MLS NEXT ACADEMY
At our club, we proudly offer three elite National Teams: Boys National Academy, Girls National Academy, and Boys Academy. Each team represents the pinnacle of talent and skill in their respective age groups, competing at the highest level in the MLS NEXT and Girls Academy.
The DETAILS
Born in 2007-2013 (U13-U19)
MLS NEXT Homegrown | Girls Academy | MLS NEXT Academy
The National teams are for the highest-level players in the U13-U19 age groups. Only one team per age group will be selected for each of the three programs that we support at the club. Boy’s National teams compete in MLS NEXT Homegrown division and MLS NEXT Academy division. Our Girl’s National teams compete in the Girls Academy.
Current players are placed on these teams based on performance level in training and matches. New players who are interested in this program must complete the trialist application prior to being invited in for a tryout. Your application will not be reviewed until you have completed this registration.
Season
The season runs from August through June. Teams train 3-4 nights per week and play matches and tournaments that will require travel in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
Birth Year to School Year
With the USYS decision to change to a school-year breakdown for team formation, current U15 players born from August 1 to December 31 will remain a U15 player for the 2026-2027 season. These trapped U15 players will be evaluated with the rising U16-U19 players at these sessions.
MLS NEXT has made the decision that MLS NEXT Homegrown will continue to use Birth Years while MLS NEXT Academy will switch to School Year.
School Year Age Groups
U19 8/1/2007 - 7/31/2008
U18 8/1/2008 –7/31/2009
U17 8/1/2009 –7/31/2010
U16 8/1/2010 –7/31/2011
U15 8/1/2011 –7/31/2012
U14 8/1/2012 –7/31/2013
U13 8/1/2013 –7/31/2014
U12 8/1/2014 –7/31/2015
U11 8/1/2015 –7/31/2016
Photos & Videos
Coming Soon!
Program Dues
Girls Academy Trialist Form
Joining our National Programs (2025-2026 season):
Thank you for being interested in our Girls National Program, our Girls Academy. We take great pride in not only developing high level soccer players, but also people of good character that will have a positive and lasting impact on the local community. There are two ways that a player can be considered this program:
- Current Charlotte Independence Players: Players that are currently on one of our team rosters are constantly being evaluated by our staff. If we identify a player in another program and he/she is deemed to be at or close to the required level, they will be invited in for training by the program director.
- External Players (not currently with CISC): Players that are not currently with our club must complete a trialist application. Once we receive the application, the information will be reviewed by our staff and taken into consideration when deciding whether to extend an invitation or not. If we decide not to extend an invitation, we will pass the information to our Regional Academy or State programs for consideration. If you are interested in our National Level Program, fill out the Trialist Form below and register for PPP. In order for your application to be reviewed you must first register for the 2025-2026 Player Placement Process program in PlayMetrics. Your application will not be reviewed until your complete this registration.
THE TRIALIST APPLICATION IS FOR BIRTH YEARS 2017-2013 ONLY.
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Joining our National Programs (2026-2027 season):
Thank you for being interested in our Girls National Program, our Girls Academy. We take great pride in not only developing high level soccer players, but also people of good character that will have a positive and lasting impact on the local community. There are two ways that a player can be considered this program:
Current Charlotte Independence Players: Players that are currently on one of our team rosters are constantly being evaluated by our staff. If we identify a player in another program and he/she is deemed to be at or close to the required level, they will be invited in for training by the program director.
External Players (not currently with CISC): Players that are not currently with our club must complete a trialist application. Once we receive the application, the information will be reviewed by our staff and taken into consideration when deciding whether to extend an invitation or not. If we decide not to extend an invitation, we will pass the information to our Regional Academy or State programs for consideration. If you are interested in our National Level Program, fill out the Trialist Form below and register for PPP. In order for your application to be reviewed you must first register for the 2026-2027 Player Placement Process program in PlayMetrics. Your application will not be reviewed until your complete this registration.
THE TRIALIST APPLICATION IS FOR SCHOOL YEARS U16-U19 ONLY.
