Minnesota United’s Academy is based in Blaine, MN, at the National Sports Center — the largest amateur sports facility in the world. The NSC provides a state-of-the-art weight room used by all of our athletes, from Academy to first team, and both indoor and outdoor training spaces, plus a winter dome. Having all of our teams train in the same location speaks to the fluidity of our Pro Player Pathway, allowing Academy, MNUFC2, and first-team athletes to train with other squads based on developing talent and roster needs.
Get to Know the Grounds
Get to Know the Grounds
Location
Since the good ‘ol days of the Minnesota Thunder—and even before that—Blaine has been a pillar of Minnesota soccer. The club is proud to be able to continue the legacy of soccer just north of the Cities, partnering with the historic National Sports Center to make sure that the talent that comes through our club is nurtured in an environment that not only has world-class facilities, but is steeped in meaningful history as well.Â
Facilities
The host of MNUFC2 home matches, the National Sports Center Stadium seats 5,000 and is complete with an artificial turf field, broadcast camera platforms, a press box, lights and audio functionality, and more. Seasonally, NSC Stadium is home to the M Health Fairview Dome, a 110-foot winter dome that allows our clubs to train on the turf year-round. The NSC Sports Hall’s indoor turf can function as a full-size field or three smaller fields with curtain dividers between. Minnesota United also utilizes outdoor natural grass training grounds and NSC locker rooms and gym spaces.
The facilities extend beyond the pitch as well, with Academy players getting access to the same cafeteria and nutrition as the club’s first-team athletes. With dedicated athletic training staff working with the Academy, our youth athletes are treated to the same standard as the professionals, with access to quality equipment, recovery, and treatment.
Top Notch Training Spaces
