The MNUFC Academy is pleased to announce that the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club (DASC) has been named as the first member club of the Academy. Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, DASC is dedicated to providing the youth of Sioux Falls and surrounding communities fun, quality soccer experiences with opportunities to improve through a variety of developmental programs and serves over 3,000 youth soccer players in southeast South Dakota.

"DASC is a clear leader within the South Dakota market and has an established program of player and coach development,” said Academy Director Tim Carter. “Their leadership and commitment to player development is impressive and they clearly demonstrate that they have put the players within their club as their top priority. We’re excited to begin our work with DASC and help them further establish their club as one of the elite youth clubs in the Midwest and the country."

Through the partnership, the MNUFC Academy and DASC will work together to maximize resources for player development through clinics, seminars, staff in-service training, and camps. The cooperation will also lead to enhanced opportunities for DASC players through tournament participation and talent discovery initiatives that could lead to selection to an MNUFC Academy team.

“We are both excited and honored to be named the first affiliate club of Minnesota United FC,” said DASC Competitive Director Ben Gaddis. “We are proud of the fact that Dakota Alliance Soccer Club is being recognized for our commitment to the long-term development of our players. We believe our partnership with Minnesota United FC is an important step towards making Dakota Alliance Soccer Club the premier destination for both players and coaches in our geographic region.”

“We’re honored to join into this relationship with MNUFC during their inaugural year with MLS,” added DASC Board President Matt Dobson. “The alliance expands our ability to serve our communities with new avenues for player and coach development as well as exciting opportunities to share in joint activities to fuel the love of the game.”

“We are thrilled with this opportunity to partner with MNUFC,” said DASC Director of Coaching Frank Gurnick. “This partnership validates the Mission and Vision of the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club whereby we will provide opportunities for us to be Regionally and Nationally recognized for our efforts to provide programming and pathways for our members and coaches to reach their fullest potential. This decision by the leadership team of DASC is one that we can all be proud of.”