- August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 = U16
- August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 = U17
- August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2009 = U19
MLS NEXT Homegrown Trialist Form
Joining our National Programs:
Thank you for your interest in joining our Boys National programs which includes MLS Academy and MLS 2 Academy. We take great pride in not only developing high level soccer players, but also people of good character that will have a positive and lasting impact on the local community. There are two ways that a player can be considered for one of these programs:
- Current Charlotte Independence Players: Players that are currently on one of our team rosters are constantly being evaluated by our staff. If we identify a player in another program and he/she is deemed to be at or close to the required level, they will be invited in for training via PlayMetrics.
- External Players (not currently with CISC): Players that are not currently with our club must complete a trialist application. Once we receive your application, the information will be reviewed by our staff and taken into consideration when deciding whether to extend an invitation or not. If we decide not to extend an invitation to you, we will pass on your information to our Regional League or State program for consideration. In order for your application to be reviewed you must first register for the 2025-2026 Player Placement Process program in PlayMetrics. Your application will not be reviewed until your complete this registration.
THE TRIALIST APPLICATION IS FOR BIRTH YEARS 2017-2013 ONLY.
________
Joining our National Programs (2026-2027):
Thank you for your interest in joining our Boys National programs which includes MLS NEXT Homegrown and MLS NEXT Academy. We take great pride in not only developing high level soccer players, but also people of good character that will have a positive and lasting impact on the local community. There are two ways that a player can be considered for one of these programs:
Current Charlotte Independence Players: Players that are currently on one of our team rosters are constantly being evaluated by our staff. If we identify a player in another program and he/she is deemed to be at or close to the required level, they will be invited in for training via PlayMetrics.
External Players (not currently with CISC): Players that are not currently with our club must complete a trialist application. Once we receive your application, the information will be reviewed by our staff and taken into consideration when deciding whether to extend an invitation or not. If we decide not to extend an invitation to you, we will pass on your information to our Regional League or State program for consideration. In order for your application to be reviewed you must first register for the 2025-2026 Player Placement Process program in PlayMetrics. Your application will not be reviewed until your complete this registration.
THE TRIALIST APPLICATION IS FOR BIRTH YEARS 2007-2013 ONLY.
NOTE: For the 2026–27 season, MLS NEXT is updating how age groups are defined: the Academy Division will switch from traditional birth-year teams to a school-year age group format (August 1–July 31) to better align with most youth soccer programs in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Homegrown Division will continue using birth-year age groups (January 1–December 31) and does not change. This means that within our club, teams in the MLS NEXT Academy Division will be grouped based on the August–July school-year calendar, but teams in the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division will stay on the birth-year calendar through this transition.
2023 USL Academy League Champions!
Charlotte Independence Soccer Club secures there first National Championship in the Boys USL Academy League. Watch the this memorable Championship Sunday now!
Isa Franco, Girls National Academy Team Member, Makes Colombian U17 Women's National Team
Take a seat and listen to Charlotte Independence ECNL Academy player Isa Franco talk about her experience growing up in the game of soccer and how her development propelled her to make the Colombian U17 Women's National Team. Get ready as she talks about her experience playing in the 2024 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
BOYS & GIRLS TEAMS & STAFF 2026-27
Information regarding team names and coaches for the 2026-27 season is coming soon.
BOYS & GIRLS TEAMS & STAFF 2025-26
GIRLS ACADEMY FAQs
What is the Girls Academy (GA)?
The Girls Academy (GA) represents the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. GA is also distinguished by the active role the league’s players have in shaping the direction of the league through their player Advisory Panel. GA is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their best potential as an exceptional athlete and human being.
• In 2024/25, GA boasted over 100 member clubs, with over 14,000 players ages U13-U19, and divided into eleven conferences nationwide. League play begins in August and culminates with the playoffs and national finals events in June and July; the most competitive teams qualify for an additional competition.
