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
MLS Next Academy Overview
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New in 2026: Bolts add second location in the Metro North Region, training and playing out of The Edge in Bedford and Woburn High School
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.
Boston | Mls next academy coaches
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Jay Brennan
Jay Brennan
U13 & U14 Head Coach
- Region
- Boston
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…
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Armand Hoxholli
Armand Hoxholli
U15 & 16 Head Coach
- Region
- Boston
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…
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Nicky DeVogel
Nicky DeVogel
U17 Head Coach
- Region
- Boston
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…
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Sam Matteson
Sam Matteson
U19 Head Coach
- Region
- Boston
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…
Metro North | Mls next academy coaches
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Brian Salazar
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Eric Driscoll
Eric Driscoll
U14 & U16 Head Coach
- Region
- Metro North
Eric Driscoll brings over 15 years of coaching and athletic leadership experience across the college, club, and high school levels to the Boston Bolts, where he serves as…
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Romero Dias
Romero Dias
Central Region Director & U15 MLS Next Academy Head Coach
- Regions
- Central, Metro North
Originally from Brazil, Romero brings a diverse and high-performance coaching background to the Boston Bolts. A former Development Academy player who went on to compete at the collegiate…
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Bryce Schomburg
Bryce Schomburg
U17 Head Coach
- Region
- Metro North
Originally from Seattle, WA, Bryce is entering his 6th season on staff with the club. Bryce has had a unique journey to coaching having also worked with the…
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Mike Skarbelis
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.
