MLS NEXT – Pioneer Division
MLS NEXT represents the highest level of youth soccer in the United States and Canada, providing elite competition, national exposure, and a direct pathway to collegiate, professional, and national team opportunities. In September 2025, MLS NEXT launched a new national competition tier aimed at expanding access to high-level development environments while maintaining its core standard of excellence. This new tier includes more than 1,200 teams from over 220 clubs across 15 regional divisions in the United States and Canada, including the Pioneer Division. Participation in the MLS NEXT is earned through club performance, with club selection based on long-term developmental outcomes and a demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of training, competition, and player care. As part of this platform, players compete against top clubs from across the country, benefitting from the most advanced development model in the game.
OVERVIEW
The Pioneer Division consists of clubs from Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas and features regional league play, as well as interregional competition. The innovative structure of the MLS NEXT new competition tier is built to balance elite competition with regional travel, allowing more players to engage in meaningful development without sacrificing social or academic balance. Players in the Pioneer Division remain eligible for high school soccer and gain access to MLS NEXT’s national events, such as MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Cup, where they can showcase their talents to collegiate, professional, and national team scouts. These events provide unparalleled exposure, offering players valuable recruitment opportunities as they continue to develop within the MLS NEXT ecosystem.
TRAINING FORMAT
MLS NEXT – Pioneer Division participants ages U13-U19 will attend three training sessions per week, with one multi-team session each week dedicated to focusing on functional training, tactical concepts and technical training.
FEE STRUCTURE
The Annual Player Fee below includes participation in the
Sporting Oklahoma Competitive Program (U11-U19)
and
Goalkeeping Program (U11-U19). The Annual Player Fee covers monthly training dues and other administrative expenses such as player registration and insurance. The Annual Player Fee
does not include each player’s proportionate share of team-specific expenses such as tournament and league fees, field maintenance and usage fees, and coach travel expenses for matches outside of the Oklahoma City Metro Area, nor does it include player-specific expenses such as kits, equipment, and travel.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In an effort to fully realize its Mission as a benefit corporation, Sporting Oklahoma has created a scholarship program for families in need of financial assistance. For additional information, please visit the
Scholarship Information & Application page located under the Registration menu tab.
