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Author: Kendal Marsh Creative
Girls WPSL
GIRLS WPSL U17-U19
INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS
Manitou FC’s player pathway provides for female athletes who are looking to compete on a senior amateur level within the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Competing within the Northern Conference, players age U17-U19 and older (college age) are eligible for team selection. Home games are played at the athletic complex at White Bear Lake High School North Campus.
Since its establishment in 1998, the Women’s Premier Soccer League has been the pinnacle platform for advancing player development in the United States at the amateur level. Through its 25-year history, the WPSL has grown into a leading advocate for women’s soccer by creating multiple avenues for developmental opportunities, including the WPSL International Combine and the WPSL U21 league.
As of 2023, the WPSL is still the longest-active women’s soccer league in the United States and with a membership of 130 teams, it’s also the largest women’s soccer league in the world. Its national footprint stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and down to the Gulf with teams in 31 of the 50 U.S. states. The WPSL holds a 15.7% annual growth rate and has averaged 31 expansion teams each season since 2016.
Adhering to its mission of providing the highest level of development opportunities, WPSL team rosters consist of elite female players from collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep athletes. The average age of a WPSL player is 20.7 years old. Sixty-nine percent of WPSL players are rostered on teams from their hometown’s metro area and 92% of the WPSL’s collegiate athletes play for NCAA member institutions.
Notable alumnae who’ve honed their talents in the WPSL include NCAA All-Americans, MAC Hermann Trophy recipients, Hall of Fame Inductees, Olympic Medalists, World Cup Winners, NWSL Champions, and Ballon d’Or recipients.
The WPSL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) – an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the ruling body of soccer in the United States.
Season 2024 Jan – April
Age Group & Gender: Ages 3-4 Boys and Girls
Birth Years: 2021 & 2020
Time: 5pm – 5:45pm
Location: TCO Garden
Days: Mondays
Session 1: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26,
Session 2: 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1,
Price: $80 per single session
Future Manitous Academy
Future Manitous Academy U8-U10
INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS
The Future Manitous initiative is a player-centered program for Boys and Girls in the U8 to U10 age groups. Providing a football learning environment using small-sided games and exercises, individual skill activities, and movement education as our teaching tools, Boys and Girls further develop their confidence as their ability to manipulate the ball improves along with their ability to manage the stress of playing in a reduced time-space environment.
A full seasonal program (August to July) is available within this age group, although the program is flexible and allows for multi-sport athletes to join at different times during the year. The program maintains an appropriate training to game ratio throughout the seasonal year. Boys and Girls are separated into their respective genders in this program. There are no tryouts required for enrollment and no travel for games on weekdays.
A Manitou FC player-centered development initiative for boys and girls
A player-centered development initiative for boys and girls within the age groups of U8 to U10. The Future Manitou’s program assists players to transition from the beginning years of grassroots soccer (ages 5-8) to the years when team selection (U11) and formal league play begins at MFC.
The program is organized to provide three practice-play opportunities each week along with a schedule of friendly games or tournament participation on the weekend. Players are grouped in appropriate age group pool that allow the player to move freely between these pools for training and games. We avoid any formal league play at these ages as we do not believe that midweek games requiring travel is in the best interest of the player’s development.
By structuring the program around a player-centered philosophy we place the player at the center of all decision-making, avoiding the challenges often encountered within a team-centered approach. We also believe delaying the process of player tryouts until they are older and further along the player pathway is in their best interest.
Enrollment in the Future Manitou’s is open to any boy or girl within the birth years offered for that year. No tryouts are necessary for participation as we believe that a trial process at too young of an age creates a de-selection factor and the sports loses potential players. We also believe the multiple opportunities provided throughout the year to view each player is the best way to determine where they are in the development process.
Our emphasis is on creating a ‘winning development environment’ that focuses on improving each player and increasing their enjoyment of playing. We work diligently to avoid the ‘winning games syndrome’ that negatively impacts the learning environment and often forces team coaches into decisions that are not in the player’s best long-term interest and reduces their enjoyment of playing.
The results we value at these ages is based on what is best for individual development. We focus on learning, enjoyment, effort, competing, paying attention, working together, and growing a passion for the game of soccer. We always take the field to do our best and hopefully to be successful, but the game result is the least important factor we use to measure success or assess a player’s development at these ages!
The simple answer is yes because we can control the learning environment more effectively. Through the challenges presented each week in training and by directly managing the quality of friendly games scheduled, we can better control and influence the learning environment on a consistent basis.
Being a part of Future Manitou’s is more than just being on a team. Yes, players will take the field to play as a team throughout the program as part of Manitou FC, but players will be mixed and matched with other players over the duration of the program. Staying connected with all your friends and teammates rather than being separated from them during these ages.
Rather than appoint team coaches who are volunteers, we staff the program using coaches who we directly oversee. These individuals are part of our coaching staff and are employed by Manitou FC. Our club’s Sporting Director oversees the instructional program to ensure that the player-centered philosophy and learning environment is delivered as expected.
