Start Playing · No Tryout

Thunder Sparks

Spark a love for the game.

Parent-and-child soccer for ages 2–4. Short, playful sessions led by a licensed MTA coach build balance, coordination and confidence, with you right there on the field.

  • Ages 2–4
  • Boys & Girls
  • Parent + Child
Young players with a soccer ball on the field
Ages 2–4Your first teammate is you
Ages2–4Boys & girls
Training1x per week30-minute sessions
SeasonsFall · Winter · SpringWinter runs in two parts
WhereWinter ParkEden Prairie
Cost$110–$204Per season
How to JoinRegisterNo tryout needed
The MTA Pathway

Where it fits.

Thunder Sparks is the very first step. At age 5, players move into ThunderBolts and start training on their own.

Why Thunder Sparks

A first soccer experience done right.

Licensed Coach Every Session

Sessions are led by MTA’s Juniors Director and coaching staff, not volunteers.

Parents on the Field

You play alongside your child the whole session, so they feel safe, supported and ready to try new things.

Play-Based Learning

Simple games build balance, coordination, listening and early ball skills at each child’s own pace.

A First Team Experience

Kids get a feel for being part of a group, and families meet other families with kids the same age.

Seasons & Registration

Pick a season and register.

Sessions are 30 minutes at the MTA Winter Park Training Complex. Fees are prorated if you start late.

Days & Times
Saturdays · 9:00–9:30 am
Dates
Sep 12, 19, 26 · Oct 3, 10, 17
Location
MTA Winter Park Training Complex, 9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie
Fee
$110 (prorated for a late start)
Ages
2–4
Days & Times
Sundays · Session A 1:15–1:45 pm · Session B 2:00–2:30 pm
Dates
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 · Dec 6, 13, 20 (no Dec 27)
Location
MTA Winter Park Training Complex, 9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie
Fee
$148 (prorated for a late start)
Days & Times
Sundays · Session A 1:15–1:45 pm · Session B 2:00–2:30 pm
Dates
Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 · Feb 7, 21, 28 (no Feb 14) · Mar 7, 14, 21
Location
MTA Winter Park Training Complex, 9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie
Fee
$204 (prorated for a late start)
Season
April – May 2027
Location
MTA Winter Park Training Complex, 9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie
Dates & Fee
Coming soon
Program Leadership

Led by people who have been there.

Matt VanBenschoten
Sparks, ThunderBolts & Juniors Director

Matt VanBenschoten

USSF B License

Matt leads MTA’s youngest players from their first touches through the Juniors years, and mentors the coaches who work with them.

See All Coaches →
“My daughter has not only improved her skills since being part of the MTA program, she has gained confidence. It is truly a safe space for her.”Amanda Jane F., MTA Parent
FAQ

Questions families ask.

Do I need to be on the field with my child?
Yes. A parent or caregiver joins their child for the whole session. It helps little ones feel comfortable and makes it a shared experience.
Who can join?
Boys and girls ages 2–4 of any experience level.
Can we start after the season begins?
Yes. Fees are prorated for a late start. Register any time during the season.
What comes after Thunder Sparks?
At age 5, players move into ThunderBolts, where they train on their own with MTA coaches year-round.
Where are sessions held?
At the MTA Winter Park Training Complex, 9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie.
How long are sessions?
30 minutes, once a week, sized for short attention spans and big energy.
Ready to Play?

Every soccer journey starts with a first touch.

Winter sessions start November 1. Register for one part or both.