After a summer break, the Austin FC Academy returns to action for the 2024-2025 MLS NEXT season this weekend. The Club’s U-18, U-16, U-15, U-14, and U-13 squads will all have the chance to compete in regular season play as well as at tournaments throughout the year, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for and winning the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in summer 2025.
This season features a new Player Pathway format and officially kicks off on September 7. All five Austin FC Academy teams will begin the campaign with away matches against Houston Rangers.
The U-18 and U-16 teams will play their first home matches at St. David’s Performance Center on September 15 against St. Louis City SC. The U-15s, U-14s, and U-13s are at home for the first time on September 29 against Capital City SC.
The teams’ full schedules, rosters, and standings are available on the MLS NEXT site.
In addition to regular season play, Austin FC Academy teams will take part in three key tournaments: MLS NEXT Fest from December 6-11, 2024 in California; Generation adidas Cup from April 12-20, 2025 in Florida; and MLS NEXT Flex from May 9-13 in Maryland. The Austin FC U-15 team won Generation adidas Cup in 2023.
Following the conclusion of the season, the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate will take place in Austin as part of MLS All-Star week in the Texas capital.
Several former Austin FC Academy players are currently making their mark at the MLS NEXT Pro level with Austin FC II, including Micah Burton, Ervin Torres, Bryan Arellano, and Anthony De Anda. Midfielder Owen Wolff spent a brief time in the Austin FC Academy before making his MLS debut back in 2021, and he has been a first-team regular ever since.
To stay up to date with the Austin FC Academy throughout the 2024-2025 season, follow @austinfcacademy on social media.