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BERGEN

BERGEN BOYS
LEAGUES OVERVIEW

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MLS NEXT HOMEGROWN

Cedar Stars Academy – Bergen is a founding member of MLS NEXT, the highest level of boys' youth soccer in North America. Our program provides a clear pathway for ambitious players to develop, compete, and advance to the collegiate and professional levels. With elite coaching and year-round competition, players are challenged in a high-performance environment every day. CSA Bergen fields MLS NEXT teams from U13 through U19 in the Northeast Division.

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Key Highlights

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  • Full MLS NEXT Pathway: U13–U19 teams competing at the highest youth level.

  • Elite Schedule: Four training sessions per week plus 1–2 matches each weekend.

  • Player First: Year-round league play, showcase events, and pathways to college and the professional game.

MLS NEXT ACADEMY DIVISION

MLS NEXT Academy Division provides a high-level competitive platform built around the same player development standards and technical principles as MLS NEXT. Beginning in the 2025 season, teams compete in league play, regional tournaments, national events, and talent identification opportunities. Cedar Stars Academy North features two Tier 2 teams per age group (U13–U19), with Bergen and Newark operating independently while sharing one proven development model. Player placement is based on ability, geography, and team needs, with long-term development as the priority.

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Key Highlights

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  • Two Academy Division Teams Per Age Group: U13–U19 teams across CSA Bergen and CSA Newark.

  • Elite Competition: League matches, regional tournaments, national events, and talent ID opportunities.

  • Top Training Facilities: Bergen at Overpeck County Park and Newark at St. Benedict's Prep.​

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NATIONAL ACADEMY LEAGUE

The National Academy League (NAL) provides a high-level competitive platform for players aspiring to reach MLS NEXT. Based primarily in Bergen County, the NAL offers a professional development environment with strong competition and clear advancement opportunities. Through its strategic partnership with MLS NEXT, players benefit from enhanced scouting, talent identification, and individual evaluations. The league also supports coach education and technical development to strengthen the overall player pathway.

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Key Highlights

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  • MLS NEXT Pathway: Designed for players with ambitions to advance to MLS NEXT.

  • Enhanced Exposure: Access to scouting, talent ID, and individual player assessments.

  • Bergen-Based Program: High-level competition and development centered in Bergen County.

EDP

Cedar Stars Academy North's partnership with EDP provides year-round competition for players of all ages and abilities. With programs ranging from grassroots soccer to regional and national leagues, EDP offers the right environment for every stage of player development. Teams are based in Bergen and Essex Counties, with placement determined by age, ability, and geography. Clear pathways allow players to progress as they grow within the CSA system.

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Key Highlights

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  • Complete Player Pathway: From EDP Futures through regional and national competition.

  • Age & Level Appropriate: Competitive formats designed to support long-term development.

  • Local & Regional Opportunities: Bergen and Essex County teams with balanced travel and high-quality competition.

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