Building a positive soccer culture across MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT and The Sideline Project have partnered to provide clubs, coaches, referees, and parents with tools to strengthen the youth soccer experience and create a shared standard for adult behavior during gamedays.
The road to MLS NEXT FEST
This fall, MLS NEXT and The Sideline Project are working together to establish a shared standard for positive adult behavior and recognize the parents and caregivers who are committed to creating the best possible environment for players.
Here’s what to expect:
OCTOBER 1
CLUB LEADER LAUNCH
Get Your Club Ready
MLS NEXT clubs receive early access to the initiative before the parent-wide launch.
Club leaders can learn about The Sideline Project, access implementation resources, attend an informational webinar, and choose to purchase certifications in bulk for their parents at a discounted rate.
Use these two weeks to make a plan for your club and get your coaches and staff ready to support the initiative.
OCTOBER 15
PARENT LAUNCH
Invite Your Parents to Get Certified
MLS NEXT will begin encouraging parents and caregivers across the league to become Sideline Project Certified.
Clubs will have ready-to-use communication resources to help promote certification and reinforce a shared standard for supportive, level-headed adult behavior.
OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 2
MLS NEXT LEADERBOARD
The MLS NEXT Sideline Project Leaderboard goes live!
Every certification counts toward your club’s participation. Rally your families, celebrate certification milestones, and see how your club compares with others across MLS NEXT.
The goal isn’t simply to top the leaderboard — it’s to maximize adult participation and demonstrate your club’s commitment to creating a positive environment for players.
DECEMBER 2 -13
MLS NEXT FEST
Celebrate the Movement
We’ll bring The Sideline Project to the MLS NEXT FEST with a live activation celebrating certified parents and participating clubs.
Parents will have opportunities to engage with The Sideline Project, certified parents can pick up a special gift, and everyone will celebrate the growing community of MLS NEXT adults committed to supporting players and improving the game-day environment.
It starts with a shared standard. It grows when clubs lead.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Why MLS NEXT Chose The Sideline Project
Support Players and Coaches
Reduce sideline distractions and create a better environment for player development.
Improve Parent Behavior
Give parents practical tools for game day and beyond.
Strengthen League and Club Culture
Create a shared standard across teams, age groups, and competitive levels.
Support Referees
Promote respect and sportsmanship throughout the soccer community.
Improve Player Development
More Joy and Less Pressure promotes learning.
64.8%
of certified adults report improved sideline behavior.
32%
report improved relationships with their child through sports.
Thousands
of parents certified nationwide
MLS NEXT Sideline Project Hub
See how parents and MLS NEXT clubs are engaging parents and earning certifications.
MLS NEXT Certification Options
Choose Your Path: Promote, Encourage or REQUIRE CERTIFICATION - parents pay or CLUB PAYS
1
Option 1: PROMOTE CERTIFICATIONS TO YOUR FAMILIES, PARENT PAYS
Promote The Sideline Project to parents and support the MLS NEXT certification initiative.
Benefits:
2
Option 2: BULK PURCHASE CERTIFICATIONS FOR YOUR FAMILIES, cLUB PAYS
Become a Sideline Project Certified Club and eliminate any cost barriers.
Benefits:
15 minute meeting set up
Need help or have questions?
Schedule a quick 15-minute meeting and we'll connect.
Contact Us
Send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Resource Center
Explore helpful resources, guides, and tools to support your club.
Course access Pricing
Choose the number of courses you want for your organization and click BUY.
50 COURSES
$375
100 COURSES
$649
250 COURSES
$1373
500 COURSES
$2245
1000 COURSES
$3490
1500 COURSES
$4485
MLS NEXT RESOURCE CENTER
GENERAL RESOURCES
Welcome Video
Short description here
Step by Step Implementation Guide
Short description here
Tracking Guide
Short description here
Book a meeting with Skye
Need Help Getting Started?
Have more questions? I am here to help!
Most implementation conversations take less than 15 minutes.
About the Certification.
15 Minutes. Immediate Impact.
Topics include:
Include:
Frequently asked questions
With the MLS NEXT discount, the course costs just $7.49 per parent. (normal price is $9.99)
If you want to Bulk Purchase the course for your parents, additional discounts are available.
50 Courses $7.49 each $375.00
100 Courses $6.49 each $649.00
250 Courses $5.49 each $1,373.00
500 Courses $4.49 each $2,245.00
1000 Courses $3.49 each $3,490.00
1500 Courses $2.99 each $4,485.00
Yes, If you bulk buy the course, completion tracking is automated. If you don't bulk buy the course, you can ask your parents to turn in their Certificate to a team manager for tracking.
Yes! We have a Spanish version of the course. You can opt for Spanish at checkout to take the course in Spanish.
For clubs, we have all the resources you need to get started in our Club Launch Kit. For coaches, we have all the resources you need in our TeamKit for Coaches. Implementation is as simple as an email to parents or holding a parent meeting! And, we are here to help - we provide you with the language for an email, the outline for a parent meeting, and even the wording for a club website. Let's go!
Excellent! If your club became a member prior to August 2026, your parents have access to The Sideline Project Certification for free! Reach out to us so we can get you a COUPON CODE your parents can use to take The Sideline Project course via the MLS NEXT Leaderboard for free.
Call or text 804-467-7041 or set up a 15 minute meeting via Calendly HERE
Your entire club! For a limited time, this MLS-only discounted bulk pricing will be available to your entire club!
We are here to help! Contact us
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