 5...you can expect to travel from Santa Barbara/Ventura to San Diego and everywhere in between on the regular. My son just played in Vegas two weeks ago, Phoenix last weekend, and back to Phoenix again in three weeks. Add in MLS Next Fest in December (fortunately it was in SoCal this year) and MLS Next Flex in Maryland this May and MLS Playoffs/Showcase in Nashville in June. This is a year-round commitment with minimal time off for the holidays and a few weeks off in summer.
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Does the travel start like this at U13?
 
East County Soccer Dad said:
I’m sure there are schools skirting this, but the exemption does say private school on scholarship.

We have a soccer powerhouse here and they have a number of mlsn on varsity
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This was in play when my child was 13. Play GDA, get full ride at private high school + waiver + access to the league. Play soccer at public school = no waiver = no access to top league. 100% denied. It seems very unfair to public school kids who would like to do both and. My friend's kid out in the IE can ball and was offered a chance in a lifetime full ride access to Galaxy. Had to be 100% all in and no public high school soccer or no play. His buddy goes to Damien I think and he gets to play with his buddies and play top level and my pals son is denied because public school doesn't count because it's free I guess and no scholarships at public school.
 
Do you think MLS next parents know that scholarships are almost never a full ride and their child is likely to go to a worse academic school than they would other wise get in on academics alone? I feel most people only find out about how little scholarships are available when their kids are applying for schools.

The only reason to play MLS next is for the bragging rights. There is no other reason.
 
My son currently plays U13 MLS Next in socal. Honestly I expected better competition and play at this level. There were EA/E2 teams we played last year that are better than some of the MLS next teams this year. Three or 4 top teams including the academies are really good. The rest are average to mediocre depending on population density and what they charge players.

It takes a lot of time. Practice 3 to 4 days a week plus 1 or 2 weekend games and travel leave little time for other activities. You will travel outside the state 4 to 6 times.

We are trying it now in middle school so we can determine if it's something he wants to continue in high school. Academics is the primary focus. If MLS Next interferes with academics then we leave.

He has a clear mandate. No straight As no soccer. He has held up his end of the deal so far.
 
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr said:
2. At u13, your boy will get exposure to MLSN clubs and a high level of play very young. That's a lot of pressure. Depending on his club, he'll have some games where he'll get completely worked over. It will be a learning experience but a positive one IMO if the kid has his head on straight (you can help with that!). At the older age groups, specifically starting at u15, if he sticks with MLSN until graduation, he'll get approximately 1 year of additional training and game play over kids who play ECNL and the other leagues that release their players for high school. That's significant. With that, however? There is a lot of burnout. MLSN is a job and not an easy one.
5. In SoCal, the MLSN teams probably have the same travel range as ECNL.So there will be a few trips to Nevada and Arizona. There's also the showcase (MLSN Fest), Flex (a playoff to qualify for the national playoffs in addition to league), and then the national playoffs. Those 3 events are all over the country. There are other tournaments and showcases, too.
6. Best case? Your kid plays from u13 to u19. But do consider burnout and lifestyle. If he's a social kid with lots of friends and would rather be doing other things in addition to soccer? Consider ECNL, ECRL, or EA until u15. The negative, as some have noted, is that as they age, entry into MLSN is tough especially starting with u15 when most of his peer group will be freshman.

Also, and this can't be emphasized enough: while your kid will have a leg-up with college opportunities, please please please don't go into this thinking it's a walk into a scholarship or even a partial/no scholarship D1 spot. That's just fool's gold.
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Spot on with "MLSN is a job".

They only thing I would slightly differ with you on, is that it's actually easier to get on an MLSN team as you get into the high school years. As I mentioned before, many kids leave MLSN as they start HS (actually I notice the biggest decrease after kids freshman year). Often some of the better kids leave, opening up spots for other kids, particularly for kids that were previously non-starters.
 
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