After another standout season defined by consistency, professionalism, and big results, DME Academy, Sarasota has officially been promoted from the National Academy League (NAL) into the MLS NEXT Academy Division, marking a major milestone in the club’s rapid rise through the national youth soccer landscape.

The promotion reflects not just wins on the field, but a sustained commitment to player development, high standards, and long-term vision. Over the past year, DME’s Elite Academy (EA) and NAL boys programs have continued to dominate competition, showcasing depth across age groups and a culture centered on daily improvement and a winning mindset.

The journey to MLS NEXT has been anything but linear. When the club acquired Next Generation Soccer Academy and rebranded to DME Academy, Sarasota, it faced an early setback with a demotion from ECNL RL. Rather than stall momentum, that moment became a catalyst and pushed our new leadership team to think differently. Leadership doubled down on development, invested in coaching and infrastructure, and found a new pathway through the EA, NAL and now MLS NEXT.

“This is a proud moment for our players, families, staff, and me personally,” said DME Academy, Sarasota Co Owner Jared Antista. “To think we’ve gone from getting demoted from a certain league my first week on the job, all the way up to MLS NEXT Academy in just three years. This shows you that through hard work, persistence, and professionalism, anything is possible. We feel strongly that we are on the right side of the league tracks with the MLS NEXT. As an organization, we are never complacent and this move only motivates us to keep building. Thank you to my family, my wife, my staff and the people that stuck with us on this journey, it means more than you know.”

The promotion signals a new chapter for DME Academy, Sarasota. Competing in the MLS NEXT Academy Division places the club among the top developmental environments in the state and country and provides players with increased exposure, higher-level competition, and clearer pathways to collegiate and professional opportunities. When you combine this with our behind the scenes effort, network and international connections, we are set up for the future. For a program built on the idea that committed players can “see the world through soccer,” the move is both validation and motivation.

As DME prepares for the upcoming season at this elevated level, the focus remains unchanged: develop complete, fundamentally sound players, compete with purpose, and continue building a culture that rewards work ethic and ambition. With momentum firmly on its side, DME Academy, Sarasota now steps onto the MLS NEXT stage ready to prove it belongs.