Boys UPSL

BOYS UPSL

INTRODUCTIONProgram Details

Manitou FC’s player pathway provides for male athletes who are looking to compete on regional level within the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). Competing within the Midwest-West Conference, players age U17 through U19 are eligible for team selection. Home games are played at the athletic complex at White Bear Lake High School North Campus. 

Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League now stands as the largest and most competitive pro-development league in North America. The league was started in Santa Ana, California by Leonel Lopez, with 10 teams. Today the league has nearly 400 clubs competing nationwide, and the Premier Division for Spring 2022 has 255 clubs competing for 32 places in the National Playoff Bracket to become National Champion.  

The league occupies the 4th tier of the US Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional tiers in the pyramid. With a participant average age of 22.5 years, the UPSL fills and brings structure to the large gap that exists between the youth game and the professional game, serving thousands of aspiring players and coaches as they strive to further their aspirations and fuel their passions.

Each UPSL club is independently owned and operated. The league operates year-round, comprising two seasons each calendar year, with the Spring season beginning in March and ending with national playoffs the first weekend in August, and a Fall season with play beginning in September with national playoffs the first weekend in February. The league prides itself on openness, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Roster: TBD

Game Schedule: TBD

Cost: $475 (2023-2024 Season Pricing)

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    MLS Next New Tier Clinics

    MLS Next New Tier Clinics

    INTRODUCTIONcamp Details

    Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the premier platform for youth player development in North America. With a strong commitment to innovation, access, and representation, MLS NEXT New Tier offers players exceptional training and coaching to prepare them for their futures in soccer and beyond. Currently, MLS NEXT includes 151 member clubs and serves over 16,000 players across the United States and Canada. MLS NEXT New Tier gives our players the opportunity to play and train in the highest level environments and be exposed to MLS academy scouts, US Soccer youth/senior national team scouts, MLS/Professional scouts. 

    Players and parents will learn about the MLS NEXT New Tier league and what it takes to play at the level. The Spring clinics will prepare players for the upcoming MLS NEXT New Tier tryouts.

    Birth Years: 2014, 2013, 2012

    Dates: June 8

    Location: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake Township, MN 55110

    Time: 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm

    Cost: $20 (Includes shirt)

    Birth Years: 2011, 2010, 2009

    Dates: June 8

    Location: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake Township, MN 55110

    Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

    Cost: $20 (Includes shirt)

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    MLS Next New Tier Camps

    MLS Next New Tier Camps

    IntroductionHighlightsCamp Details

    MLS Next New Tier Tryout Prep Camp is directed by the Manitou’s Sporting Director Edi Buro, who will accompany the Manitou MLS Next New Tier U13 – U19 coaching staff. Camp is designed for boys 2016 – 2007.

    About MLS Next:

    Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the premier platform for youth player development in North America. With a strong commitment to innovation, access, and representation, MLS NEXT offers players exceptional training and coaching to prepare them for their futures in soccer and beyond. Currently, MLS NEXT includes 151 member clubs and serves over 16,000 players across the United States and Canada.

    • Four days of high performance training and competition
    • 12-14 players per coach
    • Dribbling/ball control, passing, receiving, shooting/striking, and 1v1 play (attacking & defending)
    • Maximize speed and agility, build power, increase endurance, aerobic capacity and reduce chance of injury.
    • Nike Sparq “Yo Yo” Beep Testing
    • Information on MLS Next
    • Information on Nutrition
    Open to All – We want to share our training with everyone! So whether you are a member of Manitou FC or not, you can still participate.

    Dates: 7/7, 7/8, 7/9, 7/10
    Location: Polar Lakes Park Fields (1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110)
    Check in Time: 8 am – 8:20 am
    Time: 8:30am – 10:30am

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    Orange Level U11-U19

    Orange Level (U11-U19)

    INTRODUCTIONExpectationstryoutsCamps

    Our Manitou FC Orange teams compete within Twin Cities Soccer League, Regional or State competition levels. These leagues offer different levels of play to accommodate the commitment levels, individual maturation, physical growth, and playing abilities of our teams, especially important for players U19 and younger. 
     
    In addition to league play, we participate in the following tournament competitions: NSC Fall Cup, NSC Spring Cup, USA Cup Weekend, and USA Cup Week.

