MLS NEXT Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chargers Soccer Club Announces Expansion of MLS Next Program with Two-Tier Structure
Lakewood Ranch & Clearwater, FL – March 14, 2025 – Chargers Soccer Club is proud to announce a significant development in its MLS Next program with the introduction of a two-tier structure, featuring MLS Next and MLS Next 2. This expansion reinforces the club’s commitment to providing top-tier development opportunities for elite youth soccer players in Florida. Under the new structure, the top-tier teams competing in MLS Next will primarily train and play at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, while the MLS Next 2 teams will primarily train and play at the Clearwater Campus. This enhancement allows for greater player development and pathway opportunities, ensuring athletes receive high-level competition and exposure.
The Chargers Soccer Club MLS Next and MLS NEXT 2 program will feature teams in the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups, offering a clear pathway for talented players to progress within the elite soccer landscape. The MLS Next program will provide a year-round environment for players to compete at the highest level in the United States. Additionally, the MLS Next 2 program will include a midseason break for players in the U17 and U19 age groups, allowing them the opportunity to play high school soccer. To identify and evaluate players for both MLS Next and MLS Next 2 teams, Chargers Soccer Club will be hosting MLS Next Talent ID Clinics at both the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and Countryside Sportsplex in Clearwater. The evaluation schedule is as follows:
Premier Sports Campus – Lakewood Ranch
• April 2 – U13 (2013-2014) – 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• April 2 – U16 (2010) – 7:30 to 9:00 pm
• April 3 – U14 (2012) – 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• April 3 – U17 (2009) – 7:30 to 9:00 pm
• April 4 – U15 (2011) – 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• April 4 – U19 (2007-2008) – 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Countryside Sportsplex – Clearwater
• April 7 – U13 (2013-2014) – 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• April 7 – U16 (2010) – 7:30 to 9:00 pm
• April 8 – U14 (2012) – 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• April 8 – U17 (2009) – 7:30 to 9:00 pm
• April 9 – U15 (2011) – 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• April 9 – U19 (2007-2008) – 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Players interested in attending the Talent ID Clinics must register in advance. To sign up, please visit the Registration Link: https://system.gotsport.com/programs/9H9022562?reg_role=player Players are encouraged to attend both training sessions to be seen by the MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT 2 coaching staff.
“We are excited to expand our MLS Next program to a two-tier structure, allowing us to continue our mission of developing top-level talent,” said Mike Keeney, Executive Director of Chargers Soccer Club. “This new format enables us to provide more players with elite training and competition while maintaining a high standard of excellence across all levels.”
The MLS Next platform is widely recognized as the premier youth development league in North America, offering top-tier competition and a direct pathway to collegiate, professional, and national team opportunities. Chargers Soccer Club remains committed to excellence, player development, and fostering the next generation of soccer stars.
For more information on the Chargers Soccer Club MLS Next and MLS Next 2 programs, visit ChargersSoccer.com or contact Playing@ChargersSoccer.com.
About Chargers Soccer Club – Chargers Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization dedicated to providing elite training and competition for players in Florida. With a strong emphasis on player development, the club offers multiple pathways for athletes to reach their full potential, from grassroots programs to elite national competitions.
