Minnesota United has released its 2021-22 season schedule and roster for the Youth Development Program (YDP), presented by M Health Fairview. This is the first season Minnesota United will participate in MLS NEXT.

“I am so excited for the kids and the staff. It’s been a long year dealing with COVID and a long year trying to navigate the situation,” said MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer Manny Lagos. To have the league officially up and running and us participating in it, it’s incredibly exciting. I’m excited for the club and our program to participate in such a high level youth development competition.” 

As Major League Soccer announced in August, MLS NEXT features nearly 600 teams competing in over 9,000 matches over a ten-month calendar. Top players from the country’s leading 134 clubs, including all 29 MLS Academies, will field teams in up to six age groups: U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19. 

The 2021-22 season will allow the top prospects in the U.S. and Canada to compete in a ten-month regular season and a chance to become MLS NEXT Champions by winning the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in July 2022. New to the second edition of the competition, the 2021-22 MLS NEXT campaign will feature two national events, a winter event and a qualifying event for the annual MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.  

“We are excited to get started in MLS NEXT after a productive rebuilding phase over the past year,” said MNUFC Director of Youth Development Noel Quinn. “Our goal is to support players who can make the journey towards first team football. We have made strides in this, through integration and support with the first team and the level of competition in MLS NEXT will help us reach our goal.”

MNUFC YDP’s first match is on Saturday, September 25 when the U-15 squad will face the Michigan Jaguars.

Find the full MNUFC YDP schedule here.

Youth Development Program Staff

Noel Quinn, Director of Youth Development
A Belfast, Ireland native, Quinn has extensive experience in youth development. Quinn has been heavily involved in Minnesota youth soccer for over 15 years, including as a director at Edina Soccer Club, EPSC and Blaine SC. 

Peter McDonnell, Youth Development Coach
McDonnell joins MNUFC after spending the last five years as the assistant coach at the University of Maine in NCAA Division 1 and the Director of Coaching for Seacoast United North. Peter brings vast experience to this role having spent time working with the Football Association of Ireland and in NPSL at both FC Copa and Seacoast United. Peter has lived in the USA since 2015 and has a Masters degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Justin Ferguson, Youth Development Coach
Justin Ferguson joins MNUFC after spending the last 5 years working in NCAA division 1 athletics at the University of Cincinnati. During his time in Cincinnati he also worked with MLS Next club Cincinnati United Premier. Locally, he’s worked with Salvo Soccer Club. He brings a wide variety of skills from video analysis, team coaching, scouting, and physical performance.

Justin Flack, Youth Development Program Administrator
Justin Flack joins MNUFC with experience working with the Blaine Soccer Club, Fusion Soccer Club, Tri-City Storm Soccer Club and St. Thomas Academy. A soccer player growing up, Flack was a two-year team captain for the Concordia College Men’s Soccer team, a four-year started, two-year All-Conference recognition and was named Academic All-Conference team three times.

M Health Fairview

M Health Fairview is a First Team Partner of Minnesota United and is the presenting partner of the MNUFC Youth Development Program. With the launch of the Youth Development Program, M Health Fairview will be the jersey partner starting in 2021. Additionally, MNUFC and M Health Fairview will be working to increase the understanding and importance of sun safety in youth sports. Through its Sun Safe Soccer initiative, M Health Fairview aims to educate players, coaches and families on the risks associated with sun exposure at a young age––and the simple steps players, coaches and families can take to stay safe and protected while playing the beautiful game of soccer. 

“We’re excited to be partnered with MNUFC on the launch of their new Youth Development Program,’ said Dr. Ian Maher, Medical Director for Dermatology at M Health Fairview and Director of Dermatologic Surgery at University of Minnesota. “These individuals and their families proudly represent their clubs, their communities, the state and all of MNUFC supporters. We can’t wait to share in the joy of watching these players and the soccer culture in Minnesota develop, while also learning and passing-on the importance of playing safe in the sun at every age.” 

MNUFC returns to the pitch for its fifth season in MLS. Follow Minnesota United’s social channels and check our website at mnufc.com for regular updates on the club.