New England Revolution Academy Realigns Age Groups, Announces Roster as 2024-25 MLS NEXT Season Kicks Off

September 6, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution Academy launches the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season on Saturday, September 7. This season, the Academy will feature 65 returning players and 34 newcomers, 99 athletes total, representing all six New England states and regions abroad. The Revolution will field three teams in the Under-13, Under-14, and Under-15 divisions and realign teams to the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups.

For the 2024-25 season, MLS NEXT has continued to evolve the Pro Player Pathway, with MLS academies moving from the U15 and U17 age group designations to the U16 and U18 age group designations. All MLS academies will compete in the U19 age group and rosters will be made up of U18 players and a limited number of overage players. Designed to improve the player pathway by optimizing the transition from the academy level to MLS NEXT Pro, this evolution results from comprehensive analysis, including input from Chief Soccer Officers, Academy Directors, and coaches throughout the MLS ecosystem.

The new pathway will create greater alignment by providing a higher level of competition for all MLS NEXT players prior to signing professionally, playing in college, or pursuing other opportunities. The additional year (i.e., shifting U15 to U16) will provide MLS clubs more opportunity to establish clear and effective development paths for each player.

Once again, the Revolution Academy sent multiple teams to the MLS NEXT playoffs last season. The U-15s made a playoff appearance for the second consecutive year, while the U-19s entered the post-season tournament as the two-time reigning MLS NEXT Cup champions. In 2023, the Under-19s team became the first club in MLS NEXT history to win consecutive Cup Finals in the same age group after also lifting the trophy in 2022. The Revolution Academy U-13s also had an accomplished year in the 2023-24 MLS NEXT campaign, capping the season with a remarkable 30-1-1 record.

With the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side, Academy players continue to gain professional experience at an accelerated rate. Since the developmental team was introduced in 2020, 39 current or former Revolution Academy players have made their professional debuts with Revolution II. Additionally, six Academy players have signed amateur agreements with Revolution II during the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.

The Revolution Academy’s Residency Program begins its sixth season and has more than…