Next 11 Academy Celebrates Michael Igbekoyi's Selection to FC Cincinnati Academy
Westside Indianapolis standout takes the next step in his soccer journey
Next 11 Academy is proud to congratulate Michael Igbekoyi on his selection to the FC Cincinnati U13 Academy roster, one of the premier youth development pathways in Major League Soccer.
Michael, a student at Robey Elementary School in Wayne Township, has been a member of Next 11 Academy since the club's inaugural season in 2023. Since joining Next 11 Academy in 2023, Michael has been an integral member of our 2014 U12 White Team. Together with his twin brother, Matthew, and his teammates, he has helped the squad capture numerous tournament championships and league titles. Through his dedication, leadership, and consistent performances, Michael has been a major part of one of the most successful teams in our academy's history.
Michael has consistently represented everything that Next 11 Academy strives to develop in young athletes. He is hardworking, coachable, respectful, and an outstanding teammate. While his talent on the field is undeniable, it is his character, dedication, and willingness to learn that have helped separate him as a player and person.
Over the past year, Michael's performances with Next 11 Academy earned him opportunities to be identified by FC Cincinnati Academy staff. Through the club's scouting network and player identification process, Michael was invited to participate in FC Cincinnati's elite development pathway, including training opportunities through the Academy's Discovery Program.
The Discovery Program serves as the beginning of FC Cincinnati Academy's elite player development pathway, identifying top young talent throughout the region and providing MLS-level training and education. During the Spring 2026 season, selected players were invited to train with FC Cincinnati Academy while continuing to compete with their home clubs.
Throughout the spring season, Michael balanced his commitments to Next 11 Academy while training with FC Cincinnati Academy. Competing against some of the most talented players from across the Midwest, he continued to impress coaches and scouts at every opportunity.
After months of evaluation, Michael was selected for the final academy roster, becoming one of only four players from Indiana chosen for the program.
FC Cincinnati Academy is designed to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels of the game, including collegiate soccer, youth national teams, and professional soccer. Academy players receive professional-level coaching and training under the direction of FC Cincinnati's technical staff, creating a direct pathway toward the professional game.
For Next 11 Academy, Michael's achievement represents much more than one player's success.
"It is bittersweet to see Michael move on because he has been such an important part of our club," said Next 11 Academy Founder and Executive Director Tamba Samba. "At the same time, this is exactly why we exist. Our mission is to help young athletes reach their fullest potential, wherever that journey may take them."
For many years, players on the west side of Indianapolis lacked access to the same exposure, resources, and developmental pathways available in other communities. The last time a high-level travel soccer program consistently existed in this area, it helped launch players such as Lauren Holiday, Ray Gaddis, Tamba Samba, and many others who went on to play at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. The Spirit travel soccer program provided a platform to compete, develop, and pursue opportunities at the next level.
When that pathway disappeared, so did many of the opportunities available to talented young players growing up on the west side of Indianapolis. Next 11 Academy was founded to change that reality.
"One of my biggest goals when starting this club was to rebuild that pathway for the next generation," Samba said. "I wanted kids in our community to have the same opportunities that Lauren, Ray, and I had. To already see players like Michael earning opportunities with MLS academies is incredibly rewarding. This is exactly what I imagined when we started Next 11 Academy."
Michael's selection to FC Cincinnati Academy is proof that elite talent exists on the west side of Indianapolis and that, when given the right environment, coaching, exposure, and support, our players can compete with anyone in the country.
Through strong relationships with college coaches, professional organizations, MLS academies, and elite development programs, Next 11 Academy is creating opportunities that have not traditionally existed for many local players. Michael's selection demonstrates that talent can come from anywhere when players are given the right environment, coaching, and exposure.
"I'm excited to see Michael take this next step, but I also believe he is just the beginning," Samba added. "We've brought this pathway back to our community, and now we're seeing the next generation seize those opportunities. We have done our job. We helped train, develop, and expose Michael to the next level. That's our goal for every athlete who walks through our doors. Whether their next step is high school soccer, college soccer, an MLS academy, or even the professional game, we want to help them get there. I expect many more players to come through these gates, earn opportunities at the highest levels of the game, and inspire the players who follow behind them."
Michael's journey serves as inspiration for the next generation of players currently training within the academy. His success proves that players from Wayne Township and the Westside of Indianapolis can compete with anyone in the country when given the opportunity. As a club, Next 11 Academy remains committed to building pathways for talented young athletes and helping more players achieve milestones like Michael's.
Today, we celebrate Michael, his family, and everyone who has helped him along the way. We cannot wait to watch his continued development and look forward to seeing him represent Indiana and the Indianapolis community on MLS Academy fields in the years ahead.
Congratulations, Michael. The entire Next 11 Academy family is proud of you.
Is Your Player Ready to Follow in Michael's Footsteps?
If you're a player or family looking for a club that prioritizes development, exposure, and pathways to the next level, we invite you to become part of the Next 11 Academy family.
Join one of the fastest-growing player development programs in Indiana and discover what your next step could be.
Register for Next 11 Academy Tryouts today:
https://www.next11academy.com/tryouts
Your journey starts here.
