The Minnesota United Development Academy’s Fred Emmings began his soccer career as a striker, but as he grew, it quickly became apparent to his coaches that his size would do more good saving goals than scoring them.

“Since I was so big, my coaches threw me in net, because that’s kind of how you get started,” said Emmings, who currently stands 6 foot 2 inches tall at the age of 14. “My favorite player is Manuel Neuer. I grew up with my coaches trying to encourage me to play like him, so that’s kind of what I grew up on.”

Emmings’ dynamic style of play earned him a spot with the Development Academy last summer and it wasn’t long before his work between the sticks got him noticed.

One afternoon this winter, he got off the school bus and saw his mom waiting for him on the sidewalk, halfway between the bus stop and his house. She was holding a piece of paper, a printout of the email she’d just received from U.S. Soccer inviting him to the U15 national team training camp in Florida at the end of January.

“I was just in shock,” said Emmings. “I had a conversation with my coach before, but I wasn’t expecting to actually make it. So it was a crazy feeling to be invited, because that’s what you always want to be doing, playing for your country. It meant a lot and it was an honor.”

Emmings spent a week in Sunrise, Florida, with 36 other players from around the country. As he worked on set position and angles, his goalkeeping skills improved and he was able to connect with new friends.

“I learned a lot about who I am as a person, not only as a soccer player,” said Emmings. “I learned that I have two different characters, my funny side and my serious side. And that I know when to balance that."

His experience with the national team reinforced the work he had already put in during his first season with the Development Academy and his coach, Tim Carter.

“Coming in, I was super antsy and crazy all the time,” said Emmings. “Coach Carter has helped me tone it down at certain times.”

While Carter has helped his development, he owes at least as much to the way his teammates have pushed him to be better with their effort and intensity. He says it’s what he loves most about the Development Academy.

“It’s been crazy seeing how much better I’ve gotten through the great training with the DA,” said Emmings. “Just the shots I’ve saved, I never thought I’d be saving. I want to just keep putting in that extra effort. That 110 percent.”