MLS Next Academy
The Boston Bolts' MLS Next Academy program is a nationwide youth soccer league that provides a highly competitive environment with a strong emphasis on player development, drawing in many of the top clubs across the country. Bolts Academy players receive unparalleled exposure to college coaches at national showcases, while still maintaining their eligibility to play High School soccer.
MLS Next Academy
- Nationwide Platform: MLS Next Academy connects top clubs across the country
- Elite Competition: High-level environment with a focus on player development
- College Exposure: Players showcased to college coaches at national events.
- Dual Pathway: Maintain high school soccer eligibility while competing nationally.
MLS Next Academy Elite ID Centers
To ensure the very best players represent our club at the highest level, the Boston Bolts host Elite ID events designed to identify top talent for our MLS NEXT teams. These events provide aspiring players with the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a highly competitive environment, evaluated by our professional coaching staff. Through this process, we select the most promising athletes who demonstrate the technical quality, tactical understanding, and character required to succeed at the elite level of youth soccer.
MLS Next Academy Overview
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New in 2025: MLS Next Academy expands league reach, clubs, and talent pool
- Flexible Pathway: Players can still participate in high school soccer while competing at a high level.
- Season Format: U15–U19 teams play a 6-month season starting in November.
- Competitive Edge: Regional tournaments, college showcases, and national exposure.
- College Pipeline: Designed to help players continue into NCAA soccer and maximize development.
Mls next academy coaches
U19 Head Coach
Sam Matteson
MLS NEXT Academy Director, U19 Head Coach
Sam Matteson brings over 13 years of college and club coaching experience to the Boston Bolts, where he leads as MLS NEXT Academy Director. He currently serves as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Clark University, competing in the highly regarded NEWMAC Conference at the NCAA Division III level.
Matteson’s collegiate coaching career spans multiple divisions and prestigious programs, including time at the University of New Haven (Division I & II), Bridgewater State University (Division III), Bryant University (Division I), College of the Holy Cross (Division I), and MIT (Division III).
On the club side, Matteson has held several key leadership roles within the Boston Bolts, serving as ECNL Director, NAL Director, and MLS 2 Director. Under his guidance, Bolts teams have achieved notable success, including the 2024 NAL National Championship and back-to-back State Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.
U17 Head Coach
Nicky Devogel
U17 Head Coach
Nicky de Vogel is a Dutch native and UEFA B-licensed coach, currently pursuing his UEFA A License. He holds degrees in Performance Coaching from the Central Institute of Sports (CIOS) in the Netherlands, a B.S.E. in Kinesiology from Georgia State University, and is completing a Master’s in Physical Education. He also holds PFSA certifications in Opposition Analysis and Talent Identification.
Nicky’s coaching journey spans both Europe and the U.S., with experience at Ajax and Vitesse academies, Atlanta United, NASA-Tophat ECNL, the FC Bayern International Program, Dayton Dutch Lions FC, and East Atlanta FC. He now serves as Boston Region Boys Director U13+ and U17 MLS NEXT Academy Head Coach with the Bolts.
Starting his career at 17, Nicky has built a reputation for blending program leadership, analysis, and player development within a clear methodology. Influenced by street football and the philosophies of Louis van Gaal and Johan Cruyff, his approach emphasizes creativity, tactical intelligence, and technical excellence within a structured, possession-based style that challenges players to take risks and grow as individuals and teammates.
u15 & u16 head coach
Armand Hoxholli
U15 & U16 Head Coach
Armand brings over 18 years of experience in U.S. youth soccer, combining deep knowledge of the game with a passion for player development. A holder of the U.S. Soccer C License, Armand has guided teams to significant success, including back-to-back Massachusetts State Championships and a National 1st Runner-Up finish with the National Academy Boys 2009 team.
Known for his ability to inspire young athletes to reach their full potential, Armand sees soccer as more than just a sport—it is a tool for building character and life skills. His coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, resilience, teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving, preparing players not only for success on the field but also in life beyond the game.
U13 & U14 Head Coach
Jay Brennan
U13 & U14 Head Coach
Jay is a dedicated and emerging coach with a strong foundation in both playing and coaching. A 2023 graduate of Albertus Magnus College with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, Jay gained valuable professional experience through a year-long internship with the New York Red Bulls first team and a summer internship with the Boston Bolts, before returning to the club full-time following graduation.
Jay currently serves as the Head Coach of the Boston Bolts MLS NEXT U13 & U14 teams, while also contributing as an Assistant Coach for Brandeis Men’s Soccer and the Boston Bolts USL League Two team. In addition, he supports the club as the NAL Goalkeeper Coach, leveraging his background as a former collegiate player to mentor and prepare athletes for the next level.
Holding a U.S. Soccer C License, Jay is committed to fostering growth, professionalism, and technical excellence in every player he works with, embodying the Bolts’ mission of developing well-rounded athletes on and off the field.
MLS Next Academy Events
Boston Bolts MLS NEXT Elite ID Events are your chance to showcase talent, be evaluated by top coaches, and earn a place in our MLS NEXT Academy — the premier pathway in youth soccer.