New MLS Next Director
A proven leader in global player development, Bob brings world-class experience to our MLS NEXT program. This appointment marks another major step forward in our mission to deliver the highest…
What is MLS Next?
The most elite platform for youth player development in North America.
Nashville United Soccer Academy is proud to offer a full MLS NEXT pathway for boys U13 through U19. As the highest level of youth soccer in the country, MLS Next provides elite players with unmatched competition, exposure, and development opportunities. Led by licensed, experienced coaches and supported by a club culture rooted in character and commitment, our MLS NEXT program is designed for those ready to train, compete, and grow at the highest level.
Our MLS NEXT environment challenges players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally – helping them reach their full potential. With individualized attention, intentional session design, and a clear developmental pathway, players are equipped to grow into confident, intelligent athletes prepared for the next level.
The Culture
Membership for the 2024-25 season includes 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada.
The Purpose
Our purpose is simple: to provide a clear, consistent, and challenging pathway for players who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game. At NUSA, the MLS NEXT program represents more than a badge – it’s a long-term commitment to growth. From U13 through U19, players train and compete in a unified environment guided by a shared vision, experienced staff, and intentional development goals at every stage.
151
Clubs
16,000
Players
753
Teams
New
Full Pathway
“We strive to provide opportunities for our players to compete at the highest level. The MLS continues to set forth clear pathways and opportunities for optimal player development. We are confident that the development of a full MLS Next pathway will further help our players achieve long-term success in the game. The MLS Next and GA level of competition and exposure makes for an exciting future at NUSA.” – Alan O’Connor, Technical Director
Player Movement
At NUSA, we recognize that every player develops at their own pace. Our goal is to place players in training environments that strike the right balance between challenge and success – key ingredients for growth and enjoyment. In alignment with our club-wide philosophy, player movement is fluid throughout the year. Players could receive opportunities further up the player pathway with Nashville Soccer Clubs Academy or be moved between MLS NEXT and NUSA’s Maroon team(s). Selected players from NUSA’s Maroon teams will have opportunities to train up once per week. This is no different than the current weekly player movement which takes place throughout the club.
Pathway to Pro
While MLS NEXT is a great next step in player pathway, and we hope it ultimately leads to more local players getting the opportunity to sign with Nashville Soccer Clubs Academy, the chances of any player becoming a professional player are still very small.
The most important thing for all players and at all levels of the youth game is learning valuable character traits and skills that will carry them through life. How to be a teammate, goal setting, resilience, commitment, learning to deal with fear and failure, etc.
The first club in Tennessee (besides NSC Academy) to offer MLS Next.
Our MLS Next Coaching Staff
License: FAW, Director of Coaching License | UEFA “A” License | UEFA Youth “A” License | UEFA Goalkeeper Instructors License | English FA “A” Goalkeeper License | Wales Teaching Certificate | Wales FA Performance Coach of the Year
Coaching Experience: TSC, Director of Goalkeeping | Chicago Fire, Goalkeeper Coach | North Shore United, Director of Goalkeeping | Wales u18 National Team, Head Coach | Wales Ladies National Team, Goalkeeper Coach | Wales u17 &u19 Youth, Goalkeeper Coach | Swansea City Wales, Goalkeeper Coach | Llanelli Town AFC Wales, First Team Manager | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Goalkeeper Coach | Holy Family College, Head of Soccer Operations
License: USSF A-Senior License | Master’s Organizational Leadership
Player Experience: Martin Methodist College 2004-2008, 2007 Conference MVP, 3-Time Offensive MVP, 2-Time All-Region, All-American | Nashville FC-NPSL 2014 | Hardwicke FC, Dublin (2010 & 2011) | Reading United FC, PDL (2007 & 2008) | Real Salt Lake Pre-Season (2009) | Ballymun United Football Club, Dublin Ireland (1999-2004) | Stella Maris Football Club, Dublin, Ireland (1996-1999)
Coaching Experience: Nashville SC Academy Coach (2020-2024) | NUSA Lead Academy Coach / Director of Coaching (2017-2020) | Tennessee Soccer Club DOC (2014-2015) | Tennessee Soccer Club Coach (2013-2016) | Montgomery Bell Academy Varsity Soccer Coach (2013-2017) | Fairview Soccer Association Lead Coach (2012-2014) | Bayern Munich Youth Camp (2011) | Reading Rage, Reading, PA Super Y, u16 (2007) | Martin Methodist College Asst. Coach (2007-2009)
License: USSF A License | USSF B License | USSF National Youth License | USSF Grassroots Instructor License | USSF Grassroots 7v7 License | NSCAA Premier Diploma | NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma | NSCAA Goalkeeper Level 1 & 2 Diplomas | NSCAA Advanced National Diploma | NSCAA National Youth Diploma | Scottish Football Association A-License (Intro/Intermediate) | StatsBomb: Intro to Football Analytics Certification | Ph.D. Health & Human Performance
Player Experience: Orlando Lions (ASL) | Denver Thunder (NPSL) | Colorado Comets (USISL) | Rollins College | Sutherland Shire (Sydney, Australia) | Chichester City (England)
Coaching Experience: USSF Educator Developer | Assistant Technical Director, NUSA Soccer Club | Owner, xG Soccer | Sport Scientist, Nashville SC (MLS) | Sport Performance Coach, Nashville SC Academy | Director of Coaching, Jackson Futbol Club | Staff Coach, USYS Region III | Director of Coaching, Tennessee Futbol Club (TNFC) | Director of Coaching, Charlotte Soccer Club | State Director of Coaching, Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) | Staff Coach, U.S. Olympic Development Program (ODP) – TN, AL, NC | Head Coach, Clarksville Gunners (PDL) | Assistant Coach, Vanderbilt University Men’s Soccer (NCAA D-I) | Assistant Coach, Rollins College Men’s Soccer (NCAA D-II)
Player Experience: Tennessee Soccer Club ECNL (2016-2017) | Cumberland University (2019-2023) | Tennessee Soccer Club USL2 (2022-2023)
Coaching Experience: NUSA Pre-Academy (2023) | Aris Soccer Club Assistant (2024) | Cumberland University Men’s Soccer Volunteer Assistant (2024-present)
MLS Next News
MLS Next Cost Structure
u13-19 MLS Next (2007-2013)
- Registration Fee: $500
- Monthly Club Dues: $407
- Team Fees per Season: Included
- Uniform Cost: $256
- Commitment: 10 months
- Payment Plan: 11 months starting July
u16 (2010) & u18 (2008) NUSA Next
- Registration Fee: $500
- Monthly Club Dues: $378
- Team Fees per Season: Included
- Uniform Cost: $256
- Commitment: 5 months
- Payment Plan: 6 months starting July
Frequently asked questions
What is MLS NEXT?
