If your child dreams of going pro, playing college ball, or simply becoming the best version of themselves on the soccer field, you’ve probably already stumbled across two familiar names: MLS Next and EDP Soccer.
And now you’re wondering; Which one’s right for my kid?
Honestly, it’s a question so many parents face. It’s not just about choosing a league, it’s about shaping your child’s journey, their future, and their passion.
You want the best for them. You want them to grow, be challenged, have fun, stay motivated, and if possible be seen by the right people at the right time. And I am so sure you don’t want to mortgage the house doing it.
This post breaks it all down for you. We’ll walk through what makes EDP Soccer and MLS Next different, what each league can offer your child, and what you should think about before making a choice.
What Is EDP Soccer?
EDP stands for Elite Development Program. It has been around since 1999 and is primarily concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Think of states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York.
It’s part of the larger US Youth Soccer structure, which is one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the country.
EDP focuses on development and competition. It runs leagues, tournaments, showcases, you name it. It serves both boys and girls, typically from U9 to U19.
A lot of clubs in EDP are either community-based or travel teams with strong coaching and good reputations. For many players, EDP becomes the proving ground, a place to get minutes, improve their game, and start attracting college coaches or tournament invites.
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What Is MLS Next?
MLS Next is newer and was launched in 2020 by Major League Soccer, it’s the spiritual successor to the old U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Its whole purpose is to develop the next generation of professional players in the U.S.
This league is exclusively for boys, aged U13 through U19.
MLS Next is made up of MLS academies (like LA Galaxy, FC Dallas, and Inter Miami) and select top-tier independent clubs. These teams travel all over the country. They play some of the best youth soccer available in the U.S. It’s high-pressure. High-reward. High-level.
The league has a direct pipeline to pro soccer, and that’s what sets it apart.
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Head-to-Head: MLS Next vs. EDP
Let’s line them up side-by-side and talk about what matters.
1. Pathway to Pro Soccer
- MLS Next: If your child is elite and wants to go pro, this is the most direct road. MLS scouts are at every event. Some players get invited to MLS preseason camps or youth national teams. A select few even sign pro contracts as teenagers. This is the big stage.
- EDP: The pathway here is not as direct, but it still exists. Many EDP players go on to play college soccer, and some eventually turn pro. The steps just look different—it might involve standout performances in tournaments, standout high school seasons, or transfer into a more elite league later on.
2. Cost and Accessibility
- EDP: Generally more affordable. Teams are often local or regional, so travel costs are manageable. Club fees vary but usually don’t break the bank compared to national-level programs.
- MLS Next: This varies a lot. Some MLS academies are free (free; travel, kits, everything), while independent MLS Next clubs might charge thousands per season. Travel across states or even coasts is common. For families without significant resources, this league can be tough to sustain unless scholarships are available.
3. Level of Competition
- MLS Next: The top-tier. Players here are often already physically mature, tactically smart, and technically polished. The pace is fast. Mistakes are punished. Even just getting minutes on an MLS Next roster can be a challenge.
- EDP: Competitive, but the range is wider. You’ll have teams that are very strong and others that are still developing. It’s a great environment to grow in, especially if your child is still learning the game or developing physically.
4. Exposure to College Coaches
- EDP: Strong exposure, especially at older ages (U15 and up). The league runs its college showcases, and players also participate in USYS National League events, which are well-attended by college scouts. A lot of EDP kids end up playing NCAA D1, D2, or D3 soccer.
- MLS Next: College exposure is high here too, but slightly different. Since so many players have eyes on pro deals, not all are looking at college as the next step. Still, the top college programs scout MLS Next events.
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5. Style of Play and Development Philosophy
- MLS Next: More structured. Every team follows a clear philosophy. Possession-based soccer, tactical discipline, and modern training methods are emphasized. Think long-term player development, not just winning weekend games.
- EDP: Varies by club. Some clubs are outstanding and mirror the same philosophies as MLS Next teams. Others are more result-oriented or focused on getting players tournament-ready. This means finding the right club is more important than just the league label.
When EDP Might Be the Better Choice for Your Child
- Your child is under 13 and still developing foundational skills.
- You’re looking for a balance between soccer and school/life.
- You want to keep costs manageable while still getting quality competition.
- Your child is aiming for college soccer, and you want good exposure to college scouts.
- You value playing time, and your child might not be ready for the grind of MLS Next just yet.
And here’s something important: EDP doesn’t lock you in. Your child can start here, grow, and later move into an MLS Next club if their level skyrockets. Plenty of players take this path. It’s not a step down—it’s often the first important step up.
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When MLS Next Might Be the Right Call
- Your child is already playing at an elite level.
- They have dreams of turning pro, not just playing in college.
- They’ve been identified by scouts, invited to ID events, or stood out in major showcases.
- Your family is ready to commit to a demanding training and travel schedule.
- Your child thrives in high-pressure, high-stakes environments.
Just know this: not every player who joins MLS Next becomes a star. Some burn out. Some stop getting minutes. Some realize they preferred the game when it was fun, not a job. So, before going in, have honest conversations as a family.
Stories from the Field
- Luis, 16, New Jersey: Played in EDP from U10 through U14, then joined an MLS Next club. After two years of grinding, he got scouted by the Philadelphia Union academy. Now he’s training with the U17s and hoping for a Homegrown contract.
- Emma, 17, Maryland: Played all her youth years in EDP. She got noticed at an EDP college showcase and is now committed to a Division 1 school. No regrets—she got minutes, had fun, and got where she wanted.
- Jason, 15, Connecticut: Joined MLS Next at 13. The level was high, and he struggled at first. Now in his third season, he’s starting every game and has been invited to a USYNT camp. His dream is to play in Europe.
These stories show that both leagues can be stepping stones; it just depends on the player.
Final Thoughts: What’s Best for Your Child?
There’s no “better” league, only the better fit for where your child is now and where they want to go.
Ask yourself:
- Is my child enjoying the game?
- Are they getting challenged and supported?
- Do we as a family have the time, resources, and emotional energy to commit to a more intense league?
- What does success look like for us; college, pro, or just continued growth?
You’re not choosing forever. Players switch leagues. They grow. They shift directions. This is not a door that closes, it’s just one path on a winding journey.
So take a breath. Trust your gut. Talk to coaches. Visit teams. Watch games. Get the vibe.
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