What is going on with the MLS Youth Academy League?

My guess is the OP was looking for information that people on this forum might have that cannot be found with a Google search.

In short... information remains scarce, though it is hard to know how much of that is simply due to the overall uncertainty in the world, rather than any kind of failing by the new league or clubs. MLS academies are not practicing together yet; my understanding is that some approval must come from MLS, in addition to following the normal local rules for gatherings. Non-MLS clubs (e.g. Armour, Bethesda) are practicing, according to local Howard/MoCo rules.

TD of Boston Bolts said in an interview recently that he understood games were scheduled (hoped?) to start September 12:

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/boston-bolts-director-mls-youth-platform-league-eyes-mid-september-start/
(That one you could Google)

...but who knows at this point.

The plan is: MLS academies will field U15 and U17 teams, and play a "Pro Pathway" schedule that mostly includes other MLS academies and int'l tournaments. Non-MLS clubs (and any MLS clubs that field teams outside those two age groups) will play in an "Elite Pathway" schedule that mostly includes non-MLS clubs. But, of course, who knows how much of that will be possible this season. It could easily be "find whatever games you can near you" this year, leagues be damned. Some MLS academies (e.g. ATL and FC Dallas) "joined" ECNL, probably to give non-U15/17 teams more (potential) local games.

So, my guess is that this year will be all jacked up in six different ways. Just hope they are able to train, at least. Next year, things will be more like described above, and probably some more clubs will join. This year was such a mad scramble for chairs when the DA music stopped.

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07/15/2020 13:28

Subject: Re:What is going on with the MLS Youth Academy League?

quote

Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:My guess is the OP was looking for information that people on this forum might have that cannot be found with a Google search.

In short... information remains scarce, though it is hard to know how much of that is simply due to the overall uncertainty in the world, rather than any kind of failing by the new league or clubs. MLS academies are not practicing together yet; my understanding is that some approval must come from MLS, in addition to following the normal local rules for gatherings. Non-MLS clubs (e.g. Armour, Bethesda) are practicing, according to local Howard/MoCo rules.

TD of Boston Bolts said in an interview recently that he understood games were scheduled (hoped?) to start September 12:

https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/boston-bolts-director-mls-youth-platform-league-eyes-mid-september-start/
(That one you could Google)

...but who knows at this point.

The plan is: MLS academies will field U15 and U17 teams, and play a "Pro Pathway" schedule that mostly includes other MLS academies and int'l tournaments. Non-MLS clubs (and any MLS clubs that field teams outside those two age groups) will play in an "Elite Pathway" schedule that mostly includes non-MLS clubs. But, of course, who knows how much of that will be possible this season. It could easily be "find whatever games you can near you" this year, leagues be damned. Some MLS academies (e.g. ATL and FC Dallas) "joined" ECNL, probably to give non-U15/17 teams more (potential) local games.

So, my guess is that this year will be all jacked up in six different ways. Just hope they are able to train, at least. Next year, things will be more like described above, and probably some more clubs will join. This year was such a mad scramble for chairs when the DA music stopped.

Thank you. Every once in a while this forum does actually provide a good exchange of information.

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