About the LAFC Academy

With a focus on developing world class players and people, the LAFC Academy provides a professional pathway for elite players with the potential to become MLS Homegrown players for the Black & Gold. Originally launched with a single U-12 team in 2016, the LAFC Academy not only allows greater access to the game, but is guided by a collection of globally successful coaches and leaders. LAFC’s academy now features seven age groups, U-11 through U-19. Although still young, the academy has already won a CONCACAF championship, has provided LAFC's senior team with its first Homegrown players, and has sent multiple players to their countries' youth national teams.

MLS NEXT

After the dissolution of the US Soccer Development Academy system in April 2020, LAFC Academy announced its inclusion in the newest elite youth academy system, MLS NEXT. MLS NEXT’s mission is to provide the best player development experience in North America. Through a unique approach to collaborative governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT will provide an environment in which players receive the highest level of competition while acquiring the training and personal development that will prepare them for their future, both in soccer and in life. The competition platform incorporates more than 9,000 players, in six age groups, across 113 clubs, including 30 MLS professional academies, five USL academies and 78 additional elite academies. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit MLSNEXT.soccer.

HIGHLIGHTS

first Homegrown LAFC Academy products signed to LAFC's first team (2020)

  • Tony Leone, Christian Torres and Erik Dueñas

first Homegrown LAFC Academy product to earn MLS minutes

  • Christian Torres – 8/30/20 – LAFC at Seattle Sounders

first Homegrown LAFC Academy product to start an MLS match

  • Christian Torres - 10/14/20 - LAFC at Vancouver Whitecaps

first Homegrown LAFC Academy product to score an MLS goal

  • Christian Torres – 10/18/20 - LAFC at Portland Timbers

third-youngest player ever to appear in an MLS match

  • Erik Dueñas (15 years, 362 days) - 10/14/20 - LAFC at Vancouver Whitecaps