MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles Revolutionizes Youth Soccer Development
At the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup, MLS NEXT director Luis Robles sparked conversations with academy coaches, technical directors, and front office members from around the world to explore innovative approaches to youth soccer development. The discussions unveiled a diverse range of unconventional methods being implemented at the academy level in various countries.
Revolutionizing Youth Soccer Development Worldwide
In Germany, for instance, youth teams at the U13 and U14 levels have reverted to 9v9 games instead of the traditional 11v11 format, with some leagues even excluding goalkeepers. The focus is on increasing player touches, enhancing creativity, and encouraging scoring opportunities by setting up small goals on the sides of the pitch.
In Belgium, academies have embraced small-sided 7v7 matches, while in England, the emphasis is on playing box to box. Despite the differences in approach, one common theme stood out – an intense dedication to nurturing talent in the U13 and U14 age groups across the globe.
Introducing Quality of Play Rankings and the Taka Formula
Identified as a pivotal stage for player development, the U13 and U14 age groups have become the focal point for MLS NEXT’s latest initiative – Quality of Play rankings using the Taka mathematical formula. This innovative approach shifts the focus from wins, losses, and draws to individual player performance, both on and off the ball.
Players are now evaluated based on their positive and negative contributions during matches, aiming to foster a more holistic and personalized approach to talent development. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of “professionals” who can excel not only at the MLS NEXT level but also on the international stage.
Redefining Success in Youth Soccer
The decision to prioritize individual player development over team outcomes represents a significant departure from conventional norms. However, MLS NEXT believes that this shift will ultimately yield long-term benefits for the growth and success of youth soccer in the U.S.
Vice President of Player Development Fred Lipka emphasized the importance of embracing diverse playing styles and celebrating all aspects of team performance. By focusing on the process and progress of each player, MLS NEXT aims to revolutionize player development and elevate the quality of play across the board.
The Future of Academy Soccer
By partnering with Taka to launch the Quality of Play pilot program, MLS NEXT is paving the way for a new era of youth soccer development. The initiative not only aims to enhance the skills and abilities of young players but also to foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration within the sport.
As the soccer landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Quality of Play rankings and the Taka formula are reshaping the future of academy soccer by placing a greater emphasis on individual growth, creativity, and player-centric development strategies.
Stay tuned as MLS NEXT leads the charge in redefining youth soccer development and cultivating the next generation of soccer stars.
Implementing Data-Driven Insights in Youth Soccer
One of the key components of the Quality of Play rankings and the Taka formula is the utilization of data-driven insights to assess player performance. By collecting and analyzing data on player movements, decision-making, and contributions during matches, MLS NEXT aims to provide coaches with a comprehensive understanding of each player’s strengths and areas for improvement.
This data-centric approach allows for more objective evaluations and personalized feedback, enabling coaches to tailor training sessions and development plans to address specific player needs. By harnessing the power of technology and analytics, MLS NEXT is at the forefront of leveraging data to optimize youth soccer development.
Engaging with Global Soccer Communities
Through its participation in international events like the Generation Adidas Cup, MLS NEXT is actively engaging with global soccer communities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from different approaches to youth development. By fostering collaboration and dialogue with academy coaches and technical directors from around the world, MLS NEXT is enriching its own practices and staying at the cutting edge of youth soccer development.
By tapping into the collective wisdom and expertise of the global soccer community, MLS NEXT is continuously evolving and adapting its strategies to ensure that its player development programs remain innovative and effective.
Empowering Young Players Through Mentorship and Guidance
In addition to implementing cutting-edge development initiatives, MLS NEXT is also focused on providing mentorship and guidance to young players to support their holistic growth and development. By pairing young athletes with experienced mentors, MLS NEXT aims to instill values such as leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship in addition to technical skills.
Through mentorship programs, players have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals, gain valuable insights into the demands of professional soccer, and receive guidance on navigating the challenges of pursuing a career in the sport. By nurturing the whole athlete, MLS NEXT is preparing young players not just for success on the field but also for success in life.
Building a Sustainable Pathway to Professional Soccer
Ultimately, the goal of MLS NEXT’s innovative youth development initiatives is to build a sustainable pathway to professional soccer for aspiring young athletes. By providing a nurturing environment that prioritizes individual growth, creativity, and player-centric development, MLS NEXT is laying the foundation for the next generation of soccer stars to thrive.
Through its commitment to redefining success in youth soccer and revolutionizing player development, MLS NEXT is shaping the future of academy soccer in the U.S. and beyond. With a focus on quality of play, data-driven insights, global engagement, mentorship, and sustainable pathways, MLS NEXT is leading the way in transforming youth soccer development for the better.
As MLS NEXT continues to innovate and collaborate with stakeholders across the soccer landscape, the future of youth soccer looks brighter than ever, with endless possibilities for young players to realize their full potential and make their mark on the beautiful game.
