July was a whirlwind of events within the Twin Cities, and Minnesota United was right there working to give back to the community. In celebration of the great work accomplished this month, we compiled a list of our favorite July community moments.
The Sanneh Foundation Experience Winners
On July 3, a group of students and staff from The Sanneh Foundation — an organization that works to empower youth by supporting educational attainment through in-school and after-school programs — had the chance to watch Minnesota United training and interact with the players and coaches. The kids were provided with lunches and took the opportunity to ask questions about what it’s like in the world of professional soccer.
Camp Harambee Scrimmage and Training
Camp Harambee is a free one-day soccer clinic where high school-aged boys and girls get the opportunity to celebrate diversity while participating in high-level trainings with experienced coaches from the metro area. On July 12, P.K. made an appearance and showed his support as the Camp Harambee boys team scrimmaged Ukraine’s U17 boys team as part of the day's festivities.
United Way Player Backpacking
On July 13, MNUFC players and coaches assisted United Way in filling backpacks with school supplies that were donated for the upcoming year.
MLS Unified All Star
On July 19, the Minnesota United Unified Team – which is comprised of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities – was represented by Lucy Schneider and Jack Sieben in the Unified All-Star match in Washington D.C.
Lee Pao Xiong – Lunch & Learn
On July 18, Lee Pao Xiong, the Director of the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University, held a Lunch & Learn with MNUFC front office staff where he educated attendees on the history and settlement of the Hmong people, not only within the Twin Cities but the entire nation.
Free Farmers Market
On July 21, Allianz Field hosted a Free Farmers Market food drive to assist St. Paul families experiencing food insecurity. In a joint effort between three local partners, Keystone Community Services donated the food while Allianz and Minnesota United provided the volunteers to distribute the food to attendees.
Blue Cross Blue Shield – Mi Casa Clinic
On July 24, MNUFC and Blue Cross Blue Shield partnered together to put on a free soccer clinic for Mi Casa, a local community group that helps provide cultural and linguistic services with the goal of advancing social and economic equity and wellbeing of our Latino community.
MNUFC Unified Team – Unified Practice
On July 26, MNUFC’s Unified Team took to the field at the National Sports Center to condition and practice before their first Unified game, which is coming up later this season (date still TBD). Joining the team for their practice session was Academy product and MNUFC2 player, Carlos Leatherman.
Karen FA – Allianz Tour
On July 28, Karen FA’s women’s soccer team had a chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Allianz Field alongside MNUFC2 player, Britton Fischer, who spoke with the team about what it takes to become a professional athlete.
Toro – Soccer Clinic
Revisiting the state-of-the-art soccer field Minnesota United and Toro helped rebuild last season, MNUFC players Cameron Dunbar, Devin Padelford, and Britton Fischer helped host a free community clinic at the Arlington Hills Community Center on July 31.
