MLS NEXT: Analyzing the U-19 age group across New England

Arsen Melkumyan pursues a ball out wide during a wintertime Seacoast United game. (Evan Scales/New England Soccer Journal)

A new era for academy-level soccer is here.

If all goes to plan and the COVID-19 pandemic allows, the new MLS Elite Youth Development Platform will get underway in mid-September. It emerged earlier this spring after U.S. Soccer ceased operating its Development Academy, creating a void for players who are chasing professional opportunities.

As games (hopefully) get underway, we’re breaking down the complexion of New England’s five clubs that have teams at the older age groups. There are plenty of familiar faces across Beachside, the Boston Bolts, New England Revolution Academy, Oakwood and Seacoast United.

This story highlights the U-19 age group. Before getting underway, we should note that Bayside, NEFC and Valeo field teams at U-14 and below.