Sporting City U-17's to play in MLS NEXT Cup final on Sunday

The Sporting City U-17's will play in the MLS NEXT Cup Academy Division final at 10 a.m. CT on Sunday at the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, Utah. The championship match will stream live on Major League Soccer's YouTube channel. 

Led by head coach John Sosa, the Sporting City U-17's finished in first place of the Heartland Division with a 15-2-0 record in addition to going unbeaten (2-0-1) in three matches at MLS NEXT Fest in Arizona in December. Most recently, the squad posted a perfect 6-0-0 record at the MLS NEXT Cup Qualifier - Kansas Regional at Central Bank Sporting Complex earlier this month.

A total of 32 teams qualified for MLS NEXT Cup in the Academy Division with 16 clubs earning a berth via league play in addition to 16 finalists from MLS NEXT Cup Qualifier events. The Sporting CIty U-17's advanced past Oaks FC (California) with a 6-2 victory in the Round of 32, defeated Sparta United Soccer Club (Utah) by a 3-2 scoreline in the Round of 16, prevailed in penalties after a 3-3 draw against Syracuse Development Academy (New York) in the quarterfinals and recorded a 2-0 win against Players Development Academy (New Jersey) in the semifinals today.

MLS NEXT launched the Academy Division in the 2025-26 season, furthering its commitment to player development and creating opportunities for all players to reach their highest potential. The expansion broadens access, raises the level of play, and deepens the overall talent pool of players, coaches, and referees across North America. 

With approximately 230 clubs and 25,000 players, the regular season is regionally focused and built around high school calendars, offering a unique balance between top-tier competition and local play.

The division is managed by leading operators across the youth landscape, including the National Academy League by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League, Sporting Development League, Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association. All operators follow MLS NEXT’s technical standards and program guidelines, creating a unified nationwide platform that ensures consistent, high-quality competition.

Sporting City is the official youth soccer club of Sporting Kansas City and an Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City. The club offers a premier competitive soccer opportunity for players in the East, North and West regions while also providing players with unique benefits including exclusive experiences at Sporting Park.

Sporting City is led by professional, full-time staff in the Sporting KC front office that are experienced in leading, mentoring and developing players of all ages and skill levels. The club provides players with resources and training to advance their soccer skills and continue their development.