MNUFC Academy is pleased to announce that the Pre-Development Academy (Pre-DA) program will begin its next phase in January with the addition of a U11 age group to the existing U12 age group pool. Players born in 2006, 2007 and 2008 are invited to try out for selection to these two age group programs.

Phase 2 of the U12 Pre-DA will be a combination of futsal and indoor training and will also include two competitive events. As in the fall phase, players will have an opportunity to compete against other Development Academy teams. A select group of players will have the chance to represent Minnesota United FC at the US Soccer Futsal Showcase as well the MLS Generation adidas Cup held in Dallas, Texas.

“The initial success of the U12 program and the benefits afforded each player made it a no-brainer to add a U11 group,” said Tim Carter, MNUFC Academy Director. “The additional practice, exposure and increased challenge due to the training and competition environment helped each player in the U12 group to improve considerably. We want to accelerate the growth and development of the players within our market, and reaching down to work with younger players makes long-term sense for our club and for our state.”

The U11 Pre-DA will be a training-based program during the first phase. Players will get an opportunity to get involved with the MNFUC Academy program both through futsal and indoor training. As a part of this curriculum, players may be identified and selected to train with and against older Pre-DA pools or even a younger-aged MNUFC Development Academy team.

“I’m excited to get the U11 program started and increase the number of players we are working with throughout Zone 1 — Zone 1 is players below the age of 12. The habits that players develop at an earlier age are crucial to their long-term development,” said Andy Seidel, the MNUFC Academy coach overseeing the Pre-DA Program. “The work we have done with the U12s over this past fall and the growth we've seen is something we need to duplicate with the U11s.”

For more information about tryouts and the Pre-DA program click here to access the FAQ.