Suffolk County’s Only MLS Tier One Club Takes the Next Step in Elite Player Development
The Island FC has officially been announced as one of seven new clubs joining the MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division (Tier One) for the 2026–27 season.
The Island FC will compete with teams in all age groups from U13 through U19. MLS has also granted the club an MLS Next Academy (Tier Two) status, providing a full elite pathway and the most complete developmental experience for any Long Island player aspiring to reach the highest potential of their game.
MLS recognition of The Island FC as Long Island’s most elite club marks another major step in building The Island FC complete pathway from First-Steps to Pro and continuing to raise the standard for elite player development on Long Island.
Source: MLS NEXT, “MLS NEXT Announces New Clubs and Conferences Ahead of 2026–27 Season,” original announcement published March 9, 2026, on the official MLS NEXT / MLSSoccer platform.
