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·3 January 2025

MLS Clubs with the Best Youth Academies

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Major League Soccer (MLS) has steadily grown into a league that prioritizes youth development, with several clubs producing talents who have thrived domestically and abroad. Here are the MLS clubs with the best youth academies, based on their track record of developing and promoting young stars.

FC Dallas

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  1. Overview: FC Dallas is widely regarded as the gold standard for youth development in MLS. The club has produced players like Weston McKennie, Reggie Cannon, and Ricardo Pepi, all of whom have gone on to achieve success in Europe and the USMNT. Their consistent focus on academy-to-first-team pathways sets them apart.

Philadelphia Union

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  1. Overview: The Union’s academy has flourished in recent years, producing stars like Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie. Known for integrating young players into the first team, Philadelphia’s emphasis on homegrown talent has led to both competitive success and substantial transfer profits.

New York Red Bulls

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  1. Overview: Red Bulls’ academy has long been a talent factory, developing players such as Tyler Adams, Matt Miazga, and Sean Davis. The club’s aggressive pressing system creates a conducive environment for young talents to thrive and adapt to European football.

LA Galaxy

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  1. Overview: The Galaxy have a storied history of producing talented youngsters, including Efrain Alvarez and Ulysses Llanez. While the club is often associated with marquee signings, their academy remains vital to their long-term strategy.

Sporting Kansas City

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  1. Overview: Sporting KC’s academy has quietly built a reputation for producing MLS-ready talent. Players like Gianluca Busio and Jaylin Lindsey have graduated to the first team, contributing to the club’s competitive success and international call-ups.

Seattle Sounders

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  1. Overview: Seattle’s investment in youth development has paid dividends, with players like Jordan Morris and Danny Leyva rising through the ranks. The Sounders emphasize blending academy graduates with experienced signings, resulting in sustained success.

Real Salt Lake

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  1. Overview: RSL’s academy has consistently produced talented players, including Brooks Lennon and Justen Glad. Their Arizona-based academy is considered one of the best development programs in the western United States.

San Jose Earthquakes

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  1. Overview: San Jose has leaned heavily into youth development, with Cade Cowell being the most prominent example. Their academy emphasizes physical development and technical skills, preparing players for the rigors of professional football.

Chicago Fire FC

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  1. Overview: The Fire’s academy has seen a resurgence, developing talents like Gabriel Slonina, who became the youngest starting goalkeeper in MLS history. Chicago’s focus on nurturing goalkeepers and defenders has drawn attention across the league.

Inter Miami CF

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  1. Overview: Although a newer franchise, Inter Miami has rapidly built a strong academy pipeline. Players like Benjamin Cremaschi highlight the club’s dedication to fostering young talent as part of their long-term vision.
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