ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester New York Football Club announced it is joining the new Major League Soccer NEXT Pro league.

The new league debuts next year and will have 21 clubs from across the country.

It will allow younger players and experienced professionals to play for the MLS NEXT Pro championship.

Rochester NY FC is the first independent club to join the league, the others are affiliated with MLS franchises, similar to the relationship between the Buffalo Sabres and the Rochester Americans.

Rochester NY FC expect to play their first match in the spring of next year, with home games to be played at Monroe Community College.