MLS NEXT TIER 1 |
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What is MLS NEXT?
The San Francisco Glens are proud to be a Founding Member of MLS NEXT, the top youth league in America which is run by Major League Soccer.
Starting Fall 2022, we have the Full Pathway, which means ALL of the age groups offered from U13-U14-U15-U16-U17-U19! Here's how our age groups look like by birth year for this coming Fall:
In league play, the U13, U14, and U16 age groups play top clubs locally, while the U15 and U17 age groups will be on the Pro Pathway Division, which means they will be traveling to Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Real Salt Lake in addition to playing local MLS NEXT clubs. Our U19 team will also travel to Portland Timbers. Please see the above maps for the local clubs by age group.
The exposure MLS NEXT provides players to pro and college scouts includes up to two National Showcases, MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Flex for our U16 and U19 teams, in addition to the MLS NEXT Cup for qualifying teams. So far, our graduating U19 MLS NEXT class already has FOUR players committed to college, with THREE to Division I.
Starting Fall 2022, we have the Full Pathway, which means ALL of the age groups offered from U13-U14-U15-U16-U17-U19! Here's how our age groups look like by birth year for this coming Fall:
In league play, the U13, U14, and U16 age groups play top clubs locally, while the U15 and U17 age groups will be on the Pro Pathway Division, which means they will be traveling to Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Real Salt Lake in addition to playing local MLS NEXT clubs. Our U19 team will also travel to Portland Timbers. Please see the above maps for the local clubs by age group.
The exposure MLS NEXT provides players to pro and college scouts includes up to two National Showcases, MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Flex for our U16 and U19 teams, in addition to the MLS NEXT Cup for qualifying teams. So far, our graduating U19 MLS NEXT class already has FOUR players committed to college, with THREE to Division I.
MORE ON MLS NEXT: COMPETITION AND ENVIRONMENT
The rules, regulations and format of MLS NEXT competitions are designed with the best interest of the player’s development. While team success is important and will be rewarded, the primary objective of the platform is to push individuals outside of their comfort zone, accelerate their growth and showcase their talents.
Click here for more details on the current competitions.
The daily environment is where the majority of development takes place. Quality coaching at high frequency with top players in high performance environments will better prepare players for meaningful competition. As one of the few year-round, domestic youth training programs, MLS NEXT not only provides high quality training environments, but more repetitions in those environments than any league at any level in the U.S. and Canada.
Click here for more details on the current competitions.
The daily environment is where the majority of development takes place. Quality coaching at high frequency with top players in high performance environments will better prepare players for meaningful competition. As one of the few year-round, domestic youth training programs, MLS NEXT not only provides high quality training environments, but more repetitions in those environments than any league at any level in the U.S. and Canada.
COACHING AND INDIVIDUAL GROWTH
High quality coaching is central to the development and growth of players. MLS NEXT coaches are committed to the development of players and receive continuing education specific to the best approaches to player development. We work and collaborate with global leaders in the space, including the French Football Federation, who has provided their world class training to over 100 coaches, and that number increases every year.
Importantly, while winning games will always be important, MLS NEXT coaches are measured by the growth and development of each player – becoming a better player, growing as a person, attending college and signing a professional contract are the true benchmarks of their success.
An often-overlooked segment of elite player development in youth sports is the implementation of plans for individual growth. Each MLS NEXT player will receive a holistic plan for personal growth, including on-field, strength and conditioning, academic, college placement and specific support tailored for the needs of the individual.
Importantly, while winning games will always be important, MLS NEXT coaches are measured by the growth and development of each player – becoming a better player, growing as a person, attending college and signing a professional contract are the true benchmarks of their success.
An often-overlooked segment of elite player development in youth sports is the implementation of plans for individual growth. Each MLS NEXT player will receive a holistic plan for personal growth, including on-field, strength and conditioning, academic, college placement and specific support tailored for the needs of the individual.
PLAYER IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT
MLS NEXT recognizes the challenge of COVID-19 and the cancellation of many men’s soccer college Fall seasons raises questions and concerns related to college recruiting by many players and their families. We understand the importance of the college pathway and appreciate that participation in our platform provides a unique opportunity for talented players and college coaches to better evaluate this decision. This dynamic also applies to prospective National Team players. Therefore, we have been developing and will be implementing innovative approaches to address this issue, including:
MLS NEXT will also aim to provide more opportunities to more players to broaden the pool of talent entering the elite youth landscape. No cost and low-cost programs will be introduced around the country to reduce barriers for new players to enter the pathway to professional soccer.
