Barca Residency Academy standout Graham Ford has been selected as a 2025 MLS Next All-Star. Ford is one of 44 elite youth players from across the U.S. and Canada chosen to compete in the fourth annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. The match will showcase the future soccer stars in an East vs. West showdown at Parmer Field, home of Austin FC II, in Austin, Texas on Monday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT, streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com.
“These 44 players represent the highest level of performance and future potential across our MLS NEXT Academies,” said MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. “It’s our privilege to honor the work that these players and their clubs have put in all season. We’re excited to see them compete on July 21st and experience MLS All-Star Week in Austin.”
Ford joined Barca Residency Academy ahead of the 2023–24 season and quickly established himself as a key figure within the program. The 2009-born midfielder has been instrumental in the success of both the U-15 and U-16 levels over the past two seasons. This season, Ford helped lead the U-16 MLS NEXT team to a remarkable campaign that included a semifinal appearance at the 2025 Generation adidas Cup back in April, a first-place finish in the MLS NEXT Southwest Division, and a coveted spot in the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
His consistent performances and high-level of play also earned national recognition. In February, Ford was called into U.S. Soccer’s U-16 Men’s Youth National Team training camp. Additionally, his talents have earned him three training stints at FC Barcelona’s world-renowned La Masia—most recently in October 2024. The 2025 MLS Next All-Star nod makes him the third Barca Residency Academy player to be named a league All-Star. Joshua Sosa was named to the All-Star team in 2024 and Bryce Jamison in 2022, all three players being one of the few non-MLS academy players selected.
MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate
- WHEN: Monday, July 21 | 7:30 pm CT
- WHERE: Parmer Field; 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
- Parking will be available in the various surrounding lots with more information HERE.
- WATCH: Streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com
- Free to attend by clicking HERE.