Our retention and results at older ages are evidence of good practice. Since the implementation of the Future Manitou’s our player retention at U11 and older has increased significantly. In addition, the participants are better prepared to deal with a team culture and their performance results are evidence that the learning objectives of the Future Manitou’s initiative are being achieved.
Young Legends Skill Builder Training
Young Legends Skill Builder’s Training
INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS
Designed to introduce and improve the basic skills needed to reach higher levels of play and enjoyment! Our Skill Builder program focuses on the fundamental technical qualities necessary for a player to develop confidence and creativity with the ball. Helping the player to feel comfortable with the ball and less pressure allows them to raise the level of their game!
All Skill Builder sessions are conducted by members of the Manitou FC Coaching Staff. These coaches are experienced members of our coaching staff who are exceptional coach-educators working with this age of player.
Objectives: We focus on the following technical aspects:
- Ball Mastery – Skills that build the relationship between a player’s feet and ball
- Dribbling – Guide, control, and protect the ball while moving
- Feinting – Develop the early basis for feinting and beating an opponent 1v1
- Turns – Cutting, drawing, and turning with the ball to escape from your opponent
- Kicking – Introduction to the skills of kicking or passing the ball
- Movement – Development of movement skills to improve athletic performance
Fall 2024 U5 – U8 Boys & Girls
Birth Years: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Training Days: Wednesdays
Training Dates: 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25
Training Times: 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Training Location: Polar Lakes Park (1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Township)
Price: $85 (Manitou FC shirt provided)
Coaching Provided By: Manitou FC Coaches
Young Legends Winter Player Development
Young Legends Winter Player Development
INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS
Player development doesn’t stop come winter at Manitou FC. Our PDP is designed to introduce and improve the basic skills needed to reach higher levels of play and enjoyment. Focusing on the fundamental skills necessary to be confident and creative with the ball helps the player to make better decisions in the game. Players enjoy playing in small-numbered games and activities that provide countless opportunities for the player to improve!
All Winter PDP sessions are conducted by members of the Manitou FC Coaching Staff. These coaches are experienced members of our coaching staff who are exceptional coach-educators working with this age of player.
Objectives: We focus on the following technical aspects:
- Ball Mastery: Skills build the relationship between a player’s feet and the ball
- Dribbling: Controlling and protecting the ball while moving
- Feinting: Developing the basis for feinting and beating an opponent 1v1
- Turns: Cutting, drawing, and turning with the ball to escape from your opponent
- Kicking: Introduction to the skills of kicking or passing the ball
- Finishing: Emphasis on the technical execution and composure to score goals
- Movement: Early introduction to movement along with the concept of transition
A total of Seven training opportunities per Session
Birth Years: 2016-2020
U5 – U6 (2020,2019) Boys & Girls: Mondays 6pm – 7pm
U7 – U8 (2018, 2017, 2016) Boys & Girls: Mondays 6pm – 7pm
Session 1 Dates: 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15
Session 2 Dates: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4
Session 3 Dates: 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22
Location: TCO Garden
Young Legends Plus
Young Legends Plus (YLP) U7-U8
INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS
Serving as a bridge to the Future Manitou’s Academy, our Young Legends Plus program provides addition opportunities for age-appropriate competition, increased time in play, and practice activities in age group pools. Players are placed in team groups prior to participation in jamboree.
The Young Legends Plus helps players to transition to our Future Manitou’s Academy and provides boys and girls who are passionate about soccer and desire to continue playing at older ages additional time playing and developing their soccer skills. Competing against other clubs within scheduled Jamborees provide players with the opportunity to test their skills.
All Young Legends Plus sessions are conducted by members of the Manitou FC Coaching Staff. These coaches are experienced members of our coaching staff who are exceptional coach-educators working with this age of player. Jamborees feature games of 5v5 (includes GK). As possible, games are completed within a two-hour window. Referees are provided.
Program Access: Players enrolled in Young Legends Plus are permitted and encouraged to register for any of the following Young Legends programs:
Spring 2024 U7 – U8 Boys & Girls
Birth Years: 2017 – 2016
Training Location: Polar Lakes Park (1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Township MN)
Training Days & Times: Tuesdays: 6pm – 7pm; Saturdays: 9am – 10am
Calendar Dates of Training: 4/30, 5/4, 5/7, 5/11, 5/14, 5/18, 5/21, 6/4, 6/8, 6/11, 6/15, 6/18, 6/22.
Jamborees Dates: TBD by TCSL
Price: $155
Coaching Provided By: MFC Staff Coaches
Fall 2024 U7 – U8 Boys & Girls
Birth Years: 2018 – 2017
Training Location: Polar Lakes Park (1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Township MN, 55110)
Training Days: Tuesdays: 6pm – 7pm; Thursdays: 6pm – 7pm
Calendar Dates of Training: 8/29, 9/3, 9/5, 9/10, 9/12, 9/17, 9/19, 9/23, 9/26, 10/1, 10/3, 10/
Jamborees Dates: TBD by TCSL
Price: $150
Coaching Provided By: MFC Staff Coaches
Young Legends League
Young Legends League (U5-U8)
IntroductionProgram Details
The Young Legends League provides beginner boys and girls players in the U5-U8 with an age-appropriate program structured to provide children a fun experience playing soccer in small-numbered games. Game formats provide for fewer players on the field, thus increasing the opportunities for involvement, ball contact, physical activity, and enjoyment.
