August 29, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – MNUFC Academy, presented by Allina Health, announced today the schedules for the MLS NEXT 2024/25 season. All three of the Loons youth teams begin regular-season action next weekend, starting with games against Midwest United on Saturday, Sept. 7 on Field 49 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. Additionally, and in conjunction with MLS NEXT, MNUFC’s Academy announced a Pro Player Pathway evolution within its structure, shifting to field U15, U16 and U18 teams starting this season.
“We continue to be excited about the growth of our Academy and the groups we have in place as we approach the new Academy season,” said Minnesota United Head of Development and Player Pathway Amos Magee. “We have a lot of continuity in our coaching staff heading into this year, which is set to positively impact our youth space this season. There will continue to be a much closer relationship with our second team, MNUFC2, along with opportunities for Academy players and coaches to gain valuable experience at that level. This is a reflection of a new, closely integrated development system within the club and is an exciting time for players, staff, our club and Minnesota soccer as a whole.”
MNUFC’s Academy – which previously fielded U17 and U19 teams – will now shift and compete at the U16 and U18 levels. The U15 team remains the same within these new age group designations. Designed to improve the player pathway by optimizing the transition from the academy level to MLS NEXT Pro, this shift results from comprehensive analysis, including input from Chief Soccer Officers, Academy Directors, and coaches throughout the MLS ecosystem.
The new pathway will create greater alignment by providing a higher level of competition for all MLS NEXT players prior to signing professionally, playing in college, or pursuing other opportunities. The additional year will provide MLS clubs more opportunity to establish clear and effective development paths for each player.
“Collectively with teams across MLS, we agreed and found that the jump from the U15 to the U17 team is challenging for many players that fall within the 16-year-old group. The gap, in a similar nature, is not as difficult between U17 and U19, but it still exists,” said Magee. “Our U15 side is one we have put a lot of effort into building, and we are already seeing success with their progress and have players showing real…
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