Chargers SC MLS NEXT Academy Division Wraps Up Fall Season; Preparations Underway for MLS NEXT Fest

The Chargers Soccer Club’s MLS NEXT Academy Division U15–U19 teams have officially concluded their fall season and now transition into a short break as players begin their high school soccer campaigns across the region. The fall schedule brought strong performances, continued player growth, and competitive matches across the MLS NEXT platform.

While the older age groups shift into their high school seasons, the U13 and U14 Academy Division teams will continue league play through the winter months, maintaining momentum and development as part of their regular MLS NEXT calendar.

The U13–U19 MLS NEXT Homegrown Division teams are also nearing the end of their fall campaigns, with just a few remaining fixtures before the winter break. These matches will be key opportunities for players to finish the season strong and demonstrate their progress within the Chargers’ developmental pathway.

Meanwhile, preparations are already underway for one of the most anticipated events on the MLS NEXT calendar — the MLS NEXT Fest, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, in early December. The Chargers’ U15–U19 Academy teams will represent the club on the national stage, competing against some of the top programs in North America. The event serves as a major showcase for players to be seen by college coaches, scouts, and professional club representatives from MLS and beyond.

“MLS NEXT Fest is a tremendous opportunity for our players to test themselves against the best and to gain valuable exposure,” said Mike Keeney, Executive Director and MLS NEXT Director of Chargers SC. “Our players have worked hard throughout the fall, and we’re proud of the development shown across all divisions. The upcoming months will continue to provide high-level competition and growth opportunities for everyone involved.”

As the fall season winds down, Chargers SC remains focused on its mission to provide a complete player development pathway, from Homegrown to Academy and MLS NEXT competition, while fostering success both on and off the field.

Lakewood Ranch

• The Chargers Halloween Havoc tournament took place at our campus and the following teams had a great and successful weekend:
• B2011 EA  Champions
• B2017 Pre MLS Next Champions
• B2017 Pre EA Finalists
• B2015 Pre MLS Next Champions
• B2014 Pre MLS Next  Finalists
• LWR teams are currently participating in their respective leagues.
• The G2017 Academy Yellow team is having a great season. As a first-year team they are currently in the 4^th Place of the standings.
• The B2017 Pre EA team is having a very strong season in the USA League. They are currently 1^st in the standings with a perfect record of six wins in six games.
• The B2016 Pre EA team is currently 3^rd in the standings of their USA League bracket.  
• LWR Fall Rec season ended on November 15.
• We thank all the families for their continuous support.
• We also want to thank very specially all the Volunteer Parents that stepped up to the plate and coached their kids' teams. We appreciate that they invest their time and make it possible for all those young players to enjoy the beautiful game.
• Our Spring Season will be announced at the beginning of December.
• We are very happy to have Coach Julio Diaz back in our staff. Since the beginning of October, he has taken over the Pre-Academy group as their head coach. 
• Many of our families participated in our Pink Week in support of the Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. It was great to see so much pink on our fields during that week.
• During the month of November all our coaches are conducting the first evaluation of their players. A second evaluation will be done in March of 2026.
• This week we will have our first Chargers Excellence Award presentations. The award recognizes the player that has excelled in the first three months of the season in their effort, soccer performance, commitment, sportsmanship and team spirit. The winners will be announced through our Social Media.

Clearwater

Team Spotlight: 2011 U15 Girls

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our 2011 U15G team, led by Head Coach CJ Brown and Assistant Coach Sebastian Brun.

• Currently 1st place in the National League – Sunshine Conference with an impressive 6–0 record
• Orlando City Cup Champions
• A dominant 10–0 overall record, scoring 32 goals and allowing only 4

This group continues to raise the bar. Congratulations, players and coaches!

Referee Development

On October 19, the Clearwater campus hosted a referee certification course, graduating over 20 new referees, including several current Chargers players. We’re proud to support their growth both on and off the field.

Coaching Education

The Clearwater campus is also hosting a USSF D License course, with four current Chargers coaches completing the program. They are set to receive their D License the week of November 21–24. Congratulations to our coaches for continuing their development and commitment to excellence.

Clearwater Campus Picture Day

Mark your calendars for Picture Day at the Clearwater campus on December 7. Players will have team and individual photos taken, and fun skill competitions will be held throughout the day.

Welcome Back, Zac!

We’re thrilled to welcome back Zac McMath, former Chargers Development Academy standout, who returns to his home club after a 15-year MLS career. Zac will be assisting Coach Pete Mannino with the U8 Boys and working as a GK coach alongside Bryane Heaberlin, under the direction of GK Director Kevin Clinton. We’re excited to have him back on the pitch where it all began.

Player in the Community: Tanner Kaya

We’re proud to highlight Tanner Kaya, our MLS Next HD U19 goalkeeper, for making an impact off the field during the Great American Teach-In. Tanner visited Cypress Woods Elementary, where he quickly became the star of the day! Teachers shared that students were chanting his name, asking for autographs, and couldn’t wait to spend time with him.

Tanner joined the students for soccer at recess, inspiring young athletes and representing the Chargers with pride, kindness, and enthusiasm. Tanner showed what it means to be a positive role model in our community.

Way to go, Tanner! Keep shining on and off the field.