MLS Next - Sacramento United Soccer Club

SACRAMENTO UNITED: PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF SOCCER IN THE GREATER SACRAMENTO REGION

Since our inaugural 22/23 season, Sacramento United Soccer Club has been accepted into MLS Next, the prestigious youth development platform sanctioned by Major League Soccer. This milestone achievement solidifies our position as the leading soccer club in the Greater Sacramento Region and opens up unparalleled opportunities for our players.

Here are the key benefits of Sacramento United being the only club in the region to offer a full pathway from U13 to U19 within MLS Next:

Unmatched Player Development: Our participation in MLS Next means our players will be exposed to the highest level of competition and training opportunities. They will be immersed in an environment that fosters growth, technical excellence, and tactical understanding, paving the way for their continued development.

Direct Pathway to Professional Opportunities: With MLS Next being directly affiliated with Major League Soccer, our players will have a clear pathway to showcase their talents and catch the attention of professional scouts. This unparalleled connection to the highest levels of soccer in North America increases the chances of our players realizing their dreams of playing professional soccer.

Exposure to Collegiate Soccer Programs: MLS Next provides exceptional exposure to college coaches and recruiters, giving our players an advantage when it comes to securing athletic scholarships and admission into top collegiate soccer programs. The platform’s reputation and network open doors to collegiate opportunities that would otherwise be harder to access.

Elite Coaching Staff: As part of MLS Next, we are proud to offer an elite coaching staff comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to nurturing the potential of our players. Their expertise, guidance, and mentorship will further enhance the development and success of our athletes.

Enhanced Club Prestige: By joining MLS Next, Sacramento United reinforces its status as a premier soccer club in the region. The recognition and respect associated with MLS Next affiliation solidify our commitment to excellence and further strengthen our reputation as a club that produces top-quality players. No other league offers your player to play against MLS Next Academies the likes of Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, and many more respectable programs.

Sacramento United remains dedicated to providing our players with the best opportunities to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential in soccer. Together, we are shaping the future of soccer in the Greater Sacramento Region, and we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey.

The future is bright, and we can’t wait to witness the incredible achievements of our players as they take their place on the national soccer stage with MLS Next.

ABOUT MLS NEXT

MLS Next is the top league in North America for boys’ youth soccer. Current membership includes 133 clubs, 590 teams, 11,000+ players across the U.S. and Canada and features over 90% of the current youth national team player pools. MLS Next is the paradigm for player development. MLS Next gives our players the opportunity to play at the highest level and be exposed to professional scouts, increased training and competitive playing opportunities.

To provide the best player development experience, we focus our efforts on the following areas: Competition, Environment, Coaching, Individual Growth and Player ID & Recruitment.

MLS NEXT is the top youth soccer program in the US. Teams travel nationally and train for 10 months. Currently offered for boys but girls may be rostered.

OUR MLS NEXT PROGRAM:

4 practices per week. Players are expected to attend all practices to be considered for competition in games.
Each team plays approximately 30 league games, including games at Showcases.
Entry fee for a maximum of 2 MLS Next Showcases
Seasons: Fall & Spring
MLS NEXT teams train for 10 months
MLS NEXT patch on home/away jersey sleeves.
VEO Game Recordings
Individual Player Development Plans (IDP)
Strength & conditioning 2x a week with G6 Performance
Exposure to college coaches
Exposure to US Youth National Team scouts/coaches

MLS NEXT TEAMS

Sacramento United SC will field six MLS Development teams, including U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 teams that train 4 times a week and play a nationwide schedule. Trainings will follow a structured curriculum used throughout the world’s top youth academies.

OUTSIDE COMPETITIONS

MLS NEXT players and teams cannot play in any outside competitions without written permission from MLS NEXT Administrators. This includes any other leagues, middle/high school season, tournaments, or State Cup competitions.

Special exemptions may be granted. Reach out to Pedro Lupercio for more information.

TRAVELING

MLS NEXT TEAMS can expect 15-20 away matches in a given season. Some games will require overnight travel. Exact travel distances will vary depending on their geographic proximity to their opponents and events.

NOTE MLS NEXT teams have extensive travel. Coach travel expenses are in addition to team fees.

UNIFORM

The 2022/23 season will be the first year of the uniform cycle (two years). Everyone will need to purchase the uniform from Kombat Soccer. Once teams are formed, managers will send out information on required items to purchase and how to order.

COST

Financial Commitments can be seen here

ADDITIONAL COST

Uniforms and travel.

Our Promise to Player Growth and Opportunities in MLS Next

In contrast to other Elite Clubs (non-MLS Academies), Sac United maintains a steadfast dedication to player development, ensuring that our MLS Next players are thoroughly prepared for their future endeavors and empowered to pursue their dreams. Our unwavering commitment to prioritizing players’ best interests extends both currently and in the future. Any MLS Academy interested in trialing and signing our players can be confident that Sac United will actively support and facilitate discussions for potential transfers.

Future Players

If a player doesn’t make an MLS team during tryouts or is evaluated mid-season, they may be offered to join the second team, offering valuable experience and growth opportunities. Our coaching staff collaborates closely, ensuring that each coach within the age group works together and provides regular development updates on the player. In some cases, selected players may be rostered to the second teams but are allowed to train with the MLS Next team if the coaches are in agreement and approved by the MLS Director. We closely monitor players for potential selection as an MLS Future, defined by the MLS Next League.