California Athletic Soccer Club (CASC), a youth soccer organization serving families across Crescenta Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and the San Fernando Valley, recently announced that the club has been accepted into the MLS NEXT Academy Division, one of the highest levels of youth soccer development in North America.

The announcement comes as the club celebrates its 25th anniversary serving the Crescenta Valley community. 

Beginning in the upcoming season, CASC will field MLS NEXT Academy Division teams in six age groups: Under-13, Under-14, Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19.

MLS NEXT was launched by major league soccer to strengthen elite youth development across the United States and Canada. The platform brings together top academies to provide high-level training environments and consistent national competition designed to help players pursue collegiate, professional and national team opportunities.

For families in Crescenta Valley and nearby communities, the addition of MLS NEXT teams represents a significant step forward for the local club and creates new opportunities for young players to compete at a higher level while remaining connected to a community-based organization.

“Our goal has always been to build an environment where players can develop at the highest level while maintaining the strong culture that defines our club,” said CASC director Chad Borak. “Being accepted into the MLS NEXT Academy Division during our 25th anniversary year makes this milestone especially meaningful for our players, families and coaches.”

Over the past two and a half decades, the club has grown into one of the region’s most established youth soccer programs, serving generations of players throughout Crescenta Valley and surrounding communities, as well as the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley area.

CASC will continue to field teams in the SoCal soccer league while expanding opportunities for players through the new MLS NEXT program.

The club’s coaching staff also includes former professional players, including former LA Galaxy defender Sean Franklin who won two MLS Cup championships during his career and now contributes to the club’s youth development efforts.

With the addition of MLS NEXT Academy Division teams, CASC aims to strengthen its long-term player development pathway while continuing to serve the growing soccer community in Crescenta Valley.

Additional details regarding program structure, coaching assignments and tryout opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Families interested in learning more about MLS NEXT Academy Division and other CASC programs can visit athleticsc.com/mlsnext.