    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 EA, Orange, and Green Team levels and asks that any athlete having such conflicts, especially during the winter season training program, communicate directly with your team’s 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 Orange Level U11 – U19
    AreaU11, U12, U13, U14
    Training & CompetitionF: Train 3x per Week + Twin Cities League
    W: Train 3x per week + NSC League
    S: Train 3 x per week + Twin Cities League
    League PlayTwin Cities League – Regional, State
    Tournaments3 – 4 Minnesota Events
    Training LocationsTCO Garden, Polar Lakes Park, White Bear Lake HS North
    CommunicationPlayer/Parent to Coach
    KeyF = Fall, W = Winter, S = Summer
    AreaU15, U16, U17, U18/19
    Training & CompetitionF: Minnesota High School
    W: Train 3x per week + NSC League
    S: Train 3x per week + Twin Cities League
    Tournaments3 – 4 Minnesota Events
    Training LocationsTCO Garden, Polar Lakes Park, White Bear Lake HS North
    CommunicationPlayer/Parent to Coach
    KeyF = Fall, W = Winter, S = Summer

    * League Travel: Minnesota – Twin Cities Area
    *Tournament/Showcase Travel: Minnesota

    U11 – U12
    July 13 – 16
    Location: Polar Lakes Park – 1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
    Time: View schedule
    Cost: Free

    U13 – U19
    July 25 – 26
    Location: Polar Lakes Park – 1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
    Time: View schedule
    Cost: Free

    ECNL RL – Tryout Prep Camp
    Skills Training –

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    Green Level U11-U19

    Green Level (U11-U19)

    INTRODUCTIONExpectationstryoutsCamps

    Our Manitou FC Green Level Teams compete within the Twin Cities Soccer League, State or Cities competition levels. These leagues offer different levels of play to accommodate the commitment levels, individual maturation, physical growth, and playing abilities of our teams, especially important for players U19 and younger. 
     
    In addition to league play we participate in the following tournament competitions: NSC Fall Cup, NSC Spring Cup, USA Cup Weekend or USA Cup Week.

    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 families can plan accordingly. Manitou FC supports multi-sport athletes within ECNL RL, Orange and
    Green Team levels and asks that any athlete having such conflicts, especially during the winter season training
    program, communicate directly with your team’s 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 Green Level U11 – U19
    AreaU11, U12, U13, U14
    Training & CompetitionF: Train 2X per Week + Twin Cities League
    W: Train 2X per week + NSC League
    S: Train 2X per week + Twin Cities League
    League PlayTwin Cities League – Regional, State
    Tournaments3 – 4 Minnesota Events
    Training LocationsTCO Garden, Polar Lakes Park, White Bear Lake HS North
    CommunicationPlayer/Parent to Coach
    KeyF = Fall W = Winter S = Summer
    AreaU15, U16, U17, U18/19
    Training & CompetitionF: Minnesota High School
    W: Train 2x per week + NSC League
    S: Train 2x per week + Twin Cities League
    Tournaments3 – 4 Minnesota Events
    Training LocationsTCO Garden, Polar Lakes Park, White Bear Lake HS North
    CommunicationPlayer/Parent to Coach
    KeyF = Fall W = Winter S = Summer

    * League Travel: Minnesota – Twin Cities Area
    *Tournament/Showcase Travel: Minnesota

    Location: White Bear Lake HS North Campus – 5040 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110


    Cost: Free


    U8 – U12: 2019 – 2014
    July 14, 15, 19, and 20
    2019 – 2016: 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm
    2015 – 2014: 6:45 pm – 8:30 pm


    U13 – U15: 2013, 2012, 2011
    2013, 2014, 2015

    July 20 – 8:15am – 10:15am
    July 21 – 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
    July 22 – 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm


    U16 – U19: 2010, 2009, 2008/07
    July 20 – 10:30 – 12:30 pm
    July 21 – 7:15 pm – 8:45 pm
    July 22 – 7:15 pm – 8:45 pm

    ECNL RL – Tryout Prep Camp
    Skills Training –

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    Girls WPSL

    GIRLS WPSL U17+

    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. 

    Roster: TBD
    Game Schedule:
    TBD
    Cost:
    $475 (2023-2024 Season Pricing)

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    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 Season 

    Boys + Girls Birth Years: U6 – 2020, U5 – 2021

    Training Location: Polar Lakes Park

    1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110

    Training Day: Wednesdays 

    Training Dates: 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24

    Jamboree Dates: TBD by Twin Cities Soccer Leagues

    Cost: $90  

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      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 make better decisions in the game. Players enjoy playing in small-numbered games and activities that provide countless opportunities for improvement! 

