Minnesota United announced today that the club has signed goalkeeper Fred Emmings as the first Homegrown Player in club history.
“I’m sure Fred is excited. It’s a great milestone for the kid, he’ll always be known as Minnesota United’s first Homegrown Player which is quite nice,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “If you see Fred, he’s a huge kid, our goalkeeper coach think he’s got a huge upside. He’s trained with the first team and he’s done terrific when you consider he’s 15 going on 16. He knows this is just the beginning for him. He’s got a long, long way to go. In goalkeeping terms, he’s a baby, but god willing he stays injury free, we feel he’s got a really bright future. But that’s what it is, a future. He’s got a lot to learn but he’s got a lot of natural tools to become a top-class goalkeeper.”
“It’s every kid’s dream to sign a professional contract, especially at this young of an age,” said Emmings. “I’m really fortunate and thankful for everyone who’s helped me – my friends and family. I’m really looking forward to putting in the work and trying to get on the field as soon as I can.”
The 15-year-old is a product of the MNUFC Academy and currently plays with the U15 MNUFC squad. He began his soccer career as a striker but as he grew, his size gave his coaches a reason to move him to goalkeeper. At 6’5” and with a dynamic style of play, Emmings earned a spot on the Development Academy in the summer of 2017 and spent the majority of the summer of 2019 training with the first team.
“I think it’s fantastic for the club. It’s a big day for the club, it’s a big day for Fred and his parents,” said MNUFC Goalkeeper Coach Stewart Kerr. “I’ve worked with him for four or five months, he has a great attitude, huge upside. Still has a lot to learn but it’s a signing we had to do. He’s really good for the club and it’s great for him. I told him the hard work starts now. We’re not going to rush him, going to be a long-term project but we, obviously, think he’s got talent, and more importantly he’s got a fantastic attitude.”
Internationally, Emmings has been invited to train with two youth national teams. He was invited by the U.S. U15 national team to January training camp in 2018, and worked on set positions, angles and improving his goalkeeping skills. In 2019, Emmings spent two weeks with the U16 Luxembourg national team. With a dual Luxembourg/United States citizenship, the opportunity to play both European and American soccer places him in a unique pool of players who are called up for international duty by their home countries throughout the season.
Tickets for the 2020 season at Allianz Field will go on-sale in early 2020, with special presales for season ticket members, members of The Preserve and subscribers to the MNUFC newsletter before the general public. Visit mnufc.com/preserve for more info on The Preserve and mnufc.com/newsletter for more info on subscribing to the newsletter.
VITALS
Fred Emmings
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 02.08.2004 (15 years old)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 210 lbs
Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota
