MLS NEXT: U13, U14
West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT focuses on providing players with exceptional Player Development and Identification experiences and is an integral part of the club’s player development pathway with the mission of identifying, attracting and developing players for the collegiate and professional ranks.
“MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and training to prepare them for their future, both in soccer and in life.” – Major League Soccer
Our innovative programing and dedicated support team help ensure our Academy has the best chance to produce the most talented, hard working and committed players in the West Virginia Eastern Panhandle and surrounding areas including Northern Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT teams train a minimum of three to four days per week, play league matches regionally in the Mid Atlantic and attend nationally recognized tournaments and events. The 2022-23 MLS NEXT Mid Atlantic conference consisted of powerhouse MLS Academies including D.C. United, New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union.
Format and Curriculum
West Virginia Soccer MLS NEXT is a year round program and commitment with scheduled breaks around public school calendars, holidays, developmental soccer breaks and end of the season play. Our planned breaks are distributed by the Club to each team in August. These are to serve as guidelines and may be adjusted throughout the year.
Rosters
The MLS NEXT program plans for a player pool of up to 35 players in each age group. The player pool will have access to league play with MLS NEXT and USYS National League. Players who are not rostered for MLS Next matches will get quality matches through USYS National League play.
The Club will plan to select 15 Full Time MLS NEXT players and 20 MLS NEXT Future players (MLS NEXT II). The player pool will plan to train at similar times and locations for development and logistical purposes. MLS NEXT Full Time players will train up to 4 times per week during the regular season and MLS NEXT II players will train up to 3 times per week during the regular season.
MLS NEXT Full Time players will focus solely on MLS NEXT league play and affiliated events. MLS NEXT II (Futures) players may split time between MLS NEXT and USYS National League games (or other league play) , practices and events based on performance, attendance and availability. The MLS NEXT II program provides players access to play full matches outside of MLS NEXT league play.
League Play and Tournaments
MLS NEXT requires travel from Virginia to New York for league matches. There are typically one to two longer away matches per month during league play (3+ hours). USYS National League matches are typically played regionally in Virginia and Maryland.
The Club plans to participate in all MLS NEXT events which may require travel outside of the Mid Atlantic region. We will also participate in nationally ranked events and invite only showcases such as Jefferson Cup and Bethesda Cup which require regional travel.
Competitive Calendar Example
Fall Season – August 1 – December 15
– Baseline testing with a performance coach – Two to four physical performance sessions per month
– Three to Four training sessions per week
– Minimum of one video review session per month
– MLS NEXT or USYS League play
– Pre season and post season nationally ranked tournaments
– MLS NEXT Showcase – Typically held in Los Angelos, California.
*December 15 to January 10 will be a planned winter break for coaches and families.
Winter Academy: January 15 – February 28
– Three training sessions per week (combination of outdoor and indoor)
– Minimum of one video review session per month
Spring Season: March 1 – June 15
– Baseline testing with a performance coach – Two to four physical performance sessions per month
– Three to Four training sessions per week
– Minimum of one video review session per month
– MLS NEXT or USYS League play
– Pre season and post season nationally ranked tournaments
– MLS NEXT Flex Event – Typically held at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown, MD.
– MLS NEXT Cup National Championship – Typically held in Dallas, Texas mid June.
* July: We will offer open play, small sided training sessions in July. Families are encouraged to take vacations in July since the schedule is more flexible. This is time for families, players and coaches to recharge and get ready for August pre season.
*Competitive Calendars may vary based on age and level and may be adjusted at the sole discretion of the Club.
Registration and Fees
The MLS NEXT program includes over 200+ training and game units on an annual basis. The Club fee may be paid all at once after accepting the invitation or over nine installments for a small additional administration fee.
| MLS NEXT 2023-24 Fees | Invitation | June 1 to February 1 | |
| Age | Non Refundable Deposit | Monthly Payment Plan | Total |
| U13 | $270 | $270 | $2,700 |
| U14 | $270 | $270 | $2,700 |
| MLS NEXT II 2023-24 Fees | Invitation | June 1 to February 1 | |
| Age | Non Refundable Deposit | Monthly Payment Plan | Total |
| U13 | $250 | $250 | $2,500 |
| U14 | $250 | $250 | $2,500 |
Financial Aid West Virginia Soccer is committed to ensuring that all potential players have the opportunity to receive the benefits of participation in our programs regardless of race, economic status and/or physical limitations. Financial Assistance programs are available to help families offset fees associated with the MLS NEXT program.
All Inclusive Fees
What Does the Program Costs Include?
| All Inclusive Fees | Non Inclusive Costs – Team and Player Expenses |
| – Governing Organization Fees – Governing Body Player Card – Risk Management and Coaches background checks – League Fees – All MLS NEXT events – MLS NEXT Winter Showcase, MLS NEXT FLEX, MLS NEXT Cup - Coaching Salaries – Turf and Grass Facility Fees – Goalkeeper Training – Coaching Education for Club Coaches – College Guidance Program – Club Website Hosting & Development Fees – Club Operating Expenses (insurance, online registration, additional club overhead) – Staff Salaries – Professional Fees (CPA, Legal, etc.) – Need-based Financial Aid Program |
– Uniforms ordered separately through soccer.com. The club operates on a two year cycle. – Coaches travel expenses greater than 150 miles. Per Diem + Hotels to be paid by team – Additional tournaments beyond the included Club Membership tournaments or events – Performance Trainer Fees |
Uniforms
Uniforms are ordered through Soccer.com. The uniform kit includes:
– Two numbered game jerseys
– Two pairs of shorts
– Two pairs of socks
– Practice kit
Uniform costs range between $250 and $350. Uniforms run on a two year cycle and are not included in the program fees. Returning players may wear the same kit from the previous fall or spring season within the same two year cycle. New players will receive an email after tryouts conclude and the player is assigned to a team with instructions once all players have picked (or assigned) their numbers and Soccer.com is ready to accept orders.
Facilities
West Virginia Soccer membership lives regionally around the Eastern Panhandle in WV, VA, MD and PA. We will plan training session and game day locations to accommodate our membership as best as possible.
Jefferson County, WV
– Washington High School: One Artificial Turf Field with Lights
– Shepherd University Soccer Stadium: One Artificial Turf Field
– Shepherd University Intramural Soccer Fields: Grass
– Martinsburg HS Stadium: One Artificial Turf Field with Lights
Frederick County, MD
– Hood College Stadium: One Artificial Turf Field with Lights
– Brunswick HS Stadium: One Artificial Turf Field with Lights
– Othello Regional Park: One Artificial Turf Field with Lights
Leesburg, VA
– Segra Field Stadium: Artificial Turf Stadium with Lights (Tryouts)
*The above program descriptions and details are intended to give membership examples and guidelines of program expectations. Program details are subject to change at the sole discretion of the MLDA.
