We Can Only Go Pro from Here: Two Franklin County Athletes Earn Spots on MLS NEXT Youth Soccer League

              At some point, every young athlete entertains the dream—the exhilarating thought that the sport they love could one day become their career. Whether it’s a fleeting fantasy stemming from boredom in an Algebra class or an unshakable ambition that fuels their every practice, the vision of going pro is a spark that ignites countless aspirations. For most, that dream fades with time. But for two Franklin County High School soccer players, the possibility is no longer just wishful thinking—it’s within reach. Their dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of greatness have positioned them on the cusp of something extraordinary, proving that sometimes, dreams don’t just linger in the imagination—they take shape on the field.

              Gio Mendez and Troy McEwan have been chasing a soccer ball since they were three years old, their love for the game growing stronger with every match played. Now, at just fourteen and fifteen years old, their dedication and talent have propelled them to the next level. Last month, they took a leap toward their dreams, trying out for the prestigious Major League Soccer NEXT League—and securing their spot among the nation’s top young athletes.

              The MLS NEXT league is a youth soccer league that was started by Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada that was started in 2020 to develop young soccer players.  It is considered the most elite platform for youth player development in North America and aims to provide players with the highest level of competition, training, coaching, and personal development opportunities. 

              McEwan and Mendez tried out for the team out of Murfreesboro, and both were accepted to the first team.  It was an intense, three-day try-out process, and approximately 40 young athletes stepped on the field in hopes of securing a position. In the end, only 18 players earned a position on the first team—and among them were Gio Mendez and Troy McEwan.

Gio Mendez demonstrates his elite skills on the soccer field, expertly maneuvering past a defender.

              “There’s a pyramid to youth soccer.”, stated Jim McEwan, Troy McEwan’s father.  “The MLS NEXT is at the top of the pyramid for the youth.  The next step for them would be to get picked up by a professional team or a professional academy to play professional.  Or college.  This is the pathway where you either become professional, or you get recruited for a higher-level college.”

              A season in the MLS NEXT League offers a vastly different experience from traditional high school soccer, with a structure designed to challenge young athletes at an elite level. The league is divided into regional divisions, meaning players will travel for matchups across multiple states, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and other areas of Tennessee. In addition to regular-season games, teams have the opportunity to participate in tournaments outside their division, further expanding their competitive reach. One such tournament is already in the planning stages, set to take the team all the way to California—giving players a chance to test their skills on a national stage and gain exposure to top-tier competition.

              Fortunately for the Franklin County High School soccer team, the NEXT league will not interfere with the school soccer season, and McEwan and Mendez will play their regular soccer season with their high school teammates.  The NEXT league is expected to end just before the regular school season starts.  For the MLS league, McEwan and Mendez will start practice this coming Monday.

Goalkeeper Troy McEwan launches the ball downfield with intensity.

              Both of the athletes have dreams of going pro.  They have been teammates since seventh grade, and they tried out for the MLS team together. 

              “I tried out because I want to become a pro.”, stated Troy. 

              “I want to be pro, but I didn’t think about trying out.”, said Gio.  “Troy kind of talked me into it.”

              Having played side by side for years, Mendez and McEwan have built a chemistry that makes them a formidable duo on the field.

              “They kind of push each other and inspire each other to just get to the next step.”, stated dad.  “The two of them are very talented.  Not just as parents but just watching them-they are two very talented boys.  And their love of soccer is up there.  It’s well deserved for both of them to be where they are right now.  They’ve put in a lot of work.”

Troy McEwan focuses intently as he blocks a shot on goal, showcasing determination and skill in a tense soccer match.

              While Mendez and McEwan are considered elite players already, they do understand that a new level of challenges come with this title.  They will be playing with other elite players--and against other elite players.

              “It’s going to be more challenging.”, stated Gio.  “But it’s exciting.”

              McEwan, Mendez, and their families shared hopes that after this first season, the athletes will get picked by a professional team that recruits them for further training.

              “This is why it’s very exciting.”, stated Jim McEwan.  “Because this is the last step they take before they sign a professional contract.”

               Both boys acknowledged that being signed by a professional team at this stage would be a dream come true, but they also recognize that their journey is just beginning. With a hunger to grow and refine their skills, they are fully committed to the learning process, embracing every challenge as an opportunity to improve and prove themselves at the next level.

              “I think I still have a lot of things to work on.”, stated Mendez. 

              “I mean just the experience and training I’ll be getting, it will exceed basically anywhere else in the U.S.”, added McEwan. 

Gio Mendez skillfully maneuvers the soccer ball down the field, evading his opponent during an intense match.

               McEwan and Mendez have earned this incredible opportunity through years of hard work, unwavering dedication, and undeniable talent. Their journey to the MLS NEXT League is a testament to their commitment and the bright future ahead of them. However, with this achievement comes with a cost, as travel, training, and competition expenses add up quickly.

As two young athletes representing Franklin County on a national stage, they embody the determination and drive that the community takes pride in. Supporting them means investing in their dreams and in the spirit of local talent rising to new heights. A GoFundMe page has been created to help offset the financial burden and ensure they have the resources needed to compete at the highest level. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference—and Franklin County has the chance to stand behind these rising stars as they take the next step in their journey.