In December 2025, New England Surf stepped onto the national stage at MLS NEXT Fest for the very first time – and left Arizona with confidence, momentum, and proof that the club is competing in the right environment.

Held at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, AZ, MLS NEXT Fest brought together over 1,000 teams, 200 clubs, and 30,000+ players from across the country, making it the largest youth soccer event in U.S. history. For New England Surf, this milestone event represented much more than a tournament – it marked the next chapter in the club’s long-term player development journey.

A Strategic Move, One Year in the Making

Just one year ago, New England Surf made the pivotal decision to enter the newly formed MLS NEXT Academy Division (AD). The move, led by Director of Coaching Kyle Bak, alongside Technical Director Peter Bradley and Club Owner Tommaso Trevisan, was rooted in one guiding principle: our players and families deserve the highest development environment possible.

“From the very beginning, our focus has always been clear: our players and our families,” said Bak. “MLS NEXT AD provides our players the opportunity to consistently compete against the top clubs in our region and across the country – exactly the environment we believe is essential for long-term development and exposure.”

After a strong fall season from the U13 and U14 groups, MLS NEXT Fest became the first national stage for the club’s high school age groups (U15–U19) to experience the demands, intensity, and expectations of MLS NEXT AD competition.

An Environment Built for Growth

The scale of MLS NEXT Fest was evident long before kickoff. From towering floodlights and massive welcome signage to 20+ state-of-the-art fields, jumbotron scoreboards, and nonstop matches from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM, the event delivered a truly professional matchday environment.

The scouting presence was just as impressive – hundreds of college coaches, professional academy scouts, and national team representatives lined the sidelines throughout the event, creating one of the most significant exposure platforms in North American youth soccer.

“This was the largest and most competitive youth soccer event in U.S. history,” Bak said. “For our players to perform in front of that many college coaches and professional scouts created an exposure environment unlike anything we’ve experienced.”

Competition & Results

Across four age groups, New England Surf posted an impressive 6-3-3 overall record:

• 2011s (U15): 3-0 record | 5th of 122 | GD +12
• 2010s (U16): 2-1 record | 38th of 134 | GD +4
• 2009s (U17): 0-2-1 record | 135th of 162 | GD −7
• 2008/07s (U19): 1-0-2 record | 73rd of 167 | GD +5

Each team played three matches over four days, allowing proper recovery and preparation – a format that supported high-level performance while mirroring the demands of top competition.

Voices from the Pitch

For the players, the experience was unforgettable.

“It was a crazy experience – the atmosphere, the facilities, and the culture of the event were something I’ll never forget,” said Mason Fasoli (U19). “The level was very high… I learned a lot about myself as a player, and it showed me how great the game can be.”

 

“It’s an amazing experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity,” added Zane Weiner (U15). “The atmosphere, the pressure, the stakes – everything was there. I learned how to deal with high pressure and not get in my head when things don’t go my way.”

“The competition was a lot harder than what I’m used to,” shared Reda Karachi (U16). “It pushed me to grow as a player. I learned that pressure is sometimes needed to succeed and that every match – win or lose – is a learning experience.”

“Playing at MLS NEXT Fest felt like the soccer version of Disneyland,” said Max Hepworth (U17). “The exposure and the level of play helped me understand how important it is to adapt your game every time you step on the field.”

Development Through the Eyes of the Staff

For head coach Kevin Gorham, the event delivered exactly what the club hoped for from its investment in MLS NEXT AD.

“MLS NEXT Fest gave our players the chance to challenge themselves in a high-level environment, apply what we’ve been working on, and learn what it takes to perform consistently against top teams from across the country,” Gorham explained. “It reinforced who we are as a group and where we’re trying to go. The growth we saw will shape how we move into the upcoming season.”

A Standard Worth Returning To

From the professionalism of the event to the competitive demands on the field, MLS NEXT Fest exceeded expectations for players, staff, and families alike.

“MLS NEXT Fest was more than just an event,” Bak concluded. “It confirmed that New England Surf is competing, developing, and showcasing players in the right environment. The momentum we’ve built here will carry us forward into 2026.”