Kings Hammer Joins MLS NEXT, Launches Elite Platform in Nashville

Nashville, TN — March 31, 2025 — Kings Hammer is excited to announce our official participation in the MLS NEXT Competition Tier for the 2025-26 season! This milestone strengthens our commitment to developing elite youth soccer players in Nashville and creating a clear pathway to the highest levels of the game. Not only does this provide Nashville’s youth players with unprecedented access to elite development and top-tier competition, but it also establishes Kings Hammer Nashville as a premier platform for young athletes aspiring to collegiate and professional careers.

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. Built on a foundation of innovation, competitive excellence, and holistic player growth, MLS NEXT aligns perfectly with Kings Hammer’s mission. By joining this elite league, our Nashville players will now 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 Nashville market.”

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.

“We are excited to announce our participation in the new MLS NEXT Competition Tier, the premier platform for boys’ soccer development in the United States,” said Bronson Gambale, National Technical Director of Kings Hammer. “This milestone coincides with the official launch of Kings Hammer Nashville, expanding our footprint and bringing our mission to develop top-level players into a thriving soccer community.”

Kings Hammer’s Nashville Boys Elite program will officially begin play in both MLS NEXT’s new competition tier and the National Academy League (NAL) during the 2025-26 season, competing in the U13-19 age groups.

“Bringing MLS Next to the Middle Tennessee area reinforces our commitment to delivering elite competition, high-level training, and a clear pathway for youth development,” added Gambale. “We’re proud to bring the Kings Hammer standard to Nashville and provide players with the tools to reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

Tryout details will be announced soon—players and families interested in joining this elite program are encouraged to stay informed and prepare to seize this exciting opportunity. Stay updated by visiting www.kingshammer.com.  

About Kings Hammer
Kings Hammer Soccer Club, with a strong presence in Nashville, 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.