MICHIGAN FUTBOL ACADEMY JOINS MLS NEXT FOR 2025-2026 SEASON, BECOMING OFFICIAL ACADEMY OF WEST MICHIGAN’S MLS NEXT PRO TEAM 

 Media invited to attend the first talent ID camp held on January 6 at MSA Woodland 

 GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., Jan. 6, 2025 – West Michigan-based Michigan Futbol Academy (MFA) has been named the official academy affiliate of the newly announced West Michigan Soccer MLS NEXT Pro franchise and will join MLS NEXT in 2025-2026. This strategic collaboration creates a talent identification and skill development pathway for youth soccer in West Michigan to progress from community participation to the professional level. 

“We are pleased to share that MFA has been named the academy affiliate for West Michigan’s MLS NEXT Pro team and will join MLS NEXT, the premier soccer development platform in the U.S. designed for young players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the game,” said David Van Andel, co-owner of West Michigan’s MLS NEXT Pro team. "This collaboration is an important step forward in further developing local talent and providing a clear pathway from youth soccer to the professional level.” 

Founded in 2017, MFA’s Revolution soccer club has become a destination for athletes of all ages and skill levels. MFA offers 117 teams in soccer leagues ranging from select to elite level. In 2023, MFA Revolution served approximately 2,300 athletes, making it the largest youth soccer club in West Michigan. 

Starting in 2025, MFA will launch MLS NEXT teams for boys in all six age groups: U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19, which will begin play in the fall. MFA anticipates an additional 100 athletes will participate on these MLS NEXT teams. 

“This collaboration will only enhance the level of youth soccer offered in West Michigan and provide young athletes with the resources, opportunities, and coaching they need to reach their full potential,” said Dan DeVos, co-owner of West Michigan’s MLS NEXT Pro team. “It will be a great complement to the strong, existing soccer infrastructure that exists for youth in West Michigan with so many impressive organizations and supportive youth leagues.” 

Coaches who have all played Division I collegiate or professional soccer will lead MFA’s MLS NEXT teams, providing top-tier player development and training. 

MFA’s MLS NEXT teams will be overseen by George Moni, who has over 30 years of coaching experience from youth to professional levels. Moni grew up in Albania, where he played professional soccer from 1984-1994. He also appeared in the European Qualifiers with the Albanian National Team at the U18 and U21 levels. 

“With decades of professional coaching experience, George brings unparalleled expertise and passion to our program,” said Sam Nichols, executive director of Michigan Sports Academies, the parent organization of MFA. “George holds top coaching qualifications from UEFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation. His unwavering love for the game and integrity have inspired countless players, and we are confident he’s the perfect leader for this exciting new chapter at MFA.” 

Since its launch in 2020, MLS NEXT has experienced rapid membership growth. MFA will join 29 MLS Academies and 123 Elite Academies, comprising over 700 teams and more than 15,000 players across the United States and Canada. 

“We’re excited to have Michigan Futbol Academy join MLS NEXT as an expansion club in 2025-2026,” said MLS NEXT General Manager Kyle Albrecht. “MFA’s affiliation with West Michigan Soccer and their strong academy infrastructure will be valuable in growing the pro player pathway throughout the region.” 

MFA will host its first talent ID camp to scout youth athletes interested in playing on MFA’s MLS NEXT teams on January 6 from 4:30 – 7:30 PM at MSA Woodland, located at 2100 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Media is invited to come at 3:30 PM to conduct interviews with West Michigan Soccer and MFA leadership before the camp begins. 

MFA is owned and operated by Michigan Sports Academies (MSA). MSA serves over 8,500 athletes a year across West Michigan ranging in age from 2-19. MSA has six locations offering various levels of recreational and competitive youth sports programming for soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Learn more at www.michigansportsacademies.com.