The Island FC joins elite youth soccer platform MLS Next
Building on the recent announcement of The Island F.C.’s entry into MLS NEXT Pro and the return of professional soccer to Long Island, the club has been officially awarded membership in MLS NEXT, Major League Soccer’s elite youth development platform that offers the highest level of training and competition in North America.
“This is a transformative moment for soccer on Long Island,” said Mitchell Rechler, principal owner of The Island F.C. “Our vision is to create a complete pathway from grassroots to professional soccer within the MLS ecosystem, and MLS NEXT is a critical piece of that journey.”
The milestone establishes The Island F.C. as the only club competing in the MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division based in Suffolk County, delivering top-tier youth soccer opportunities right here on Long Island. As part of this elite national platform, The Island F.C. joins a select field of 152 clubs—encompassing every MLS academy and more than 120 top-tier Elite Academies—recognized for developing the highest-caliber youth talent in North America.
Across a rigorous 10-month season, Homegrown Division teams train and compete in a professional-style environment and take part in premier national showcases, giving more than 17,000 rising athletes exceptional exposure and preparation for the next level. By earning its place within this pathway, The Island F.C. is aligned with the gold standard for player development and positioned to offer local athletes a direct route toward collegiate and professional opportunities.
“Creating a clear pathway from youth soccer to the professional level is at the heart of MLS NEXT,” said Luis Robles, MLS NEXT technical director. “We’re excited to have The Island F.C. join our program and provide this opportunity for the next generations of talented young players on Long Island.”
As part of The Island F.C.’s facility expansion plan, the club will establish training sites throughout Suffolk County to ensure every player has access to MLS NEXT programming close to home.
“This commitment reflects our goal to make elite soccer development accessible to all communities across Long Island,” said Peter Zaratin, managing partner of The Island F.C.
The Island F.C.’s MLS NEXT club will officially field teams for the 2026–27 season, with tryouts beginning in January 2026 to identify Suffolk County’s top elite youth players. Both the MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division and MLS NEXT Academy Division offer opportunities for players at all levels—including those who wish to continue playing high school soccer while pursuing elite development.
Aspiring players are encouraged to visit www.liprosoccer.com for tryout details.
