The YSC Team Rankings are live: the top 30 academy sides in every MLS NEXT age group from U15 to U19. Here's how the board works and how to see the whole thing.
The Top 30, by age group
We rank 30 teams in each of four age groups: U15, U16, U17 and U19.
How we rank teams
The ranking starts with results. We combine each club's games from Flex and league play and rate teams on points per game and goal difference per game. That way a team isn't rewarded or punished just for playing more games.
From U16 up, Pro Player Pathway games count more. That's where MLS academies play each other most often, and it's the strongest competition in each age group. Winning there says more than running up scores elsewhere.
It isn't only MLS academies. Every board includes clubs from outside MLS that earned their place on results, and some of them sit above MLS sides.
What every row shows
- Rating out of 100: the team's overall score from our formula and editorial review.
- Movement arrow: up, down or new since the last update.
- The take: a short note from our desk on each team's record and form.
How we build it
- Performance data: match results across Flex and league play, with extra weight for Pro Player Pathway games from U16 up.
- Human evaluation: our staff review every board before it goes out.
- AI assistance: AI tools help us process hundreds of results, but our staff decide the final order.
The rankings are editorial opinions and aren't affiliated with or endorsed by MLS NEXT or any club. They're updated as new results come in.
What's free and what's Pro
Free: ranks 26–30 in every age group.
YSC Pro ($3.99/month): the full Top 25 for U15, U16, U17 and U19, with every rating, movement arrow and take. Cancel anytime, and you keep access until the end of the month you paid for.
We're not giving away the top spots here. You'll have to check the board yourself.
Think your club deserves better?
Tell us. Send the results, and the next update might prove you right.
