mls next new tier

The MLS Next New Tier league is the second highest level of boys youth soccer competition in the United States and is home to the best teams and players in the entire country.  We are one of only three clubs in Houston that participate in the MLS Next New Tier league offering a full pathway into MLS Next and the professional game for players aged U13 to U19.
register for an evaluation

new tier

locations

GFI Performance center

North

Training dates and times vary depending on the team
27001 Lenze Rd, Spring, TX 77389

eldridge park

South

Training dates and times vary depending on the team
2511 Eldridge Road, Houston, TX 77478

who is it for?

MLS Next New Tier is for players aged u13 to U19 that want to play at the MLS Next level with exposure to college coaches, national team scouts, and professional pathways at the most prestigious events in the country while also being able to play high school soccer.  If you want to compete at this level, GFI Academy and MLS Next New Tier is the platform to support those ambitions.

Not for those in mls next.

May tryouts now open

Join us for May Tryouts, happening May 5-8 from 5-9 PM at all our locations: The Woodlands, Grand Oaks, Sugar Land, and Spring Branch. Open to boys and girls born 2007-2018, this is your chance to showcase your skills and join Houston’s fastest-growing soccer club!

register now

3 WEEKLY TRAINING SESSIONS

1 - 2 GAMES PER WEEK

2 - 3 national TOURNAMENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

MLS NEXT new tier

FAQs

10 month Full Year Season: August - June

The annual training and league fees are $2,700. If you choose to pay in full, you'll receive a discount. Alternatively, you can opt for a month-by-month or 6-month payment plan. Financial aid is available based on need. We also offer a 10% discount for families with three or more players.

The cost of uniforms is not included in your player’s training and league fees. The MLS Next New Tier uniform kits are available through Soccer.com at $330. These uniforms are valid from Fall 2023 to Summer 2025.

The MLS Next New Tier league is the premier boys' youth soccer competition in the U.S., featuring the nation's top teams and players.

Players that wish to join an MLS Next New Tier team are evaluated by our coaching staff and then placed on a team that is developmentally appropriate for the individual. Team placement is designed to create the correct balance of challenge and success to support the long-term individual development of the player. 

Yes! Players are allowed to play for their high school teams while competing in MLS Next New Tier.