The GA provides players with elite, high level competition in a structured national league providing:
o Maximized college exposure through showcases, tournaments, club hosted College ID evenings and partnerships
o Reduced league travel commitments while maintaining top-tier competition
o A player-first environment with leadership opportunities (GA Players Advisory Panel)
What is the college coach exposure like in the Girls Academy (GA)
The Girls Academy (GA) has rapidly emerged as one of the leading platforms for college recruiting. In just three years, it has achieved remarkable success:
- Over 1,200 GA players have committed to college soccer programs.
- More than 700 players from the Class of 2024 alone have committed to NCAA programs.
- GA showcases consistently draw hundreds of college scouts, including those from top-tier Division I programs such as UNC, Stanford, and Duke.
Moreover, GA has forged valuable partnerships with top college recruiting platforms like ScoutingZone and Veo. These collaborations offer players video analysis and direct exposure to college coaches. The college recruiting journey is multifaceted, with coaches actively seeking players who can make a significant impact on their programs. As a result, top college programs attend every GA event.
Will this impact travel expectations?
While travel details will be confirmed in the coming weeks, we are mindful of the balance between high-level competition and reasonable travel commitments.
Will this change impact teams going in the 2025 Spring season?
No, all current teams will finish their Spring 2025 season and postseason play in their existing league. The transition to Girls Academy will take full effect after the Spring 2025 season to ensure a smooth transition for players and families.
What will travel be like in Girls Academy (GA) for league games?
Travel in the GA platform varies among programs. We anticipate that our National Academies will travel in the Mid Atlantic and our Regional Academies will travel in the Carolinas.
What are the benefits of being a part of the Girls Academy?
The Girls Academy (GA) focuses on developing female soccer players both athletically and personally. It provides a unique platform where players have a voice in shaping the league, ensuring their needs and perspectives are heard. The academy emphasizes holistic growth beyond just soccer, fostering leadership and development that extends into life skills.
MLS NEXT FAQs
What is MLS Next?
MLS Next is a premier youth soccer league in North America, operated by Major League Soccer (MLS). It serves as a pathway for talented players to develop their skills, with the potential to progress into MLS academies and professional soccer careers.
Why are we joining MLS Next?
By joining MLS Next, we’re providing our players with the highest level of competition, development, and exposure. This aligns with our club’s mission to develop young talent and offer them the best possible opportunities to succeed in soccer.
What age groups will compete in MLS Next?
MLS Next features teams across various age groups, ranging from U13 to U19. We will have teams in all 6 of these age groups at every level of our MLS pathway.
How does MLS Next differ from other leagues?
MLS Next is unique in its structure and development focus. It provides a professional-level environment for young players, with access to world-class coaching, facilities, and exposure to MLS scouts. The league prioritizes long-term player development over short-term results, ensuring players are ready for the next stage in their careers.
What are the benefits for players in MLS Next?
Elite competition: Players will compete against some of the best youth teams in North America.
College and professional exposure: Players gain access to college scouts and MLS academy scouts.
Advanced development programs: Access to top-tier coaching, training, and facilities to maximize player potential.
Pathway to professional soccer: MLS Next provides a clear pathway for players to progress into MLS academies or even professional teams
Will the club still offer other leagues or programs in addition to MLS Next?
Yes, we will continue to offer programs for players who are not part of MLS Next. Our club remains dedicated to developing players at all levels and providing opportunities for those who are on different development paths.
Will there be more travel for MLS Next teams?
Travel in the MLS varies among programs. We anticipate that our National Academies will travel in the Mid Atlantic and our Regional Academies will travel in the Carolinas.
How will this affect my child’s current team or competition level?
Joining MLS Next means your child will be competing at a higher level. They will face players with similar skills and potential, which will challenge them to elevate their game. We believe this is a positive step for their growth as soccer players.
Do players need to be recruited to join an MLS Next team?
While some players may be recruited based on their skill level, we will also hold tryouts for players interested in joining our MLS Next teams. Players will be evaluated on their technical, tactical, physical, and mental attributes to ensure they are ready for the league.
What can players expect with game schedules?
Players at every level of MLS Next will play a competitive schedule in league play along with several showcase events throughout the year. The soccer year ends with league playoffs at every level.
