FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is MLS NEXT Structured?
MLS NEXT now has two Tiers:
MLS NEXT Homegrown Division
- Highest tier of MLS NEXT
- Includes MLS professional club academies and top elite academies
- Direct professional development pathway
MLS NEXT Academy Division (where we compete)
- Nationally recognized MLS NEXT platform
- Regional conference play with national postseason opportunities
- Built to expand elite development and scouting opportunities
What makes MLS NEXT Academy Division different?
Regional League + National Platform:
MLS NEXT Teams compete locally and regionally during league play, but the platform connects clubs nationally.
This means players receive:
- High-level league competition
- Exposure to college and professional scouts
- Access to national MLS NEXT events and talent identification opportunities
What Division do TFE's MLS NEXT teams play in?
Our club competes in the North Conference of MLS NEXT Academy Division.
The conference model is designed to:
- Create strong regional competition
- Limit unnecessary travel
- Provide meaningful league games
- Maintain MLS NEXT technical and competition standards
The North League is made up of 5 Minnesota Teams and 5 Wisconsin Teams. In 2026-2027, Illinois teams will be realigned to the North Conference.
Can High School-Aged players play High School Soccer?
Yes, MLS NEXT Academy is School Soccer Friendly. One unique feature of Academy Division is that players may participate in high school soccer. The schedule is designed around regional and school calendars while maintaining elite competition standards.
When will the season begin?
U13 and U14 teams will begin competitive play in September. U15 and older teams will begin after the Minnesota State High School League season completes in November.
How many conference games will be played?
We expect our teams to play between 16-18 conference games in a home/away format. Games are typically played Saturday and Sunday, with one game per day.
How many national showcase events will each team attend?
In addition to the travel required in conference play, teams should expect to travel to 3 additional events including MLS NEXT Fest in December, and MLS NEXT Cup Qualifiers.
Is there a National Championship?
Yes, MLS NEXT Academy Division teams compete for advancement to the MLS Next Cup through:
- Regional conference play
- MLS NEXT Cup Qualifier events
- MLS NEXT Fest
- MLS NEXT Cup national competition
These events are major scouting and recruiting environments.
How will college recruiting exposure change in MLS NEXT Academy Division?
MLS NEXT Academy Division provides players with increased visibility and access to recruiting environments. The league combines high-level regional competition with national showcase events designed to place players in front of college, professional, and national team scouts. Academy Division clubs compete in league play while also gaining access to major events such as MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Cup Qualifiers, which serve as formal talent identification environments.
How often will MLS NEXT teams train?
Players should expect to have 4-5 contacts per week on average with their teams which includes training and games/events.
How many travel weekends are expected?
Our teams average 6-8 travel weekends which includes both conference games and national showcase events.
What is the commitment level required to play on a MLS NEXT team?
Given the performance level required to compete at this level, we will be requiring an even higher commitment level from players and coaches. Players will need to be able to attend training regularly and be available to attend all games/events.
