Unlock your path to professional soccer
join our mls next today
what is mls Homegrown program?
the mls homegrown program is a major league soccer’s initiative designed to identify, develop, and promote talented youth players from academy systems into professional teams. through this program, mls clubs can sign eligible to homegrown players directly to first-team contracts, allowing them to move from youth soccer into the professional environment without entering the mls draft.
words from vp & technical director of mls player development
“Daily conversations with top youth academies nationwide are driving the creation of this new development program… there’s strong momentum & excitement among mls & elite academies to co-create a competition that will deliver the best development environment for the nation’s top players & clubs”
~ Fred Lipka
what the mls homegrown program provides?
the program offers:
a directed pathway from youth academy to an MLS professional roster
High level development inside a nationally recognized structure
Opportunities for youth players to train with mls first teams
eligibility for professional ‘homegrown Player’ contracts
visibility for MLS Scouts, national team coaches, & top college programs
the homegrown program has helped launch the careers of many mls & U.S. National team players
Mls next team
benefits of joining mls next?
-
Train with certified coaches who have experience at the highest levels. Practices happen 3-4 times per week.
Most practices are held at our Gainesville location (Allen Creek Soccer Complex), unless instructed otherwise from assigned head coach.
-
We participate in top college showcases across the nation & locally.
MLS Fest in Arizona
IMG Showcase in Florida
ATL United Showcase in Georgia
-
We compete against MLS professional academies.
We are set to face off against 6 MLS Georgia clubs, a noteworthy opponent in ATL United, a formidable team from Nashville, & 6 competitive Carolina clubs, with Charlotte FC among them.
-
We play intentional & meaningful games for 10 months.
players are anticipated to meet travel requirements. At least half of games will be hosted at our Gainesville location (Allen Creek Soccer Complex).
mls next age brackets:
lsa offers mls next to the following groups for boys:
u13 - u19 boys
FAQs
-
LSA is directly connected to the MLS development structure through its participation in MLS Next, the highest level of youth competition in the country. This places LSA athletes on the MLS scouting radar & offers a clear line of visibility into the professional pathway.
-
LSA players are regularly evaluated by MLS scouts
Top performing players may be invited to train with MLS academy teams
Those who excel within MLS environments may enter the official MLS Homegrown track
Players gain exposure to national team scouts, college coaches, an professional recruiters through MLS Next showcases and events such as MLS Next Fest & GA Cup qualifiers.
-
LSA provides a training environment aligned with MLS standards.
Coaches prepare players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally for elite competition.
The academy maintains communication with MLS academies and scouting networks to support player identification.
LSA facilitates movement for players ready to enter the next stage of the professional development pathway.
-
LSA → MLS NEXT → MLS Homegrown
Players progressing through Lanier Soccer Academy’s top programs—Academy, NAL, and MLS NEXT—gain access to the highest levels of youth competition and visibility. For those who stand out, the MLS Homegrown Program becomes an attainable and realistic next step in their soccer journey.
