Luis Robles on Building the Next Generation (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our conversation, Luis Robles (MLS NEXT Technical Director and former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper) shifts from his own story to the system our kids are currently in. We discuss how MLS NEXT works alongside other leagues, why “quality of play” is evaluated by human analysts (not AI), and how video and data support coaches, players, and college recruiting. Robles explains the U13/U14 field-size change (more touches, fewer track-meet games), the push to improve playing-time and substitution rules, and why parents are central to communication and culture. What you’ll learn: How MLS NEXT coordinates with ECNL, USL, Elite Academy, EDP, and others Why “quality of play” uses human analysts and what they actually measure How video is applied for development (not just box-score stats) Why U13/U14 field sizes were reduced and what changes in matches Where winning belongs in a development model (standards and consistency) Playing time, substitution patterns, rankings and perception, and parent communication Birth-year vs. school-year, bio-banding, and flexible, player-first policies Why talent can’t be predicted at ages 11–13—and how to keep kids in the game Chapters: [00:00] Welcome back: setting the table for Part 2 [01:00] Collaborating across leagues (ECNL, USL, EA, EDP) [04:00] Jerseys and culture: why kids rep Europe and how MLS can win fans [06:00] “Quality of Play” explained: human analysts, not AI [08:00] Video for development: cataloging moments; analysts vs. box-score stats [12:00] Encouraging creativity: rewarding productive 1v1s [16:00] Using video well for coaches, players, families; college-recruiting access [19:00] Rankings, perception, and the role of parents in the conversation [21:00] U13/U14 field-size reduction: touches, decision speed, actions to goal [24:00] Nine-a-side, international comparisons, and communicating the “why” [25:00] Next focus: playing time and substitution rules [26:30] Roster math, minutes, and birth-year vs. school-year [29:00] Bio-banding and flexibility: doing what’s best for the player [31:00] Keeping kids engaged through the drop-off years (11–14) [33:00] You can’t predict 11–13: even La Masia says so [35:00] U16–U19 = performance stage: college, MLS NEXT Pro, first team [40:00] Host reflections and takeaways [42:00] Outro and thanks Guest: Luis Robles: MLS NEXT Technical Director; former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper and captain. About the show: Chasing the Game – Youth Soccer in America helps families navigate tryouts, leagues (MLS NEXT, ECNL, GA), costs, travel, coaching quality, and the paths to college or pro—through candid conversations with people shaping the system. Transcript: ‘View full transcript’