MLS Next Pro Arrival Raises Concerns for Long Island High School Soccer
The announcement of a new professional minor-league soccer team and stadium coming to Nassau County in 2027 has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among Long Island high school sports coaches and administrators.
The new MLS Next Pro franchise, which will serve as a developmental pipeline for the region's top young talent, is seen by some as a threat to the traditional high school soccer experience. "On the boys side, it's already an issue," said Massapequa High School boys soccer coach Tony Stegner. "The high school experience is a very valuable piece of playing sports."
However, others argue that the MLS Next Pro team could actually enhance player development, especially for female athletes. "I don't really see the downside to playing high school sports as opposed to club ball. I don't think it'll deter from their development, I think it'll actually enhance it [for girls]," Stegner added.
The Delicate Balance Between Club and High School Soccer
The potential impact of the new professional team is just the latest development in the ongoing debate over the relationship between elite youth club soccer programs and traditional high school teams. As MLS continues its rapid expansion across the United States, concerns have grown that the lure of high-level academy systems could draw top prep players away from their local high school squads.
"We're already seeing that problem in boys soccer," noted Stegner. "Losing high school players to MLS Next is an issue we've been dealing with." The concern is that the creation of a new professional minor league franchise could exacerbate this trend, further fragmenting the high school game.
TL;DR
- A new MLS Next Pro team is coming to Nassau County, Long Island in 2027, sparking debate over its impact on high school soccer
- Some coaches worry the professional pipeline will draw top talent away from traditional high school teams, especially for boys
- Others believe the MLS team could benefit female athletes by providing an additional pathway without detracting from the high school experience
- The delicate balance between elite youth club soccer and high school programs remains a key issue as MLS continues its nationwide expansion