FEBRUARY 28th, 2025 - BREAKING:
BREAKING: Sporting Blue Valley Earns MLS NEXT Invitation, Advancing Player Development in Kansas City
MLS NEXT has invited Sporting Blue Valley, as the largest founding member of the Sporting Development League, to join the MLS NEXT'S New Competition Tier for the 2025 season and beyond.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sporting Blue Valley Earns MLS NEXT Invitation, Advancing Player Development in Kansas City
OVERLAND PARK, KS (February 25, 2025) – Sporting Blue Valley is pleased to announce its acceptance into the MLS NEXT platform for the 2025-26 season. As a founding and leading member of the Sporting Development League, this invitation signifies a significant advancement in the club's commitment to elite player development in the Kansas City region.
“We are thrilled to be joining MLS NEXT’s new competition tier, this represents an alignment in our vision for a clear and highly competitive player development pathway. The competition level is second to none and we are proud to have Sporting Blue Valley being one of the founding clubs” - Richard Davies, Sporting Blue Valley Director of Coaching
This move to MLS NEXT provides Sporting Blue Valley players with enhanced opportunities for competitive development and exposure. Specifically, players will benefit from:
• Increased National Visibility: MLS NEXT attracts extensive scouting from collegiate and professional organizations, offering players greater exposure to high-level opportunities.
• Elite Competitive Environment: Participation in the MLS NEXT Heartland Conference will provide players with consistent exposure to top-tier competition, fostering accelerated development.
• Structured Professional Pathway: The MLS NEXT platform provides a structured development pathway that aligns with professional standards, preparing players for advanced levels of competition.
• Enhanced Resources and Support: As a member of the Sporting Development League and MLS NEXT, Sporting Blue Valley will provide access to advanced coaching education, training methodologies, and player support systems.
• Direct Connection to Professional Opportunities: The established relationship with Sporting Kansas City provides a clear pathway for players aspiring to professional soccer.
"We're thrilled to be a part of the MLSNext platform! Our invitation to the top level of boys youth soccer is a testament to our commitment to providing a premier developmental environment for our players," said Shawn Forcellini, Sporting BV's MLSNext connect. "This platform gives our players a clear path to compete at the highest level, and pursue their aspirations at the highest level of the game possible. We're so excited for our players, and we're looking forward to competing against the nation's best and giving our players the chance to be identified by the best of the best."
Sporting Blue Valley's proven track record of player development is underscored by its achievements, including:
• USYS National Championship in 2022.
• Pioneer membership in the USYS Elite64 program.
• Multiple Kansas State Cup titles.
• Consistent high-level performance in USYS Regional competitions.
• Leadership as the largest youth soccer club in the Kansas City metro area.
• Founding and leading membership in the Sporting Development League.
MLS NEXT's commitment to innovation and player development aligns with Sporting Blue Valley's mission to provide its players with the best possible environment for growth both on and off the field.
Uniquely, Sporting Blue Valley now stands as the only club in the Kansas City metro area offering the highest level of competition for both boys and girls.
With girls competing in two platforms: ECNL & ECNL-RL and boys in two platforms: MLS NEXT Competition & Third Tier, the club provides unparalleled opportunities for player development, college recruitment, and professional advancement.
This dual-platform for both sides of our club strengthens Sporting BV’s network, enhances its visibility, and provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring athletes across the region.
If an athlete wants to compete at the highest level - girls and boys - they can do it at Sporting Blue Valley.
And as the largest club affiliated with the MLS Next platform in the state of Kansas, with 13,000 active registrations and over 2,000 premier club players, Sporting Blue Valley provides an unmatched environment for aspiring athletes.
Our scale allows for extensive resources, including access to high-quality facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and comprehensive training programs that align with MLS NEXT standards.
Our sizable coaching staff ensures players receive personalized attention and specialized coaching, tailored to various positions and skill levels, which prepares them for the elite competitive environment of the MLS NEXT Heartland Conference.
The club's expansive network facilitates increased exposure for players, enhancing their chances of being scouted by college, professional, and even national team organizations.
This competitive environment challenges each athlete to reach their full potential, preparing them for advanced levels of competition and a structured professional pathway.
Plus, with Sporting Blue Valley, players benefit from a direct connection to professional opportunities through Sporting Kansas City.
Which you can see in the brand new Sporting Blue Valley Development Pathway:
We look forward to participating in MLS NEXT and continuing to advance youth soccer in the region.
This is wonderful news and a world-class opportunity for the Kansas City metro, and we’re excited to pioneer this new tier, but we’re mostly excited for YOU.
We’re excited for our incredible players whose passion and commitment inspire us daily.
We’re excited for our dedicated parents and families who have believed in our vision, stuck with us through the ups and downs, and supported the amazing athletes that make up our club.