Supervision and instruction is provided by both volunteer coaches and Manitou FC coaching staff. Players are guided in games and one weekly training session by volunteer coaches while a second “club lead” session is conducted by Manitou FC coaching staff each week during the league season.
Team Formation: Teams are formed based on the age groupings of Under-5/U5, Under-6/U6, Under-7/U7, and Under-8/U8. “Under or U” indicates that the team is composed of players who are younger than the respective age indicated, based on the cut-off date of December 31. Because of this policy, no team will have players assigned who are the age of the team or older. For example, no player 8 years old or older would be placed on an Under-8 team. Teams are constructed based on their respective gender.
U5 – U6 Boys & Girls
Birth Year: 2020 – 2019 – 2018
Game Days & Times: Tuesdays at 6pm
Game Dates: 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, (6/26 Jamboree)
Game Location: Podvin Park
Club Led Training: Sundays (5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16)
Club Led Training Time: 5:30pm – 6:20pm
Club Led Training Location: Polar Lakes Park
End of Season Jamboree: June 26, 2024, 6 – 8pm @ Hanifl
U7 – U8 Boys & Girls
Gender: Boys & Girls
Birth Year: 2017 – 2016
Game Days & Times: Wednesdays at 6pm
Game Dates: 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, (6/26 Jamboree)
Game Locations:
– Polar Lakes Park (1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Township, MN)
– Beaver Ponds Park (12686 Fondant Trail N, Hugo MN)
Club Led Training: Sundays (5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16)
Club Led Training Time: 6:30-7:25pm
Club Lead Training Location: Polar Lakes Park
End of Season Jamboree: June 26, 2024, 6 – 8pm @ Hanifl
Young Legends Beginners
Young Legends Beginners (U3-U4)
INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS
Our Young Legends Beginners program is designed for young children with an emphasis on movement education, e.g., running, jumping, skipping, turning, and changing directions, that aids the development of basic athletic qualities. An introduction to soccer begins with the involvement of a soccer ball in activities that form a relationship between the individual’s movement and the ball, further developing foot-eye coordination as well as their personal touch on the ball.
Given the age of the participants, the development of socialization skills and learning how to play is also a significant element of the program as these young boys and girls are likely participating in their first ever sporting experience.
Season 2024: Jan – April
Age Group & Gender: Ages 3-4 Boys and Girls
Birth Years: 2021 & 2020
Time: 5pm – 5:45pm
Location: TCO Garden
Days: Mondays
Session 1: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26,
Session 2: 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1,
Price: $80 per single session
Young Legends
Girls Manitou FC Black
Girls Manitou FC Black
About the Mantiou FC Black Teams
Our MFC Black teams compete within the following leagues: Twin Cities Soccer League Cities and State competition levels. These leagues provide a appropriate environment that aligns with the players level of commitment, maturation, growth, and current abilities. Matching the appropriate level of competition with our teams provides a more positive, enjoyable, soccer experience. An important element to create a lasting passion for the sport.
In addition to league play, we enter into a number of in-market tournaments. Some of these events are: NSC All-American, USA Cup, and TCSL Final Four. These events provide our teams with comparable levels of competition and limit the amount of travel required for teams within the Black level.
Player Expectations
It is important that players and parents have an understanding of the expectations that participation on a Manitou FC team requires. The following age group overviews have been developed to provide as much information as possible so that families can plan accordingly. Manitou FC supports multi-sport athletes within Orange and Black Team levels and asks that any athlete having such conflicts, especially during the winter season training program, communicate directly with your teams coach to coordinate schedules and attendance.
If you have any questions about the player expectations or would like further clarification about age group programming, please send an email to Edi Buro, Manitou FC Sporting Director, at SportingDirector@ManitouFC.org.
| Girls Manitou FC Black: U11, U12 | U13, U14 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Area | U11 & U12 Boys MFC Black | U13 & U14 Boys MFC Black |
| Training & Competition | F: Train 2x’s per week + Games W: Train 2x’s per week + NSC League S: Train 2x’s per week + Games | F: Train 2x’s per week + Games W: Train 2x’s per week + NSC Leage S: Train 2x’s per week + Games |
| League Play | TCSL State + Cities League | TCSL State & Cities Leagues |
| Tournaments | 4-5 Minnesota Based Events | 4-5 Minnesota Based Events |
| Communication | Player/Parent to Coach | Player/Parent to Coach |
| Key | F = Fall, W = Winter, S = Summer | |
| Girls Manitou FC Black: U15, U16 | U17, U18/19 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Area | U15-18/19 Girls MFC Black | |
| Training & Competition | Fall: Minnesota High School Competition Winter: Train 2x’s per week + NSC League Summer: Train 2x’s per week + Games | |
| League Play | TCSL State + Cities League | |
| Tournaments | 4-5 Minnesota Based Events | |
| Communication | Player to Coach | |
| Key | F = Fall, W = Winter, S = Summer | |