MLS NEXT is a youth soccer league managed, organized, & controlled by Major League Soccer. MLS NEXT is the highest level of youth soccer in the United States & features top clubs from across the country, providing a professional-level environment focused on player development, competition, exposure to college, pro, and national team pathways.
What is NUSA Next?
NUSA Next age groups are part of NUSA’s MLS Next pathway.
While our MLS Next pathway does not offer official U16 or U18 age groups, NUSA has created NUSA Next to continue supporting players in these key developmental stages. Our U16 and U18 NUSA Next teams are designed for high-level players who are on the pathway to MLS NEXT U17 and U19.
These teams train three times per week with licensed, experienced coaches and continue to face top-tier competition – including matches against MLS NEXT opponents. They also participate in showcase events and receive the same developmental focus, resources, and exposure as our full MLS NEXT teams. NUSA Next ensures that excelling players in these age groups stay challenged, connected, and prepared for the next step.
How do I get involved in MLS NEXT?
All interested players should attend NUSA’s official tryouts or contact our technical staff for evaluation opportunities. Being part of NUSA’s developmental environment increases visibility for potential placement in MLS NEXT teams.
What is the environment like for MLS NEXT?
The MLS NEXT environment at NUSA is competitive, focused, and purpose-driven. Players are held to high standards on and off the field and are supported by a club culture that values character, discipline, and accountability. It’s a team-first atmosphere where development and growth are the priorities.
What is the competition level for MLS NEXT?
The competition is among the most challenging in the country. Players face high-level opponents every week, pushing them to grow technically, tactically, and mentally. Many players in the league are scouted by colleges, U.S. Soccer, and professional academies.
What is the coaching staff like for MLS NEXT?
NUSA’s MLS NEXT teams are led by experienced, licensed coaches who specialize in long-term player development. Our staff is committed to creating an environment where players are challenged, supported, and prepared for the next level.
What are the benefits of participating in MLS NEXT?
Players in MLS NEXT gain access to elite training, high-level matches, and national scouting exposure. The league promotes long-term development with professional coaching, advanced competition, and a clear path to college soccer, pro academies, and beyond.
Can a player play for MLS NEXT and Middle/High School soccer?
No. MLS NEXT players agree to forgo participating simultaneously in MLS NEXT and middle school/high school soccer. MLS NEXT does provide a “Future Player” designation that gives flexibility to players. There is a maximum number of games the player can play under this category.
NUSA Principles: Player movement
All players grow and develop at different rates and at NUSA we are constantly evaluating players to put players in a training environment which allows them to have a good balance between success and being challenged. Too much of one or the other is not fun or conducive to long-term player development. In line with the rest of NUSA and the club’s philosophy on player development, there is potential for player movement throughout the year. Players could receive opportunities further up the player pathway with Nashville Soccer Clubs Academy or be moved between NUSA Next and NUSA’s Maroon team(s). Selected players from NUSA’s Maroon teams will have opportunities to train up once per week. This is no different than the current weekly player movement which takes place throughout the club.
TRUE PATHWAY TO PRO
“Perspective is also very important, and we pride ourselves regarding on going parent education at NUSA. While NUSA Next is a great next step in player pathway, and we hope it ultimately leads to more local players getting the opportunity to sign with Nashville Soccer Clubs Academy, the chances of any player becoming a professional player are still very small. The most important thing for all players and at all levels of the youth game is learning valuable character traits and skills that will carry them through life. How to be a teammate, goal setting, resilience, commitment, learning to deal with fear and failure etc. NUSA already has a good track record of supporting and guiding players who want to play in college. As we expand to U16 and U18/19’s in future years with NUSA Next, there is no question this will create more collegiate opportunities for our players who are not continuing on the professional pathway.”
“Providing a pro pathway for both NUSA’s excelling boys and girl’s programs has been long term goal for NUSA, and I am excited we are able to make this happen on the boys side with MLS Next. We could not do any of this without our fantastic coaching staff and the support of our membership, community partners, sponsors, and donors. We are actively looking for funding for and look forward to expanding our pro pathway on the girl’s side of the club in the near future." - Robbie Stewart, Executive Director