The LA Galaxy Academy U-15s and U-17s, along with over 350 of the top young soccer teams from the United States and Canada, are scheduled to compete at the third-annual MLS NEXT Fest, one of the biggest events of the 2023–24 MLS NEXT season.

In 2023, the six-day event will take place at a new venue: the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona. MLS NEXT Fest offers North America’s best young players the chance to be observed by 300 college, national team, and professional scouts over the course of its almost 600 matches.

Over 350 MLS NEXT teams in four distinct age divisions (U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19) will be present at the MLS NEXT Fest Showcase. To enable clubs to play a range of different teams from across the nation, all teams will play three games over the course of four days. Matches are arranged according to division, competition in previous events, and competitive standings from the 2023–24 MLS NEXT regular season. In addition, players that take part in MLS NEXT Fest have the chance to be chosen for the MLS NEXT Fest Best Of matches, which take place from December 7-8 and pit exceptional players against one another in three distinct age groups.

Two “Uncommitted Matches” will also be featured on MLS NEXT on December 7. These matches will offer college coaches a rare chance to assess some of the best U-19 players who haven’t decided to attend college. With 22 players per squad, the Uncommitted Matches will be played in East vs. East and West vs. West formats.

“With the most talented young players from nearly 400 teams competing in Phoenix this week, MLS NEXT Fest has quickly grown to become the premier scouting event for MLS clubs, college coaches, and National Team evaluators,” stated Justin Bokmeyer, General Manager, MLS NEXT.

Coaches from 192 different institutions and numerous companies will have the chance to scout players at MLS NEXT Fest. In addition, nine MLS NEXT Match Evaluators—a collection of nine active and retired professional players and coaches—will be assessing games during the event. Match Evaluators will watch a range of games, evaluate the level of play, and identify the best players in each age category. Notable current Major League Soccer players Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas), Omar Gonzalez (New England Revolution), and Evan Bush (Columbus Crew) will be in the group. At MLS NEXT Fest, former players Kofi Opare, Dillon Powers, and Amobi Okugo will also take part in the programming. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as coaches or administrators for MLS and MLS NEXT teams.