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Welcome to the Huntsville City FC Academy

MLS NEXT is an elite youth soccer league in the United States that develops top players through high-level competitions and professional training standards. It includes MLS Club academies and top independent programs, offering a pathway to college, professional soccer, and national teams. The Huntsville City FC Academy will follow three core principles:

  • Prioritize the best interests of the youth athlete and their family
  • Provide North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley direct access to the highest level of youth competitive soccer
  • Actively engage local soccer organizations to develop mutually beneficial collaborative opportunities

The HCFC Academy allows young local players to train with the best in the area, compete against the best in the country, and increase exposure to college scouts, national teams, and professional academies. Additionally, the HCFC Academy will keep talented athletes in North Alabama, reducing the need for extensive travel to other states for high-level soccer opportunities.

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Academy Interest Form 2025 HCFC Button
Academy Staff
Academy Staff
Amar Amin

Amar Amin

Head Coach 2012 Boys (U14), Academy Goalkeeper Coach

Babayele Sodade

Babayele Sodade

Head Coach 2013 Boys (U13)

Michael Parker

Michael Parker

Assistant Coach for 2013 and 2012 Boys

Joe Prince

Joe Prince

Assistant Coach for 2013 and 2012 Boys

Read the Guide: Huntsville City FC Academy within the US Youth Soccer Pyramid
Read the Guide: Huntsville City FC Academy within the US Youth Soccer Pyramid

Huntsville City FC understands the value of providing access to higher levels of play within our community, eliminating the need for families to travel outside of North Alabama for leagues we can host locally.

We recognize that navigating the various youth soccer leagues in the US can be overwhelming. To assist you, we've created this guide to help you understand the different youth soccer leagues and their levels. We encourage you to research further to make the best decision for your child.

MLS NEXT is an elite youth soccer league in the United States that develops top players through high-level competitions and professional training standards. It includes MLS Club academies and top independent programs, offering a pathway to college, professional soccer, and national teams.

The HCFC Academy, part of MLS NEXT, allows young local players to train with the best PLAYERS in the area, compete against the best in the country, and increase exposure to college scouts, national teams, and professional academies. Additionally, the HCFC Academy provides top-tier soccer opportunities right here in North Alabama, enabling talented athletes to develop locally without the burden of traveling long hours for practices and home games.

The Landscape of U.S Youth Soccer

TIER 1 - MLS Next

In the United States, the best youth league is the MLS Next, which is made up of top teams and academies around the country. This league was created in 2020 by the MLS. MLS Next is made up of MLS youth academies as well as top rated non-MLS affiliated clubs.

TIER 2 - Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)

The next best youth soccer league is the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) which is made up of the top rated youth teams that did not make it into the MLS next. The ECNL league is made up of 79 teams and initially in 2009 it was created as an elite girl’s soccer league, but in 2017 the ECNL boys league was created.

TIER 2 - Boy’s Elite Academy League

The Boy’s Elite Academy League, is a high-level youth soccer league established in the 2020-21 season. This league is made up of two divisions, the Northeast Division and the Southwest division with 10 and 12 teams respectively, but the league just keeps on growing so more and more teams keep on getting added.

TIER 3 - National Academy League (NAL)

The National Academy League is one of the newest leagues on this list and it is another top youth soccer league. The National Academy League is made up of 70 teams competing in the boys U13 to U19 age groups. The National Academy League is expected to act as a pathway for players to reach MLS Next teams and the first season of this league began in September 2023.

TIER 3 - ECNL Regional League (ECRL)

The ECNL Regional League is part of the ECNL leagues, but the main difference is that this league only plays teams within the same region, while the higher level ECNL league plays teams nationally.

TIER 3 - U.S Youth Soccer National League 64 (E64)

The U.S youth soccer National League 64 was created in Fall 2022 and it is a 10 month long competition. It is made up of 64 elite youth soccer boys and girls teams from the age groups of U13 through U19.

TIER 3 - National Premier Leagues (NPL)

Established by U.S club soccer in 2011, the National Premier League is the top rated local/regional league in U.S youth soccer that allows the best teams from one NPL league to play the top teams from another NPL league.

TIER 4 - USYS NL Conferences (Mid-South)

The 13 National League Conferences provide the primary team-based league competition. Conferences operate team-based leagues, with formats and structures varying from conference to conference to meet the needs of each geographic area of the country. The top tier divisions in each Conference provide teams with a pathway to the National League Quarterfinals and the USYS Regional Championships.

TIER 5 - Alabama State League (ASL)

The Alabama State League (ASL) is a competitive select league administered by Alabama Soccer for boys and girls ages U10 through U19. The purpose of the league is to provide the best possible competitive environment for competitive level teams within and across Alabama.

