IFA MLS NEXT Hit the Ground Running in the 2025/2026 Season
Reid Aquino celebrates as he scores against FC Westchester
October 1st, 2025; The sixth MLS Next season is underway, and once again, IFA New England teams are competing in the most elite platform for youth male player development in North America with IFA’s top boys teams competing in the MLS Homegrown Division from U13-U19.
2025/26 has seen the addition of a second tier, the MLS Academy Division, which is regionally focused and built around high school calendars. IFA’s U13 and U14 MLS Next AD teams have begun their seasons over the past month in this new competition.
Highlighting the elite nature of the competition, the MLS Homegrown teams have faced off against two MLS Professional club academies in New York Red Bulls (U13 and U14) and CF Montreal (U16-U19). Early season fixtures like these highlight the level of development opportunity gained in facing off against the top young talent in North America.
Some highlights of the season thus far have included a 2-0 victory for the U19 Boys in Montreal. A brace from Matteo Sestito led Scott Black’s side to a decisive victory. Staying north of the border, goals from Charlie Cruz and Reid Aquino were not enough for the U17s against their Canadian counterparts in a highly contested affair, which saw IFA fall to a 3-2 defeat.
Closer to home on September 19th, the club picked up four wins out of five against Valeo FC. The U14s, U15s, U16s, and U17s all shut out their opponents. The 14s and 16s were the most convincing winners in games hosted at Union Point in Weymouth, notching up 4-0 victories.
This past Saturday saw another successful weekend against FC Westchester of New York. The U14, U15, U16 and U17 boys all picked up wins whilst the U19s grabbed a tie. This weekend will see all six teams travel south for a double-header weekend against Beachside CT and BW Gottschee of New York.
“The MLS Next continues to provide an outstanding competitive environment for our elite boys teams,” said IFA Technical Director Mark Spalding. “Our players are being prepared to compete at the highest level in North America and we look forward to another successful season in terms of results but most importantly, development,” said Spalding.
At the Academy Division, IFA is uniquely poised in providing two bases for the MLS NEXT AD pathway. The season has seen intense competition from both the U13-U14 AD and U13-U14 IFA West Boys. With convincing displays against Rochester NY FC, CT Rush, and NEFC - the program is an exciting new addition to our development platform.
“We were delighted to be able to provide more players within the IFA access to the MLS Next platform through the Academy tier, for the 2025/26 season,” said Spalding. “The strong start our 13s and 14s have made highlights the depth of talent across the club. We look forward to adding our U15s through U19s teams post-High School season.”
For more information on the IFA New England Boys Program, please click here.