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NEWARK

NEWARK
LEAGUES OVERVIEW

MLS NEXT ACADEMY DIVISION

The MLS NEXT Academy Division provides Cedar Stars Academy Newark players U13 - U19 with a high-level competitive platform designed for ambitious athletes balancing elite club soccer with the high school experience. As the second tier within the MLS NEXT ecosystem, the league delivers a professional development environment, meaningful competition, and a clear pathway for continued growth while allowing players to represent their high schools. Boys excelling here get promoted or invited to opportunities at the MLS Bergen HG teams.

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Key Highlights

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  • Elite Competition: Compete against top academies and clubs within the MLS NEXT Academy Division.

  • High School Compatible: Built for players who want to continue competing for their high school while training in a professional academy environment.

  • Development-Focused Pathway: Comprehensive technical, tactical, physical, and personal development aligned with the Cedar Stars Academy philosophy.

  • Opportunities to Advance: A competitive platform that supports continued progression to higher levels of the game, including collegiate and professional opportunities.

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NATIONAL ACADEMY LEAGUE

The National Academy League (NAL) provides Cedar Stars Academy Newark players with a highly competitive platform for ambitious athletes pursuing the next level of the game. The league delivers a professional development environment with strong regional competition, enhanced exposure, and a clear pathway within the Cedar Stars Academy player development model. Through its partnership with MLS NEXT, players benefit from increased scouting opportunities, talent identification, and individual evaluations while continuing to develop in a high-performance academy setting.

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Key Highlights

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  • MLS NEXT Pathway: Designed for players aspiring to progress to the MLS NEXT Academy Division and beyond.

  • Enhanced Exposure: Access to scouting, talent identification, and individual player evaluations.

  • High-Level Competition: Meaningful matches against top clubs throughout the Northeast region.

  • Professional Development Environment: A player-first approach focused on long-term technical, tactical, physical, and personal growth.

EDP

Cedar Stars Academy Newark's partnership with EDP provides a strong competitive foundation for players in the U7–U12 age groups. Designed to support long-term player development, the league offers age-appropriate competition in a structured environment where players build technical ability, confidence, and a love for the game. As players progress through the academy, clear pathways exist to advance into Cedar Stars Academy's higher-level programs.

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Key Highlights

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  • Development-Focused Competition: Age-appropriate leagues that prioritize learning, confidence, and long-term growth.

  • Clear Academy Pathway: A proven progression into Cedar Stars Academy's elite programs as players develop.

  • Quality Local Competition: Compete against top clubs throughout Northern New Jersey in a balanced, development-centered environment.

  • One Club Philosophy: Consistent coaching methodology and player development standards across every age group

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