Inter Miami CF Academy, MLS reinforce commitment to players and families in light of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s recent dissolution

MIAMI (April 15, 2020) – Major League Soccer today announced it will launch a new elite youth competition platform to provide year-round high-level matches for academy teams that previously participated in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, who recently announced the dissolution of the youth league Inter Miami CF Academy and MLS academies competed in.

“We want to reassure Inter Miami CF Academy players and families that our commitment to the Academy and youth development in South Florida is as strong as ever,” said Inter Miami CF COO & Sporting Director Paul McDonough. “We plan to return to the field as soon as it is safe to do so and are working closely with Major League Soccer and other teams to redefine our new elite competition format.”

“Major League Soccer is deeply committed to developing world-class players through an elite competitive pathway, from our academy teams through the professional game,” said Todd Durbin, MLS Executive Vice President of Competition & Player Relations. “As we look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, now more than ever it is incumbent on us to establish a competition that sets a new standard for elite youth play and allows athletes to achieve their full potential.”

The new platform will include league season matches and both regional and national tournaments with international teams. It will also expand coaching education and improve the approach to player identification to ensure top players have the opportunity to participate in a high-level development environment.

“We are seeing significant contribution to the quality of play in MLS from homegrown talent,” said Jeff Agoos, MLS Senior Vice President of Competition, Operations, and Medical Administration, two-time World Cup veteran with the U.S and five-time MLS Cup winner. “As we currently have 2,500 elite players and 250 top youth coaches in our academies, MLS is uniquely positioned to provide a new and enhanced platform that will include high-quality coaching, professionalized environments, and enhanced player identification.”

“Participating in high quality, competitive matches on a consistent basis is essential to the development of our young players,” said Fred Lipka, Vice President and Technical Director of MLS Player Development. “Launching this new competition will allow us to consistently challenge players, staffs, and teams, optimizing the potential of every player on the field.”

In addition, MLS is evaluating the potential to provide future competition opportunities for girls.