MLS Next
Youth Soccer Reimagined
MLS NEXT will provide 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 level of competition and to training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life.
Real Colorado will continue in 2022 to be part of the MLS Next league for our top teams in the U14-U19 age groups. The MLS Next is a new paradigm for player development. A platform that will transform the way players learn and grow. Building on where we’ve been, but looking ahead to the future. The future starts here. The new platform, which will include more than 8,000 players throughout the U.S. and Canada, will consist of elite year-round competition, as well as player identification initiatives, coaching education opportunities, and additional programming to create the premier player development environment.
Player Placement will take place no sooner than Memorial Day weekend. Players from outside of Real Colorado are strongly encouraged to reach out prior to these dates for an individual trial opportunity.
Real Colorado alumni Ethan Horvath, Tajon Buchanan, Tidaine Dia, Taylor Kemp and Ryan Sailor
If you are a player who is currently playing at the highest level in your club and looking for something more, please reach out and find out what more looks like. Our elite programming isn’t for just anyone, but it might be great for you.
MLS Next Futures
The MLS Next Academy Futures Program will be brought to you by Real Colorado; this program is designed to expose U10-U13 players and families to Real Colorado’s Academy environment. Every session will be led by Academy staff, the Club’s lead directors and special guest coaches with the aim of serving players from both inside and outside Real Colorado. Players from any of our Real Colorado communities can be recommended, and players outside can request an invite at any time during the year.
Futures is comprised of weekly training and educational sessions throughout the year broken down into two segments, spring, and fall, with additional opportunities available in the summer and winter seasons. Through this program, players can periodically participate in selected sessions with the opportunity to progress towards scrimmages, games, MLS Next matches, or external events through club partnerships. The intent is exposure and not displacement from their current environments.
The aim of Futures is to serve as an introductory program for players, parents, and clubs to allow more time to explore Real Colorado’s national platforms (MLS NEXT, ECNL, ECNL-RL), and ensure a proper fit is made for both player and club. The program will allow Real Colorado to play a greater role in the development of more players across the state without the player or club immediately having to commit to an academy program.
Please reach out to Shawn Comegys with any questions
Fall 2023/Spring 2024 Coaching Assignments
The Real Colorado staff is excited to announce our coaches for the upcoming MLS Next, ECNL and ECNL-RL teams. Even as we are confident in the accuracy of these decisions, it’s important to stress a player is accepting a position on a team at Real Colorado. Further, it’s our expectation if there are future changes to the coaching lineup, the experience for the player and her team will remain consistent.
Real Colorado Academy (MLS Next)
‘05/’06 Boys - Clint Baumstark
‘07 Boys - Clint Baumstark
‘08 Boys - Mike Garnhart
‘09 Boys - Mike Garnhart
‘10 Boys - Shawn Comegys
Real Colorado National (ECNL)
‘05/’06 Boys - Massimo McGuire
‘07 Boys - Mike Hix
‘08 Boys - Bobby Hensley
‘09 Boys - Dave Morante
‘10 Boys - Mike Hix
‘11 Boys (Academy) - Ri Armstrong
Real Colorado Athletico (ECNL - RL)
‘05/’06 Boys - Sam Glawe
‘07 Boys - Steven Carels
‘08 Boys - Steven Carels
‘09 Boys - Jack Gonzalez
‘10 Boys - Yahga Jno-Baptiste
‘11 Boys (National) - Dan Lissek