- Creation of College Coaches Committee
- Youth National Team Advisory Committee
- Alternative Digital Media Evaluation Platform
- Virtual meetings among players, families and college coaches to discuss the current landscape
- Schedule regional showcase/rivalry games for older ages
MLS NEXT will also aim to provide more opportunities to more players to broaden the pool of talent entering the elite youth landscape. No cost and low-cost programs will be introduced around the country to reduce barriers for new players to enter the pathway to professional soccer.
SF Glens Academy MLS NEXT Director - Steven Sosa
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April 2, 2025
The San Francisco Glens are pleased to announce Steven Sosa as the club’s Academy Technical Director. Sosa, who brings a wealth of experience at the academy, collegiate, and national team levels, rejoins the Glens after spending the past eight years with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy as the U-18’s Head Coach. “The Academy Technical Director position is a newly created role within the club’s broader reorganization that will provide more technical oversight across both the boys' and girls' academies,” said Executive Director Mike McNeill. "We’re excited to welcome Steven back to the SF Glens. With nearly 100 applicants for the position, his experience, expertise, and passion for player development, along with his deep understanding of the local and regional soccer landscape, make him best suited to elevate the club from day one. As both Academy Technical Director and coach in our MLS Next program, Steven will shape the club’s player development philosophy, oversee its implementation across all age groups and levels, and provide crucial support to our coaching staff.” “I’m truly honored and excited to be working with the SF Glens Soccer Club,” said Sosa. "Their vision, determination, and commitment to developing young players not only on the field but off the field is among the best in the country. I’m most excited to be working with Mike McNeill and his coaching staff to push the envelope on player development. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.” Sosa previously spent five years as a youth scout for the U.S. Soccer Federation, where he identified and evaluated top talent nationwide. He also served as part of the Men’s Soccer coaching staff at the University of San Francisco. As a player, Sosa starred at UC Santa Barbara, earning All-Big West honors and playing a key role in the Gauchos' first Big West Conference championship. Internationally, he represented the United States U-17 National Team, scoring goals against Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. Steven holds a USSF A License, a U.S. Soccer Technical Leaders License, and a French Federation Elite Formation Coaching License. His experience and leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping a player-first development pathway, equipping athletes with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential here at the San Francisco Glens. |
OUR TEAMS
2010 BOYS
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2009 BOYS
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2008 BOYS
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2007 BOYS
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2006 BOYS
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2004-2005 BOYS
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To prepare for this Fall, our 2006 and 2004/05 Boys will travel to Northern Ireland this July to play in the prestigious SuperCupNI, formerly known as the Milk Cup.
One of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world, only 16 clubs around the globe are invited for the Premier Section (2004-05) and 20 for the Junior Section (2006). Previous clubs include Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Chelsea, Club America, River Plate, UNAM Pumas, Celtic and Rangers. This year’s draw will be in May and the first time an SF club will ever be represented.
Future stars who played as teenagers at SuperCupNI: David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Busquets, Harry Kane, Radamel Falcao, Hirving Lozano, Giovani Dos Santos, Jozy Altidore, Ryan Giggs and Marcus Rashford.
SF Glens Executive Director Mike McNeill: “This is a massive opportunity for our 2004-05 and 2006 Boys who will get to test their limits against the best clubs in the world. Our club has never been afraid to accept a challenge and we want to thank the SuperCupNI Committee for giving us this chance to represent San Francisco on a global stage.”
Our players, parents, coaches and staff are scheduled to spend one week in Dublin training and sightseeing before heading to Belfast for the tournament and an experience they will never forget. For more info as it comes along, visit sfglensacademy.com.
One of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world, only 16 clubs around the globe are invited for the Premier Section (2004-05) and 20 for the Junior Section (2006). Previous clubs include Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Chelsea, Club America, River Plate, UNAM Pumas, Celtic and Rangers. This year’s draw will be in May and the first time an SF club will ever be represented.
Future stars who played as teenagers at SuperCupNI: David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Busquets, Harry Kane, Radamel Falcao, Hirving Lozano, Giovani Dos Santos, Jozy Altidore, Ryan Giggs and Marcus Rashford.
SF Glens Executive Director Mike McNeill: “This is a massive opportunity for our 2004-05 and 2006 Boys who will get to test their limits against the best clubs in the world. Our club has never been afraid to accept a challenge and we want to thank the SuperCupNI Committee for giving us this chance to represent San Francisco on a global stage.”
Our players, parents, coaches and staff are scheduled to spend one week in Dublin training and sightseeing before heading to Belfast for the tournament and an experience they will never forget. For more info as it comes along, visit sfglensacademy.com.
