Understanding Youth Soccer Leagues

MLS Next

MLS Next is a boys-only youth development league operated by Major League Soccer. It is organized into three competitive tiers and includes approximately 280 clubs across the United States. The league is structured around a development pathway designed to connect youth competition directly to professional soccer — MLS professional clubs field academy teams that compete alongside independent clubs.

ECNL

ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) is an independent league not affiliated with MLS. It operates separate programs for both boys and girls, with two competitive tiers per gender and more than 500 clubs nationally. ECNL was founded as a club-driven organization focused on elite player development outside the professional pathway structure.

MLS Next Tiers

Homegrown Division (HD)

The primary competitive division. Most MLS Next clubs compete here, including the majority of independent youth clubs.

Academy Division (AD)

Academy-level competition. Includes both independent clubs and teams from MLS professional organizations.

Pro Pathway

The highest level, available only to MLS professional clubs. Primarily older age groups.

ECNL Tiers

ECNL

The top tier for both boys and girls programs. Selective membership based on competitive merit.

ECNL Regional League (RL)

A broader-access tier for boys and girls. Designed to expand competitive opportunities at the regional level.

MLS Next Regions (13)

Central, East, Florida, Great Lakes South, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain, NorCal, Northeast, Northwest, SoCal, Southeast, Texas

ECNL Conferences

Boys (15): Far West, Florida, Heartland, Mid-America, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain, New England, North Atlantic, Northern Cal, Northwest, Ohio Valley, Southeast, Southwest, Texas

Girls (10): Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New England, North Atlantic, Northern Cal, Northwest, Ohio Valley, Southeast, Southwest, Texas