But we’re mostly excited for the entire Sporting Blue Valley community - the 13,000 registrants we had last year, and the 2,000 players we have in our Premier program.
Your unwavering support has been instrumental in building these extraordinary platforms for our players to thrive, and we’re grateful & excited for each and every one of you!
Thank you,
Sporting Blue Valley Soccer Club
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the MLS NEXT Competition Tier?
PER MLS: "MLS NEXT also announced the division structure and participating teams in the new tier of competition, which was previously unveiled in January. The new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Of those clubs, more than half previously competed outside of MLS NEXT. Each division will be managed by leading league operators across the youth landscape with a strong commitment to player development – the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), CobaltSports, and Cal North Soccer Association.
Regular season play will begin in September 2025, which will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer."
Sporting Blue Valley will join this newest tier of the organization, competing against qualified teams in structured competition. The national identification and resource benefits remain consistent across platforms, though our teams will not compete against USL teams, Academies, or Tier 1 teams at this stage.
Who Will We Play Against?
As part of the MLS NEXT Heartland Conference, Sporting Blue Valley players will compete against premier talent in a structured regional format.
Heartland Conference:
• Lou Fusz Athletic
• Lou Fusz Athletic 2
• Sporting Blue Valley
• Sporting City
• Sporting Springfield
• Sporting Wichita
• St. Louis Development Academy
• St. Louis Scott Gallagher
• St. Louis Scott Gallagher St. Charles
• Sting Nebraska
When Does This Launch?
Regular season competition begins September 2025. Complete details, schedules, and logistics will be distributed well in advance, providing ample time for athletes and families to prepare and determine if this competition level aligns with their development goals.
When Are Tryouts For MLS NEXT?
The biggest benefit of MLS NEXT for prospective (new) players? MLS NEXT's tryout schedule operates completely separate from US Youth Soccer's rigid timeframes.
This means we can hold tryouts and ID clinics for our 12 MLS NEXT teams at any time – even before our standard SBV Premier tryouts in June. This flexibility is a game-changer for players looking to join our program.
Why is this such an advantage? Because you're not locked into your current club's tryout calendar. You can secure a firm offer from our MLS NEXT program before you ever attend your club's June tryout. If you're not currently with Sporting Blue Valley but you're interested in MLS NEXT, you can explore where you might fit without missing any commitments to your current club's pre-tryout camp or premier tryout process.
That said, if you're serious about joining the Sporting Blue Valley Development Pathway with MLS NEXT as your next step, we strongly recommend attending the Sporting BV Pre-Tryout Camp. This gives you maximum exposure in front of our decision-making MLS NEXT coaches – a critical advantage when you're competing for roster spots against established Sporting Blue Valley players, some who have been with our program for years or even their entire soccer careers.
For complete details and registration information for our pre-tryout camp, visit SBVPRETRYOUT.COM. Those four extra days in front of our MLS NEXT coaching staff will help you compete with players who have been with us for some time in front of the same coaches.
How does the competition level in MLS NEXT compare to previous leagues or programs my child has participated in?
Sporting Blue Valley's selection for MLS NEXT followed a comprehensive evaluation process assessing our specialized training methodologies, coaching expertise, player identification systems, facility quality, technological resources, and established player pathways.
Our invitation resulted from an extensive expansion process evaluating training plans, coaching quality, recruitment systems, facilities, technological resources, player pathways, and community engagement.
This thorough assessment confirms Sporting Blue Valley's position as a premier youth development organization prepared to ensure player success and safety at this enhanced competitive level.
So Is It Just The League? What Else Do I Get?
Our move to the MLS NEXT platform gives our top two teams in the U13-U19 boys age groups much more than just league competition – it delivers quality matches, closer travel, and significantly enhanced exposure.
Beyond regular season games, you'll get access to exclusive MLS NEXT ID events that attract the highest quality coaches in the country. You'll perform in front of crowds and the best-of-the-best in youth soccer at MLS NEXT regional tournaments and national events.
Let's be clear about the exposure: you get unmatched access to scouts who specifically target platforms like MLS NEXT, regardless of tier. The MLS NEXT brand draws quality attention that other leagues simply can't match.
At every event, you'll be actively evaluated by scouts from diverse soccer organizations - college, pre-professional, and professional - leading to tangible opportunities like tryouts, scholarships, and contracts. This visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about being properly assessed. The sheer number of coaches that MLS NEXT attracts ensures you're evaluated by multiple expert perspectives rather than just a handful of observers.
This level of competition stands apart. MLS NEXT isn't a league anyone can join – we had to pass thorough inspection, apply, and be specifically invited to participate. This attention to detail by MLS itself guarantees you'll only play against quality opposition. This means your talent ID happens while competing against top-tier competition that's been carefully vetted – not just any team with the financial means to join.
