The Sporting Kansas City Academy U-17 and U-15 sides will compete in one of the largest events of the 2023-24 MLS NEXT season, as over 350 of the best youth soccer teams from across the U.S. and Canada showcase their skills at the third-annual MLS NEXT Fest. The six-day event will feature a new location for 2023 as matches will be played at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz. With nearly 600 matches, MLS NEXT Fest provides an opportunity for North America’s top youth talent to be seen by 300 different college, national team, and professional scouts.
The MLS NEXT Fest Showcase will feature over 350 MLS NEXT teams in four different age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19). All teams will play three games in four days and matches are scheduled based on division, competition in past events and competitive standings from the 2023-24 MLS NEXT regular season, allowing clubs to play a variety of different teams from across the country. Players participating in MLS NEXT Fest are also eligible to be selected for MLS NEXT Fest Best Of matches – three games across different age groups from Dec. 7-8 in which standout players will compete against one another.
Additionally, MLS NEXT will also feature two ‘Uncommitted Matches’ on December 7, which will provide a unique opportunity for college coaches to evaluate some of the top players in the U-19 age group who have not yet made their collegiate decisions. The Uncommitted Matches will be held in an East vs. East and West vs. West format with 22 players per team.
Opponent | Date | Time (MT) |
|---|---|---|
Philadelphia Union | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 8:15 p.m. |
Real Salt Lake | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 6 p.m. |
Seattle Sounders | Friday, Dec. 8 | 10:45 a.m. |
Opponent | Date | Time (MT) |
|---|---|---|
Strikers FC | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 2 p.m. |
Charlotte FC | Saturday, May 9 | 4:30 p.m. |
D.C. United | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 2 p.m. |
“MLS NEXT Fest has rapidly become the premier scouting event for MLS clubs, college coaches, and National Team evaluators, and we are thrilled to have the most talented young players from nearly 400 teams competing in Phoenix throughout this week,” said Justin Bokmeyer, General Manager, MLS NEXT.
For the full schedule of the week’s games, please click **HERE**. To view and download MLS NEXT Fest logos, please click **HERE**.
Players at MLS NEXT Fest will have the opportunity to be scouted by various organizations and coaches from 192 different colleges. Furthermore, nine MLS NEXT Match Evaluators – an assembled group of current and former professional players and coaches – will be evaluating matches at the event. Match Evaluators will attend various games and assess the quality of play while pinpointing top-performing players at each age group. The group will include notable current MLS players Evan Bush (Columbus Crew), Omar Gonzalez (New England Revolution), and Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas). Former MLS players Kofi Opare, Dillon Powers, and Amobi Okugo will also participate in the program at MLS NEXT Fest. Alumni of the program have progressed into coaching or administration roles within MLS and MLS NEXT clubs.
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer – celebrating its 28th season in 2023 – features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app
About MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT is a new paradigm for player development, launched in 2020 to transform youth soccer in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition, training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Membership for the 2023-24 season includes 143 clubs, 677 teams and over 15,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