TIER 5 - Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL)

The Southeastern Clubs Champions League is a top flight league formed by major clubs across the Southeast under the auspices of US Club Soccer with high level competition and exposure.

TIER 6 - American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

AYSO is the oldest national youth soccer program in the country. The main goal of AYSO is to allow everyone to have the opportunity to play the beautiful game. AYSO is usually a type of recreational soccer league, but some of the highest level teams in this league may be more competitive than others

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Boys Youth Soccer Leagues
League
Offered in Northern Alabama?
Competitiveness
Access
Tier 1
MLS NEXT Pro
Only offered by HCFC
National elite players and teams
Local
Tier 2
ECNL
Not offered -Access via partnership with a Birmingham club
National Elite players and teams
Travel outside of North Alabama
Tier 2
Boy's Elite Academy League
Not offered
National Elite players and teams
Travel outside of North Alabama
Tier 3
National Academy League
Not offered
Advanced players and teams
Level depends on the size of the club. A league application is needed to get in. These teams vary in competitiveness.
Tier 3
ECNL-RL
Not offered -Access via partnership with a Birmingham club
Advanced players and teams
Level depends on the size of the club. A league application is needed to get in. These teams vary in competitiveness.
Tier 3
USYS National League 64
Not offered
Advanced players and teams
Level depends on the size of the club. A league application is needed to get in. These teams vary in competitiveness.
Tier 3
NPL
Not offered for boys
Advanced players and teams
Level depends on the size of the club. A league application is needed to get in. These teams vary in competitiveness.
Tier 4
USYS Mid-South
Selectively offered
Experienced players and teams
Level depends on the size of the club. A league application is needed to get in. These teams vary in competitiveness.
Tier 5
SCCL
Not offered -Access via partnership with a Birmingham club
Experienced and intermediate players and teams
Level depends on size of club
Tier 5
Alabama State League
Offered
Experienced and intermediate players and teams
Level depends on size of club
Tier 6
AYSO
Offered
Beginner and recreational players and teams
FAQs
FAQs

What is MLS NEXT?

MLS NEXT is an elite youth soccer league for boys in the U.S. that develops top players through high-level competition and professional training standards. 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 through Individual Development Plans. It includes MLS club academies and top independent programs, offering an integrated pathway to college, professional soccer, and national teams.

HCFC will launch its MLS NEXT program for the 2025/2026 season.

Initially, there will be two teams (U13 and U14). A new age group will be added each year until a full U13 – U19 program is established.

How long is the season?

The MLS NEXT U13 and U14 seasons typically run from September to June, aligning with the academic year. It includes regular-season matches, showcases, and playoffs (for eligible age groups), with a winter break. Teams will compete in regional league play and national events throughout the season.

All teams will participate in the Southeast Division.

When are tryouts?

Tryouts are May 9-11, 2025. Registration is coming soon.

How many practice days per week?

There will be three team practices:

  • One open session/individual time for training or work on IDPs
  • Two goalkeeper training sessions for goalkeepers

Practices begin first week in August 2025.

Where will practices and games take place?

Practices and home games will primarily take place at Wicks Family Field in Huntsville. In the event of scheduling conflicts, some practices and home games may be held at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Away matches within the Southeast division.

The first match is in September 2025.

What are the impacts for school soccer?

MLS NEXT has a strict "no high school soccer" policy to maintain a professional-style training and competition environment. This rule ensures that players receive consistent, high-quality coaching, avoid overuse injuries, and compete at an elite level year-round.

What are the players responsible for monetarily?

  • Club fee and team fee
  • Uniform and practice kit cost
  • Travel expenses

What are the club fees and team fees?

$3,600 for 11 months (all one fee).

To secure placement on teams, all players must complete online registration and deposit within 24 hours of being offered a place on the team, which will be deducted from the Fees. Financial aid will be available for players that have a documented financial need. Payment plans are available during registration.

Club and team fees both include:

  • Tournament Costs: Covering tournament entry fees, showcase events, coach travel expenses
  • Health & Safety: Sponsored athletic trainers may be provided at specific events for player safety.
  • League/Referee Fees: Costs associated with league participation and ref fees.
  • Coaching/Staff Compensation: Ensuring top-quality coaching staff and that they stay up to date and current with Coach education and licenses.
  • Field Costs: Covering expenses for field equipment, usage, and maintenance.
  • Club Administration: Including league and tournament registration, insurance.
  • Game Video: Providing game recording services for analysis and improvement.
  • Equipment: Essential equipment like balls, cones, pinnies, etc
  • Administrative and Operational Costs: Club management, scheduling, technology platforms, and general overhead

A late fee will be imposed for past due fees.

Players with outstanding balances exceeding one month will be ineligible to participate in training or games until their financial obligations are settled.