Kings Hammer Joins MLS NEXT, Advances Elite Player Development

Cincinnati, OH — March 28, 2025 — Kings Hammer is thrilled to announce our official participation in the MLS NEXT Competition Tier for the 2025-26 season! This partnership marks an incredible milestone in our journey to develop elite youth soccer players and create a clear pathway to the highest levels of the game.

MLS NEXT, launched by Major League Soccer, is the premier youth development platform in North America, featuring 151 member clubs and over 16,000 players. It’s built on a commitment to innovation, competitive excellence, and holistic player growth—exactly what we strive for at Kings Hammer. Joining MLS NEXT means our players will compete against the nation’s best, gaining invaluable experience and exposure on a national stage.

“We are excited to have Kings Hammer join MLS NEXT in the fall of 2025,” said Luis Robles, MLS NEXT Technical Director. “We look forward to the positive impact the organization will have within MLS NEXT and their contributions to player development in the Cincinnati market.”

“This move reinforces our commitment to providing the highest level of competition, training, and exposure for our players,” said Bronson Gambale, National Technical Director of Kings Hammer. “Joining this elite competition platform offers a true performance environment that prepares athletes for advancement at the collegiate, professional, and national team levels. We believe this step forward will elevate the experience for our players and help them reach their full potential on and off the field.”

As part of the MLS NEXT structure, Kings Hammer will gain access to cutting-edge coaching education, advanced sports science resources, and a competition format designed to maximize player development. Importantly, our players will also have the flexibility to continue participating in high school soccer, allowing them to balance elite club competition with their high school experience.

Kings Hammer will officially begin play in MLS NEXT’s new competition tier during the 2025-26 season, competing in the Greater Cincinnati Boys Elite program for U13-19 age groups. Tryout information will be released soon—stay updated by visiting www.kingshammer.com or following @KingsHammerSC on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About Kings Hammer
Kings Hammer Soccer Club, based in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, is a nationally recognized youth soccer organization dedicated to developing players of all abilities. Our comprehensive pathway from recreational to elite soccer has helped countless athletes achieve their dreams of playing in college and beyond while fostering a lifelong passion for the game.

About MLS NEXT Competition Tier
The MLS NEXT Competition Tier is a newly established division within MLS NEXT, designed to provide elite youth soccer players with increased competitive opportunities. This tier offers a structured pathway for clubs committed to player development at the highest levels, ensuring athletes have access to top-tier coaching, sports science resources, and a rigorous match schedule.