Keystone FC joining MLS Next at U13-U15 level next season

Keystone FC is one of eight expansion clubs joining MLS Next for the 2024-2025 season.

The Mechanicsburg-based club will be part of the top academy league at the U13, U14 and U15 level.

“MLS Next continues to elevate the quality of soccer in this country, and we are honored to bring the top youth soccer program in North America to central Pennsylvania for the 2024-25 season,” stated Jason Brockman, Keystone FC MLS Next Director of Coaching. “The league’s core values and focus on developing youth players closely align with our beliefs, and we are thrilled to create more opportunities for players in our region.”

Keystone’s move to MLS Next will create a Central PA rivalry with PA Classics and add another area club to the program. Classics, along with Philadelphia Union and FC Delco were founding members of the academy league launched out of the ashes of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in 2020. South Jersey-based Real Jersey FC, rebranding as Real Futbol Academy, joined for the second season in 2021-2022. Sporting Athletic Club, based in Wilmington, Del. and Chester, Pa., joined MLS Next ahead of the current season.

Keystone FC’s top girls teams joined the Girls Academy ahead of the current season. Both boys and girls programs have seen success playing in the U.S. Youth Soccer platform. Their 2010 and 2006 girls teams, along with their 2007 boys team were crowned US Youth Soccer regional champions last summer.