ROSEVILLE, Calif. - (July 24, 2026)― The MLS NEXT Academy Division, in partnership with Cal North, Roseville Soccer Club, and the City of Roseville, is proud to announce the inaugural MLS NEXT Academy Division Regional Event, taking place October 30 – November 1, 2026, at the beautiful Placer Valley Soccer Complex in Roseville, California.
This historic event marks the first-ever regional qualifying event of its kind, providing clubs with the opportunity to compete for advancement to the MLS NEXT Cup 2027.
The tournament will feature 16 elite clubs, including:
Over three days of top-level competition, players, coaches, and families will experience an elite event focused on player development, meaningful competition, and showcasing the future of the game.
In addition to regional qualifying, the weekend will also feature an Invite-Only Showcase Division.
This unique opportunity has been created for outstanding clubs and teams that may not currently participate within the MLS NEXT Academy Division but deserve the chance to compete in a premier environment. The showcase is designed to provide talented players and clubs with increased exposure while experiencing the professionalism and standards of an MLS NEXT Academy Division event.
Our goal is simple: create more opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to experience high-level competition and continue expanding the player pathway.
This event represents an exciting collaboration between:
Together, these organizations are committed to growing the game while bringing one of the premier youth soccer events in the western United States to the Placer Valley region.
MLS NEXT Academy Division Regional Event
Dates: October 30 – November 1, 2026
Location:
Placer Valley Soccer Complex
Roseville, California
This is more than a tournament—it is the beginning of a new chapter in the player pathway.
The inaugural MLS NEXT Academy Division Regional Event will provide elite competition, create new opportunities for emerging clubs, and help identify the teams that will continue their journey toward the MLS NEXT Cup 2027.
We look forward to welcoming clubs, players, coaches, families, and supporters from across the West for an unforgettable weekend celebrating excellence, opportunity, and the continued growth of the beautiful game.
If this will be released publicly, I would also recommend adding logos for MLS NEXT Academy Division, Cal North, Roseville Soccer Club, City of Roseville, and Placer Valley Tourism, along with a bold headline graphic reading:
"THE ROAD TO MLS NEXT CUP 2027 STARTS IN ROSEVILLE."
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About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas and Allstate. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
About Cal North Youth Soccer Association
Cal North is the original youth soccer organization in Northern California, who has served generations of players, coaches, leagues, and clubs with storied histories since 1969. Cal North is a member of a much larger soccer community, and as a member, you are also a member of this world community. Players register to play with one of the more than 200 clubs or leagues formed by Cal North. Through affiliation, our leagues and clubs are also members of US Youth Soccer, US Soccer, and US Futsal. US Soccer, along with over 197 other national soccer organizations, are members of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA serves as the international governing body for soccer and US Soccer has been a member since 1913. Together, local, national and international organizations form a family of support for the young soccer players of Cal North.