About

Republic FC launched its Youth Development Academy in 2015, providing a top-tier training environment for youth players and the only youth-to-pro pathway in the Sacramento region. Republic FC Academy players have gone on to represent the club’s first team in league, friendly, and U.S. Open Cup matches, at the Division I collegiate level, as well as their respective nations on Youth National Teams.

The club’s Academy competes in the highest level of youth soccer in North America – MLS NEXT – providing a professional tier, high-level development environment to the region’s top players and teams. Since its effective replacement of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system, which operated from 2007-2020, MLS NEXT has attracted 133 local clubs – home to 90% of U.S. Soccer’s national team player pool – and operates yearly postseason and showcase competitions in addition to the regular season running from September to May.

MLS NEXT

MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Learn more>>

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Implement a clear club culture and identity
Deliver an optimal learning environment to maximize individual and team development
Continually increase internal competition to raise overall standard of play
Provide external competition to challenge players through adverse experiences
Accelerate our high-potential players through individualized programming
An integrated pathway to become a professional