Future Manitou U8-U10 Pre MLS
Future Manitous Introduction – Pre MLS – Next Program U8, U9, U10
The Future Manitous – Pre MLS – Program serves as an entry-level initiative for the Manitou Pre MLS Next U11 to U12 age groups. This player-centered program is designed for boys in the U8, U9, and U10 age groups. It provides a football learning environment that emphasizes small-sided games, individual skill activities, and movement education as key teaching tools. Through this approach, boys can further develop their confidence while improving their ability to control the ball and manage the pressures of playing in a limited time and space environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Future Manitous – Pre MLS – Next Program
A player-centered development initiative for boys within the age groups of U8, U9 U10. The Future Manitou’s Pre-MLS Next program assists players in transitioning from the beginning years of grassroots soccer (ages 5-7) to the years when team selection (U11) and formal league play begins at Manitou FC.
The program is organized to provide three practice-play opportunities each week, along with a schedule of friendly games, league games or tournament participation on the weekend. Players are grouped in appropriate age group pool A, B, C that allow the player to move freely between these pools for training and games. The key at this level is placing players in an appropriate group, based on ability. No Players are cut from this program. We approach every training session as a valuable opportunity to inspire our players and uncover the distinctive qualities they possess. Understanding that each player evolves at their own pace, we embrace the chance to shape their development over time. This ongoing influence not only enriches their experience but also strengthens our commitment to their growth and success.
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.
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.
Our retention rates and performance results at older ages demonstrate effective practices. Since the implementation of the Future Manitou’s initiative, our player retention for U11 and older has significantly increased. As a result, twenty-three players have moved on to play in Professional MLS Academies. Additionally, participants are better equipped to navigate team dynamics, and their performance outcomes indicate that the learning objectives of the Future Manitou’s initiative are being met.
The straightforward answer is yes; we can manage the learning environment more effectively. By presenting weekly training challenges and directly overseeing the quality of scheduled games, we can consistently control and influence the learning environment.
Being a part of Future Manitou 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.
Coaches at Future Manitous Pre-MLS Academy are not only licensed coach educators, but they also bring passion and expertise to our coaching staff, all proudly employed by Manitou FC. Under the guidance of our Sporting Director, the instructional program is meticulously crafted to embody a player-centered philosophy, creating an inspiring learning environment that fosters growth and development for every athlete.
The results we value at these ages are based on what is best for individual development. We focus on learning, enjoyment, effort, technical skills, 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!
2018B – U8 Fall Season 2025
August 7, 2025 – October 26, 2025
Fall Training Days:
Sunday – 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Monday – 5:40 pm – 6:50 pm
Thursday – 5:40 pm – 6:50 pm
Training Location: Polar Lakes Park 1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake MN 55110
TCSL League: Games on Saturday or Sunday
Tournaments: NSC Fall Cup & TCSL Festival
October 27 – November 15: Break
Futsal:
November 16, 2025 – December 22, 2025
Futsal – WBL HS North
Winter/Spring Summer Season (2026):
January 4, 2026 – April 20, 2026
Training Days and Times: TBD
Location: TCO Garden
April 20, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Sunday – 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Monday – 5:40 pm – 6:50 pm
Thursday – 5:40 pm – 6:50 pm
2017B – U9 Fall Season 2025
August 7, 2025 – October 26, 2025
Fall Training Days:
Sunday – 5:30 pm – 6:40 pm
Monday – 6:50 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday – 6:50 pm – 8:00 pm
Training Location: Polar Lakes Park 1280 Hammond Rd, White Bear Lake MN 55110
Competition: TCSL League: Games on Saturday or Sunday
Competition: NSC Fall Cup & TCSL Festival
October 27 – November 15: Break
Futsal:
November 16, 2025 – December 22, 2025
Futsal – WBL HS North
Winter/Spring Summer Season (2026):
January 4, 2026 – April 20, 2026
Training Days and Times: TBD
April 20, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Sunday – 5:30 pm – 6:40 pm
Monday – 6:50 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday – 6:50 pm – 8:00 pm
Tournaments: TBD
2016B – U10 Fall Season
August 7, 2025 – October 26, 2025
Fall Training Days:
Sunday – 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday – 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Wednesday – 6:20 pm – 7:40 pm
TCSL League: Games on Saturday or Sunday
Tournaments: NSC Fall Cup & TCSL Festival
October 27 – November 15: Break
Futsal:
November 16, 2025 – December 22, 2025
Futsal – WBL HS North
Winter/Spring Summer Season (2026)
January 4, 2026 – April 20, 2026
Training days and times – TBD
Location: TCO Garden
April 20, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Sunday – 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday – 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Wednesday – 6:20 pm – 7:40 pm
Tournaments: TBD
