MLS NEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

Rhode Island Surf is excited to announce our addition to MLS NEXT's new competition tier slated to begin play in Fall 2025.

Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas and Allstate.

Previously unveiled in January, the new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Each division will be managed by leading league operators across the youth club landscape with a strong commitment to player development. The New England region will be operated by the National Academy League (NAL).

Regular season play will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.

Speaking on the club's addition, here's what Boys Director Martin Yarumian had to say, "Rhode Island Surf is excited to join MLS Next's new competition tier in the Fall of 2025. This new league allows us to provide our players with a platform to learn, develop, and compete at a higher level. We feel, as a club, that this is a great step in providing the best environment possible for our members. We look forward to both the new challenges and opportunities that await our great club!"

Coach, owner, and former MLS player Scott Cannon had this to say on the matter, "Having played in Major League Soccer, I know firsthand what it takes to reach that level. With Rhode Island Surf's acceptance into MLS Next's new tier, we now have a unique opportunity to provide a clear pathway for our players to reach the highest levels of soccer in the United States. I'm excited to share my experience and help these young athletes develop the skills and mindset needed to reach their full potential and pursue their professional soccer dreams."

For a full breakdown of the divisions and participating clubs, click HERE

For more information regarding MLS NEXT, click HERE