Bend FC Joins the MLS Elite Academy Platform (EA2)

Building Something Bigger Together – 2026/2027 Season

Bend FC is proud to officially announce that we will be joining the Elite Academy League platform through EA2 Oregon beginning in the 2026/2027 season.

This is a major step forward for our club, our players, and the Central Oregon soccer community. It represents continued growth in our mission to provide high-level development opportunities, meaningful competition, and a clear pathway for player/team advancement to the MLS Next.

What is EA2 (Elite Academy 2)?

EA2 is part of the Elite Academy League (EA)—a national, standards-based platform designed to elevate player development and create consistent, high-level competition across the country.

EA2 serves as a critical extension of the MLS Next pathway, offering clubs like Bend FC the opportunity to compete in an environment that mirrors top-tier national standards while continuing to grow and develop. This is for our U13-U19 Gold (Premier) teams.

As outlined in the official league announcement, EA2 is designed to:

• Provide a structured, standards-based competitive environment
• Support long-term player development and progression
• Create a clear pathway into the MLS NEXT.

Why This Matters for Bend FC Players & Families

Joining EA2 is not just about league placement—it’s about raising the standard across everything we do.

1. A Clear Development Pathway

EA2 connects directly into the broader MLS Next system, giving players:

• A pathway to higher levels of national competition
• Increased exposure opportunities
• A structured environment focused on long-term growth

Top-performing clubs in EA2 have the opportunity to earn promotion into the MLS Next League based on performance across U13–U19 age groups.

2. Higher Competitive Standards

Players will compete against:

• Top clubs across Oregon and the region
• Teams committed to development, professionalism, and consistency

This creates an environment where:

• Every game matters
• Players are challenged consistently
• Development is accelerated through meaningful competition

3. Integrated League Experience

EA2 is not a standalone league—it is fully connected within the MLS Next ecosystem, which includes:

• League playoffs and championship structures
• Access to Elite Academy National Events
• Alignment with national development standards

4. A Collaborative, Development-Focused Model

One of the most powerful aspects of EA2 is its emphasis on:

• Club collaboration
• Shared best practices
• Long-term player development

This aligns directly with Bend FC’s philosophy of developing the complete player and person.

What Does “EA2” Mean?

You may hear “EA2” and wonder what the “2” represents.

For Oregon, this simply means:

• This is the first year of the Elite Academy League platform launching in the state
• It is part of the broader EA structure—not a lower or secondary league in terms of development quality

Think of EA2 as:

A platform league and proving ground for clubs and players working toward the highest levels of competition, which is MLS Next.

Who  Will Compete in EA2 at Bend FC?

Beginning in the 2026/2027 season, EA2 will be the platform for:

• Top-level Boys 9v9 and 11v11 teama
• Premier-level teams (now branded as GOLD teams)

This ensures:

• The right players are placed in the right environment
• Development pathways are clear and intentional
• Competition levels align with player growth

EA2 Oregon – A Strong Competitive Landscape

Bend FC joins a group of respected clubs across the region, helping establish a strong and unified competitive platform in Oregon.

The launch of EA2 Oregon is designed to:

• Elevate the level of play statewide
• Strengthen the player pathway
• Align clubs under shared standards of excellence

How This Fits Into Bend FC’s Bigger Vision

This move is part of a larger commitment to:

• Expanding opportunities for our players
• Aligning with top national platforms
• Continuing to raise standards across all programs

At Bend FC, we believe in:

• Cognition – understanding the game
• Competence – executing at a high level
• Character – developing strong people, not just players

EA2 supports all three.

What Families Can Expect Moving Forward

As we enter the 2026/2027 season, families can expect:

• Clear communication on league structure and schedules
• Continued emphasis on player development over results alone
• Increased opportunities for exposure and advancement
• A competitive environment that is challenging, positive, and purposeful

EA2 Oregon Structure & Competition Format

As part of the launch of EA2 Oregon, Bend FC will compete alongside a strong group of clubs committed to player development and high-level competition across the state.

EA2 Oregon Clubs

The following clubs make up the EA2 Oregon conference:

• Bend FC
• Rogue Valley Timbers
• Oregon Valley Futbol Alliance
• ADF
• Albion FC
• Westside Metros
• Soccer Chance Academy
• Saints Soccer Club
• Oregon Surf

This group forms a competitive and collaborative environment designed to elevate the level of play across Oregon.

Team Entry & Age Group Structure

EA2 provides flexibility for clubs while maintaining high standards across the platform:

• Clubs are required to enter a minimum of 4 out of the 6 age groups (U13–U18)
• Not all clubs will field teams in every age group
• Additional Oregon clubs may be included in specific age groups to ensure strong competition where needed

This approach allows for:

• Competitive balance
• Meaningful games across all age groups
• Continued growth of the league

Competition Format by Age Group

U11–U12 (Pre-MLS NEXT Pathway)

At the U11–U12 ages, players participate in what is often referred to as the Pre-MLS NEXT pathway—a development-focused stage designed to prepare players for future participation in national platforms like EA2, Elite Academy (EA), and MLS NEXT. While not an official MLS NEXT league at these ages, this stage emphasizes technical development, game understanding, and consistent competition within structured Fall and Spring league play. Clubs compete with their top teams in environments that mirror the standards and expectations of higher-level platforms, helping players build the foundation needed to transition into full EA2 competition at the U13 level and beyond.

U11–U12 (Pre-MLS NEXT)

• All EA2 member clubs will compete in Fall and Spring league play
• Teams will participate with their top (A) our Gold teams
• Focus is on development, preparation, and progression into EA2 competition

U13–U14 (EA2 Platform)

• Fall Season:All clubs compete in the EA2 league with their A teams
• Winter/Spring:Current MLS NEXT clubs: enter B teams into EA2
• New EA2 clubs (meaning Bend FC): continue competing with A teams

This structure ensures:

• Consistent competition
• Appropriate player placement
• Continued development opportunities throughout the year

U15–U18 (EA2 Platform)

• New member clubs (meaning Bend FC): enter A teams
• Current MLS NEXT clubs: enter B teams

This creates a highly competitive environment while maintaining alignment with each club’s overall player pathway.

Postseason & Advancement Opportunities

• Top-performing teams in U13–U18 age groups will qualify for:
• Elite Academy (EA) postseason competition

This provides:

• Additional exposure
• High-level competitive experiences
• A clear connection into the MLS Next

What This Means for Bend FC Players

This structure ensures that Bend FC players will:

• Compete against top clubs across Oregon
• Play in a consistent, meaningful league environment
• Have access to postseason and advancement opportunities
• Be part of a clear development pathway to the MLS Next.

Looking Ahead

This is an exciting step—not just for Bend FC, but for soccer in Central Oregon.

We are proud to be part of shaping the future of the game in our region and providing our players with access to one of the fastest-growing development platforms in the country.

Bend FC is building something bigger—together.

Learn More

For more information about the Elite Academy League and EA2, visit: https://eliteacademyleague.com/ea2/

Thank you for being part of the Bend FC family. Your passion, dedication, and support make this all possible! 

Are you interested in joining us? Now is your chance! We have tryouts May 11th-14th. Click here for more information and to register.

*Teams participating in Pre-MLS Next & EA2 may have additional costs throughout the year.

EA2 Playoff Information

TBD