Following two months of individual at-home training sessions, Minnesota United players can begin voluntary individual training on Tuesday, May 12 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. This will be the first time MNUFC players can train at the NSC since the 2020 MLS Season was suspended March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are closed training sessions and therefore not open to media. The MNUFC Communications team will provide video and audio assets each day following the session.
Protocols have been established at the facility for players, coaches, athletic trainers and all essential staff in order to ensure the highest level of safety for all involved. Arrival times will be scheduled for everyone, and players must drive their own vehicles — no ride sharing or public transportation. Players must park in numbered spaces and call the medical staff when they arrive before they can exit their vehicles. Once they do, they will have their temperature taken and must sanitize their hands. All non-player personnel must wear gloves and a face covering at all times — players will be allowed to practice without gloves and a face covering but must wear a mask while entering and exiting. The players must arrive in their training gear and leave with it on. No indoor facilities will be open — there will only be access to the parking lot and practice field.
The practice field has been divided into eight sections with one player assigned to each section for the duration of the session. Each area is separated from the next area over by a buffer of 10 feet, meaning 20 feet total between workout areas. Players will be able to shoot on goals, but not on goalkeepers. All equipment will be sanitized at the end of the session and before the next one.
Players will leave individually at staggered times and, at the end of the day, everyone who comes to NSC must complete a contact tracing survey in order to provide a record where everyone coming in and out has been. The team has also established an emergency action plan in the event that anyone at NSC develops symptoms during training.
The 2020 MLS season is currently suspended to help ensure the health and safety of our fans, players, coaches and staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please follow Minnesota United’s social channels and check our website mnufc.com for regular updates on the club and the season going forward.
