Major League Soccer is a relatively new professional sports system in the United States. Its first season was played in 1996 with a total of ten teams. Since then, its popularity has taken root, and it now comprises 22 teams throughout the US and Canada. Teams utilize the US soccer academy system, which funnels promising young players through a series of youth soccer leagues so that elite competitors may one day reach a professional level. Below is a list of the five teams with the most highly ranked academies, based on the experience of their youth coaches, the skill of their young players, and the success of drawing academy players into the pros.

Top 5 MLS US Soccer Academies

5. Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps academy has been enormously successful at attracting host families to house young recruits near its 15 training facilities throughout North America. Russell Teibert and Marco Bustos are two prominent players from this academy.

4. Real Salt Lake

This club's partnership with Arizona's Grande Sports Academy has helped it transform from a little known regional club into a national powerhouse with plans for a new $50 million training facility. Its academy system has produced top selections such as Jordan Allen, Justen Glad, Brooks Lennon, Sebastian Saucedo, and Carlos Salcedo.

3.  New York Red Bulls

The Red Bulls soccer academy is so effective it easily won the 2016 USL championship fielding a team of players from its pipeline. Top names include Matt Miazga and Chris Gloster.

2. LA Galaxy

The Galaxy are among the pioneers of the academy system, and were one of the first teams to create its own academy. They were also one of the first to sign a player from their own pipeline, so their influence on the current system cannot be overstated. Their academy has produced names like Gyasi Zardes and Efrain Alvarez.

1. FC Dallas

This past season, Dallas signed an unheard of 18 pipeline players, demonstrating their commitment to their US soccer academy and the homegrown development process. Top names for FC Dallas include Kellyn Acosta and Jesus Ferreira.

Beachside Soccer Club is the premier sponsor of youth soccer in Norwalk, CT. Their experienced coaches offer exceptional training and guidance, and the "Beachside Family" provides an unparalleled developmental opportunity for top caliber players to potentially reach a professional level. Visit their website to learn more about joining this US soccer academy, or call (203) 852-6969 to speak with a helpful representative about boys and girls soccer.