Official 2023-2024 Extension

Lou Fusz Athletic will officially be expanding it’s participation in Major League Soccer’s Youth Development League, MLS Next. LFA and it’s teams will now compete in a full MLS Next Player Pathway for the 2023-2024 season.

In the decision-making process for extension clubs, MLS Next evaluates several factors including leadership, club environment, coaching staff, and player development. After having success at the U13 and U14 age levels for the past two years, MLS Next has granted the club with the full player pathway including U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 teams.

LFA Managing Director, Dan Gargan, emphasizes, “This is another major step for soccer in St. Louis. The wealth of knowledge and passion for the game in this town is seen and felt on a daily basis. We want to provide the youth as many avenues towards opportunity as possible. Celebrating our 30th Anniversary, it’s fitting that we take a big step forward on the shoulders of all the players, coaches, and families that have built the great reputation of the Club to this point. This has been a goal of our for the past few years, and now we get to refocus our intentions and compete on the biggest stage to continue to showcase St. Louis’ talent.”

Moving Forward

This extension will elevate Lou Fusz Athletic to elite company, playing alongside MLS Academies and the most successful and competitive clubs across the country. A commitment to player development and high quality coaching is at the forefront of the league, which falls right in alignment with the continued evolution of Lou Fusz Athletic.

Find more information about MLS Next and Major League Soccer here, and visit Lou Fusz Athletic to learn more about player development opportunities here.

Follow along all season @loufuszmlsnext on Instagram and Twitter.