MLS NEXT announced a new competition tier that will increase the number of clubs in MLS NEXT and deepen the overall pool of players and coaches. Starting in September 2025, clubs in the program will compete in regular season games, regional tournaments, and various MLS NEXT national events as well as coaching development and education programs, talent identification, and high-performance opportunities.

In the expanded tier of MLS NEXT, clubs will participate in one of eight regional tournaments each season in addition to the option for eligible age groups to attend MLS NEXT Fest in December. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at MLS NEXT Cup 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.

MLS Next New Tier has similar league Standards as the top tier.  Teams must train 3 days a week.  Game day standards require proper match balls, trainers, elite field standards and hydration is supplied for the players.  

North

Chicago Fire Youth

Chicago United FC

Chicago Sockers FC

Galaxy SC

Michigan Bucks Academy

Michigan Futbol Academy

Michigan Jaguars

Michigan Jaguars United FC

Michigan Stars Elite

Michigan Tigers 

Michigan Wolves 

Midwest United

Vardar SC

South 

Beadling SC

Club Ohio

Cincinnati United Premier

Indy Eleven

Javanon FC

Kings Hammer Cincinnati 

Lexington SC

St Louis Scott Gallagher Illinois

In the first season of MLS Next New Tier, the league will provide 12 matches.  The Midwest Conference will be split into a North and South where the North will play Each Team once.  The South will play everyone home and away (14 games).  

Yes! There are a total of 3 MLS Next Cup Bids.  The first place teams in the North and South will play each other on May 11th at a Neutral site TBD by the league.  The Winner of that game qualifies for MLS Next Cup.  The other two teams can qualify for MLS Next Cup by getting to the Finals of the Midwest Conference Spring event held April 10-13 at VOA (Voice Of America) in West Chester, Ohio.  

Game Day Format - One of the Great things about MLS Next New Tier is that all matches vs. other clubs are held on the same day. Meaning our U13 and U14 teams, and the U15 through U19 teams travel together.  Moreover, during the spring all the teams travel together and or we host as a group.  During the Fall season the 13’s and 14’s are travel partners and play all their games on the same days vs the same teams in mostly one location. (Maybe a second location nearby.). During the Winter and Spring season the U13 through U19 are travel partners and play all their games on the same days vs the same teams in mostly one location.  (Maybe a second location nearby.)  Example - Madonna University and Schoolcraft College.

Number of Training – Each team trains 3 days per week during the fall (U13-U14), winter and spring seasons (U13-U19).  These 3 sessions are made up of 2 team sessions and variety of ways make up the 3rd day which include: Technical training, Functional training, small side games, and video analysis.

Video analysis - Home games are recorded on the club’s Veo video platform and shared directly with players and staff. Games and individual performance can thereby be used to create highlights or as a tool for development.

Winter 5v5 League - NAL players from various age groups are intermixed and placed on teams for weekly small sided games competition in January and February. The games builds the players’ technical proficiency, enhances the club community, and breeds healthy competition.

Scott Duhl

• U13-U19 Director
• USSF 'B' License

Ed McCarthy

• USSF 'A' License

Ken Shingledecker

• USSF 'C' License

Joe Zawacki

• USSF 'C' License

The Wolves have arguably the best facilities in the state. Our teams primarily utilize the Trinity Health Sports Dome, the lighted outdoor stadium field and the new outdoor turf fields at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan.

Yes, year after year our players go on to play College Soccer.  MLS Next New Tier events and other showcases provide players with opportunities to be scouted by college coaches.  As a club, we take an active role in helping young men and their families engage in the college search process. In addition to meetings and an annual Wolves College Night, the Club provides Sports Recruits which is a college recruiting tool to the oldest age groups (U17 and U19).