NEW FOR FAll 2026 - RFA is Teaming Up with MLS NEXT!
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RFA is excited to be named as one of two Iowa clubs joining the MLS NEXT Academy Division in 2026. RFA will be the only central Iowa club to have MLS NEXT U13 and U14 teams (the other club is located in eastern Iowa). Tryouts will take place in June— dates will be announced soon.
ABOUT MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT launched the Academy Division as the second highest tier in the MLS development series. MLS NEXT is second only to MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division, the most elite youth soccer platform for player development in the U.S.
MLS NEXT Academy Division furthers the MLS commitment to creating quality training and playing opportunities for all players to reach their highest potential.
With approximately 318 clubs and 53,000 players, MLS NEXT expands consistent, high-quality competition for young soccer players through selection of clubs based on qualifying factors including, but not limited to:
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Specialized training plans
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Experienced coaching
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Demonstration of mission-aligned culture and core values
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Community engagement
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Holistic development strategies
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Commitment to access and representation
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Forward-thinking leadership teams
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MLS NEXT AND RFA
As a young club with currently just one eligible MLS NEXT age group, U13, RFA will add a U14 team to its MLS NEXT Division roster in 2026 for two qualifying teams. Tryouts for the teams will be held in June 2026. More information on tryouts will be announced soon.
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It is important to note that RFA was chosen to join MLS NEXT due to the quality of coaching and development of our current players. RFA players and families can be proud that MLS NEXT Academy Division staff felt our athletes were suitable to play against, and further develop their skills alongside, other qualified MLS NEXT Academy Division teams. RFA plans to continue to develop all young club players through specialized and individualized training and skills development.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is RFA joining MLS NEXT Academy Division?
Lance Rozeboom launched RFA in 2023 to integrate his Major League Soccer experience with the need for high-quality soccer development opportunities in central Iowa. With a vision of offering focused, intentional skills-building for youth with a passion for soccer, RFA is a purposefully small club structured to optimize the coach-to-player ratio for specialized instruction and quality player development. ​
Why did RFA apply for MLS NEXT?
With the goal of developing the best possible players, Rozeboom chose to apply for the MLS NEXT Division because of its direct link and pathway to Major League Soccer — unarguably the biggest and best professional men’s league in the country. As a MLS NEXT Division club, RFA players will benefit from exposure to diverse, high-quality, out-of-state players and teams, which will provide them with consistent, high-level games throughout the year.
How was RFA chosen as a MLS NEXT Academy Division?
To be considered for an MLS NEXT division, clubs must complete a review process. The review process includes an online application, which is reviewed by MLS NEXT staff. Once approved by staff, a club advances beyond the review process and is contacted by MLS NEXT for a phone conversation and update on the application status. Once a club advances beyond the phone conversation, they are scheduled for an in-person meeting with MLS NEXT staff. The club is then notified whether or not they are approved in an MLS NEXT division.
What is the decision-making criteria for being accepted to an MLS NEXT division?
According to the MLS NEXT website, “several factors are considered, included but not limited to:
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Club leadership and governance
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Collaboration and relationship with local youth soccer clubs (e.g., player movement with local MLS NEXT club, organized friendlies, coaching education visits, etc.)
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Community engagement
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Current platform of competition
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Defined player pathways
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Geographic location
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Holistic player development strategies
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Financial aid and scholarship programs
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Strength of current and potential player pool
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Club accessibility, including potential inclusion practices