MLS Works and Wells Fargo have teamed up to honor individuals who are making a difference in their communities. One Community MVP is chosen from each of the 22 MLS markets, and fans vote to decide which finalist will be named the 2017 Community MVP. Finalists are chosen based on their impact on social issues, health issues and community service. Minnesota United’s first-ever finalist for Community MVP is Tony Sanneh.

Sanneh is a Minnesotan native and a legend in the soccer community. A former U.S. international and MLS stalwart, Sanneh is utilizing his connections and skills to empower youth in Minnesota and around the world today through The Sanneh Foundation.

The Foundation supports and promotes education; improves lives by providing programs that strengthen physical health and social and emotional development; and unites communities by advancing diversity, equity and community well-being.

Since Sanneh’s retirement in 2010, he has grown The Sanneh Foundation to serve almost 10,000 young people annually in programs ranging from Free Community Soccer Camps that served over 7,500 youth last summer, to a student success program called Dreamline delivered in 13 Twin Cities Metro and St. Cloud schools, to management and operations of a community center on behalf of the City of Saint Paul, which served over 33,000 free meals to youth and families last year.

Voting for the Community MVP begins on Thursday, July 13 and fans can vote on the Community MVP website (www.MLSsoccer.com/CommunityMVP) or on Twitter. The Community MVP winner will be announced at the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Target at Soldier Field in Chicago.