The 2025 MLS NEXT Fest, a youth soccer showcase and recruiting event, is Dec. 4-15 at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa.

The Arizona Sports & Events Alliance announced recently that the event will bring thousands of young athletes and families to the region in December and is expected to drive significant hotel demand and visitor spending across the Valley, according to a release.

For information on Arizona Athletic Grounds, 6321 S. Ellsworth Road in Mesa, go to azgrounds.com.

The Alliance and Visit Mesa are leading the way to establish a long-term relationship with MLS NEXT and explore future opportunities for the region. For this year’s showcase, they are partnering with Arizona Athletic Grounds, the Arizona Office of Tourism, Discover Gilbert, Experience Scottsdale, Tempe Tourism, Visit Chandler and Visit Phoenix to support the event and highlight the Valley’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.

MLS NEXT Fest will feature more than 1,300 teams from at least 200 clubs competing across all six MLS NEXT age groups (U13–U17, U-19). Over the 12-day showcase, more than 450 professional, national team and college scouts will evaluate more than 30,000 players in 1,850 matches. The youth soccer showcase also will include an opportunity for MLS NEXT Elite Academies to qualify for the 2026 Generation adidas Cup.

“We’re honored that MLS has chosen Arizona to host MLS NEXT Fest, which will bring incredible energy, talent and families from across the country to our community,” Jay Parry, president & CEO of the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, said in the release. “This event brings communities together, creates future fans of the game, and introduces new families to everything our state has to offer.”

“MLS NEXT Fest is designed to deliver a best-in-class environment for player development and talent identification, and we’re excited to bring the showcase to Arizona for 2025,” MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles said in the release.

Arizona Athletic Grounds will host the majority of the event’s matches and training. U-13 and U-14 competition will be held at three Scottsdale venues – Reata Sports Complex, Bell94 and Scottsdale Sports Complex.

“Hosting MLS NEXT Fest is a proud moment for Arizona Athletic Grounds,” Meg Stevens, president of Arizona Athletic Grounds, said in the release. “Our facility was designed for events of this caliber, and it reflects our vision to be a destination for elite competition. We’re thrilled to welcome the future of soccer to Mesa this December and watch these rising stars shine.”

“We are thrilled that Mesa was selected to host MLS NEXT Fest at Arizona Athletic Grounds,” Marc Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Mesa, said in the relase. “Bringing an event of this magnitude to our city is a testament to Mesa’s appeal as a top-tier destination for hosting high-level sporting competitions. We look forward to welcoming the participating teams and families whose stay will drive millions in economic impact across Mesa’s hotels, restaurants and attractions.”