      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

      Instruction:  All Winter PDP sessions are conducted by Manitou FC Coaching Staff members. These coaches are experienced members of our coaching staff who are exceptional coach-educators working with this age of player.

      Young Legends Winter Development

      Birth Years:

      2021 – U5

      2020 – U6

      2019 – U7

      Session 1: 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 1/5, 1/12

      Season 2: 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23

      Season 3: 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6

      Time: 6pm – 7pm

      Location: TCO Garden – 1490 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

      Cost: $75 (includes shirt)

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      Young Legends U8 Academy

      Young Legends U8 Academy

      INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS

      The Young Legends U8 Academy program serves as a bridge to the Future Manitou’s U9 – U10 Academy. It offers additional opportunities for age appropriate competition, increased playtime, and practice activities within their assigned team.

      The Young Legends U8 Academy aids players in transitioning to Future Manitou’s Academy and provides both boys and girls who are passionate about soccer the chance to continue playing as they grow older. Competing against other clubs in scheduled jamborees allows players to test and develop their skills.

      All sessions of the Young Legends U8 Academy are conducted by members of the Manitou FC Coaching Staff. These coaches are experienced and exceptional educators who specialize in working with this age group. Jamborees feature 5v5 games (including a goalkeeper), and whenever possible, games are completed within a two-hour window. Referees are provided for all matches.

      Winter Season 2025 – 2026

      Age Group: U8

      Birth Years: 2018 2019

      Time: 9am – 10am

      Days: Saturdays

      Session 1: 11/15, 11/22, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24

      Season 2: 1/31, 2/14, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4

      Location: TCO Garden – 1490 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

      Cost: $95 (includes shirt)

      Spring/Summer Season 2026

      Age Group: U8

      Birth Years: 2018 2019 (Select 2020)

      Time: 9am – 10am

      Training Days & Dates:

      Tuesdays: 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23

      Saturdays: 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27

      Training Time: Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm | Saturdays: 9am – 10am

      Training Locations: Polar Lakes Park, White Bear Lake

      Game Days: Twin Cities League Jamborees Sundays, 1pm – 7pm. Dates TBD.

      Cost: $195

      *Training days/times may vary slightly depending on coach availability


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      MLS GO League

      MLS GO League (U5-U7) Boys & Girls

      INTRODUCTIONPROGRAM DETAILS

      MLS GO is Major League Soccer’s recreational youth soccer program, dedicated to providing an inclusive and enhanced experience for all participants. The MLS GO League, powered by Manitou FC, provides a fun, age-appropriate environment focused on player development, enjoyment, and love for the game. MLS GO aims to enable more children to engage in the sport of soccer.

      Supervision and instruction are provided through a collaborative model that includes both trained volunteer coaches and Manitou FC professional coaching staff.

      • Volunteer coaches lead teams during games and one weekly training session.
      • Manitou FC coaching staff provides oversight, curriculum guidance, and developmental support.
      • The focus is on creating a structured, positive, and age-appropriate learning environment.

      This model ensures players receive consistent instruction while maintaining the community spirit of recreational soccer.

      Team Formation: Teams are formed based on the age groupings of Under-5/U5, Under-6/U6, and Under-7/U7. “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. 

      Focus: Fun, skill building, affordable, high-quality soccer programming. Build community connections through the excitement of Major League Soccer.

      Ages: U7/2019, U6/2020, U5/2021

      Jerseys: Players wear official MLS – branded jersey creating an authentic experience 

      Structure: Offers 1x a week practice + Games “Tuesdays”

      Rosters: Upon registration, players will have the opportunity to list “one buddy” that will be assigned to the same team.

      Game Dates U5: 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30 (Jamboree)

      Game Dates U6: 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/23, 6/30 (Jamboree)

      Game Dates U7: 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/23, 6/30 (Jamboree)

      Game Location:

      U5 (Boys & Girls) – Podvin Park (Tuesdays)
      U6 (Boys & Girls) – Polar Lakes Park (Wednesdays)
      U7 (Boys & Girls) – Polar Lake Park (Wednesdays)

      Game Times: Kick Off 6:00 PM | Arrive 5:40 PM

      Cost: $95  

      MLS GO PLAY FUND provides scholarships to participants to help eliminate participation barriers.

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