With this platform comes responsibility. We've already taken significant steps over the last 4 years to consolidate our curriculum so EVERY team benefits from elite coaching. We've merged player pools so age groups practice together, creating opportunities for guest playing, advancement between teams, and finding the optimal player-coach match to maximize your potential.
But we can't remain static – competing at this level requires continuously raising our standards. This means you benefit directly from our coaching staff's commitment to developing high-level training, conditioning, and competitive scenarios.
Perhaps most powerfully, this transition establishes a clear, direct path to the Sporting Kansas City first team. You now have a structured opportunity to play at the highest level of soccer in the United States. While this pathway has always existed and has been traveled by hundreds of players since our founding, there is now a CLEAR progression from Sporting Blue Valley through organizations like Sporting KC Academy and Sporting KC Second Team, providing genuine opportunity to reach the MLS First-Team.
For example, former Sporting Blue Valley player Jacob Bartlett, who this February competed against Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in the history of our sport. Jacob began here and reached soccer's pinnacle without this structured pathway. Imagine what's possible with this stepping stone now in place!
It's important to understand that professional play represents just one potential outcome. We recognize that Sporting KC first team isn't the objective for everyone – and that's perfectly fine.
Our pathway now provides clear progression to whatever level aligns with your ambitions, allowing you to advance as far as you aspire:
• Want to play at this elite level and conclude your soccer journey at 18? You can do that!
• Aiming for NCAA or NAIA collegiate competition? The unparalleled ID opportunities through MLS NEXT provide exclusive access to college recruitment events.
• Interested in USL or SKC II competition? The path is clearly defined.
The foundation is now established – which means there's nothing preventing you from advancing as far along this pathway as your dedication and talent will take you.
NOW TO THE ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS OF MLS NEXT COMPETITION TIER MEMBERSHIP:
Beyond regular competition, MLS NEXT membership provides access to specialized Talent ID events where college, professional, and national team scouts evaluate players in structured environments designed to showcase skills through targeted drills, scrimmages, and competitive situations against premier opposition.
Qualifying teams earn invitations to MLS NEXT Fest in December, a prestigious national event reserved for teams advancing through league play and regional qualifiers. This showcase places athletes directly before elite identification scouts from across the country.
Additionally, teams may qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup in 2026, competing against regional qualifiers for national championship honors.
What specific teams will Sporting Blue Valley have in this platform?
Sporting Blue Valley will field twelve teams within the MLS NEXT structure:
• Six Sporting BV Academy teams (1st teams) competing in the MLS NEXT Competition Tier
• Six teams (2nd teams) competing in the MLS NEXT Third Tier
What kind of travel expenses and fees are involved and are there financial aid programs available?
While we continue finalizing travel details and event specifics, current projections indicate reduced costs compared to previous platforms due to more efficient regional travel requirements.
Competition will focus on opponents close to home. Plus, all twelve teams will travel collectively, significantly reducing coaching expenses through coordinated transportation.
Financial assistance is available through the Sporting Blue Valley Scholarship Fund for qualified applicants, designed specifically to ensure deserving players have access to identification opportunities regardless of financial circumstances.
Will participation in MLS NEXT affect my child's eligibility to play high school soccer?
MLS NEXT participation will not impact high school eligibility. While younger age groups maintain year-round scheduling, high school-aged players begin their MLS NEXT season in winter following the conclusion of high school competition.
As Sporting Blue Valley is now the only club in the Kansas City metro area offering two tiers of MLS NEXT for boys and ECNL/ECNL-RL for girls benefit everyone in the club?
This transition represents strategic consolidation focused on a singular objective: advancing players to their chosen developmental level.
While our girls' program has benefited from ECNL integration for some time, allowing cross-platform curriculum collaboration and coaching strategy, this marks our first opportunity to unite two premier boys' platforms under unified organizational structure.
Beginning Fall 2025, our organization will feature:
• ONE girls' organization with two platforms: ECNL Girls and ECNL-RL Girls
• ONE boys' organization with two platforms: MLS NEXT Competition Tier and MLS NEXT Third Tier
This consolidation shifts our focus from fragmented scheduling, opportunity acquisition, and disconnected team operations to comprehensive player development throughout all age groups.
Each age group will function as an integrated player pool, with coordinated travel, synchronized practice schedules, and fluid movement between positions and platforms based on developmental needs.
This historic achievement for Kansas soccer provides both boys' and girls' programs with access to premier competition, identification events, regional and national tournaments, and complementary secondary platforms that strengthen overall player development. These secondary platforms create advancement opportunities for motivated players from second and third teams, enhancing our competitive depth while supporting first-team excellence.
This integration benefits our entire community:
• Coaches focus more effectively on player development
• Athletes receive identification at appropriate competitive levels
• Age groups function cohesively without artificial separation
About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas and Allstate. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
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