How do Academy players manage school while in the program?
- As one option available to Academy players, MNUFC works closely with Spring Lake Park schools to provide flexible, in-person and remote learning opportunities that allow Academy players to receive a high-quality education among the demands of a high-level soccer schedule. Link out to [Academy Education page\]
Do I have to be a local to join the Academy?
- While the club does place a higher priority on developing players from within our region, with the introduction of our Homestay Program, our Academy is able to accept players from all over the world.
What does it cost to play for the Academy program?Â
- It is 100% free to play for the Academy. Travel expenses are covered by the club. The only things players’ families are responsible for is rides to and from practice, home games, and the airport.
What does the pathway to the first team look like?
- In theory, the pathway is straightforward: players advance through the three levels of the Academy program, before moving to MNUFC2, and eventually to the first team. In reality, player development is rarely that linear, but several Academy players have made it all the way to the first team, including Devin Padelford, Darius Randell, and Fred Emmings. With the introduction of MNUFC2 in 2022, our youth players now have a stepping stone between youth and professional soccer, with many of our U18 players earning significant minutes with the second team.
