Chandler, Arizona, December 11, 2025
The Arizona Interscholastic Association has approved the participation of Arizona high school boys soccer players in a Major League Soccer event. This opportunity allows student-athletes to showcase their talents on a national stage during the MLS NEXT Fest, scheduled for December. With hundreds of scouts evaluating thousands of players, this event promises to pave the way for recruitment and further development in soccer for these young athletes.
Chandler, Arizona – Arizona High School Boys Soccer Players Receive AIA Approval to Participate in MLS Event
Chandler, Arizona – The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) has granted approval for select Arizona high school boys soccer players to participate in a Major League Soccer (MLS) event, marking a significant opportunity for student-athletes to showcase their talents on a national stage.
Event Details
The MLS event is scheduled to take place from December 4 to December 15, 2025, at the Arizona Athletic Grounds and Reach 11 Sports Complex in Mesa, Arizona. This event is part of the MLS NEXT Fest, the largest youth soccer scouting and recruiting event in North America, featuring over 1,000 teams from at least 200 clubs across all six MLS NEXT age groups (U13 to U19). The 12-day event includes hundreds of professional, national team, and college scouts evaluating more than 30,000 players across 1,850 matches.
Approval Process
The AIA’s decision to approve the participation of these student-athletes aligns with its mission to support the development of student-athletes and provide them with opportunities to advance their skills and exposure. The approval process involved a thorough review to ensure compliance with AIA policies and the eligibility of the players involved.
Background Context
Participation in events like the MLS NEXT Fest offers high school players a platform to demonstrate their abilities to scouts and coaches from professional and collegiate programs. Such exposure can lead to recruitment opportunities and further development in the sport. The AIA’s approval reflects a commitment to fostering pathways for student-athletes to pursue their athletic and academic goals.
Conclusion
The AIA’s endorsement of Arizona high school boys soccer players to participate in the upcoming MLS event underscores the association’s dedication to enhancing the athletic experiences of student-athletes and supporting their aspirations in the sport of soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the MLS NEXT Fest?
The MLS NEXT Fest is the largest youth soccer scouting and recruiting event in North America, featuring over 1,000 teams from at least 200 clubs across all six MLS NEXT age groups (U13 to U19). The 12-day event includes hundreds of professional, national team, and college scouts evaluating more than 30,000 players across 1,850 matches.
When and where is the MLS NEXT Fest taking place?
The MLS NEXT Fest is scheduled to take place from December 4 to December 15, 2025, at the Arizona Athletic Grounds and Reach 11 Sports Complex in Mesa, Arizona.
How did the AIA approve the participation of Arizona high school players in the MLS event?
The AIA’s decision to approve the participation of these student-athletes involved a thorough review to ensure compliance with AIA policies and the eligibility of the players involved.
What opportunities does participation in the MLS NEXT Fest provide for high school players?
Participation in events like the MLS NEXT Fest offers high school players a platform to demonstrate their abilities to scouts and coaches from professional and collegiate programs, potentially leading to recruitment opportunities and further development in the sport.
What is the AIA’s role in supporting student-athletes?
The AIA is dedicated to supporting the development of student-athletes by providing opportunities for them to advance their skills and exposure, as demonstrated by its approval for players to participate in the MLS event.
Key Features of the MLS NEXT Fest Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | MLS NEXT Fest |
| Dates | December 4–15, 2025 |
| Location | Arizona Athletic Grounds and Reach 11 Sports Complex, Mesa, Arizona |
| Participants | Over 1,000 teams from at least 200 clubs across U13 to U19 age groups |
| Scouts and Evaluators | Hundreds of professional, national team, and college scouts |
| Matches | Over 1,850 matches |
| Players Evaluated | More than 30,000 players |
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