ThunderBolts Development Academy for U7-U8
Birthyears 2015 & 2014 are eligible* for Summer 2022
(2014 will move to U9 in Fall 2022)
*Age exceptions may be made for 2013 that are not ready for the competitive lever or 2016 players with previous soccer experience. Preference will be given to players born in the intended birth years. Complete this form for approval before registration.
Open to boys and girls of all skill levels
3 Seasons of ThunderBolts: Summer, Fall and Winter
Fall 2022 thru Summer 2023: Birthyears 2016 & 2015
Fall 2023 thru Summer 2024: Birthyears 2017 & 2016
ThunderBolts Development Academy is a coach-led training program for players at any skill level in a fun but challenging age-appropriate environment. We take pride in providing positive instruction for each player to ensure social, physical and mental development – on and off the soccer field. The ThunderBolts program is designed to lay a foundation for the love of soccer, self-discovery and independence for players ages 6-8 through game-like activities and play.
We focus on technical skills to allow young players to become comfortable with a ball and eventually be able to make natural decisions based on confidence and skill. We fundamentally believe that if players master the basics through learning more advanced technical skills, then they can continue to develop and be ready for our Boys and Girls Junior Program at U9. We value the idea of creating players that are playing fluidly rather than robotic, and we see the long term effects as they grow into more competitive soccer.
ThunderBolts follows the US Soccer Federation Play/Train/Play philosophy, with a player-centered approach to coaching. Players will be encouraged to have fun, challenge themselves, and learn to love the game of soccer!
Year-round program with 3 Seasons
Summer 2022 Season
| Ages eligible | U7-U8 Players • Birthyears 2015, 2014 Limited 2016s w/ approval only |
| Season Days/Dates | Sundays 5-6pm AND Wednesdays 6-7pm June 5 -July 17, 2022 |
| Session Dates | Sundays: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July Wednesdays: June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20 |
| Location | Academy of Holy Angels South Turf field 6600 Nicollet Ave, Richfield MN 55423 |
| Fee | $180 per player |
Fall 2022 Season *tentative*
| Ages eligible | U7-U8 players • Birthyears 2016 & 2015 (2014 players move into U9 for Fall 2022) |
| Season Days/Dates | Sundays 5-6pm AND Tuesdays 6-7pm September 6-October 16, 2022 *tentative* |
| Session Dates | Tuesdays: Sept 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11 Sundays: Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16 |
| Location | Academy of Holy Angels South Turf field 6600 Nicollet Ave, Richfield MN 55423 |
| Fee | TBD |
Winter 2021-2022
| Ages eligible* | U7-U8 players • Birthyears 2015, 2014 |
| Location | Academy of Holy Angels South Dome 6600 Nicollet Ave, Richfield MN 55423 |
| Season Days/Dates | Session A: Sundays 4-5pm Session B: Sundays 5:15-6:15pm November 7, 2021-March 20, 2022 |
| Session Dates | November 7, 14, 28 (not 21) December 5, 12, 19 (not 26) January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 February 13*, 27 (not 6 or 20) March 6, 13, 20 (not 27)* Feb 13 ONLY: Session A: 1-2 pm, Session B: 2-3pm |
| Fee | $340 (email for prorated fee) |
Key Success Factors
The ThunderBolt Development Academy will be conducted by our MTA professional coaching staff.
Training will be 2x week for 1 hour during Summer & Fall Seasons.
Training will be 1x week for 1 hour during Winter Season.
The program will use the USSF Play/Train/Play Format
We bring together like-minded families who have a higher level of commitment and interest in soccer.
We instill and foster a deep passion for the game. This passion is what will help drive and motivate the players to work on their technical skills on their own and to compete at the highest levels of play.
Why Choose MTA
Year-round training with the top talent in Minnesota.
Highly-qualified coaches with US Soccer & NSCAA accreditation.
Perfect for serious players who seek a high level of competition.
Gain visibility to collegiate scouts and national team coaches.
What Parents Say
MTA provides elite coaching and technical training other clubs cannot match. They also understand how to prepare the kids for the next level.
The kids that gravitate to MTA push each other to be better soccer players while being good people.
The coaching is consistent. It doesn’t matter who the coach is or what level—Each and every coach is teaching the players how to possess the ball and increasing their soccer IQ. We are always please with the methods.
The training, teaching of ball control and footwork, and knowledge of game strategy is hands above community clubs.
Training is great! If you want to play college soccer MTA is heads above everyone else.
As the years go by, our son is growing so much as a player and we are excited for his future with the club
Great coaching staff!
Challenging every player, at every level, thereby giving an equal opportunity to develop to anyone who wants it.
The coaching and training is excellent as well as the facilities for winter training.
MTA provides a safe and effective training environment. They provide top level coaching for the elite teams and challenge the players to develop their skills.
MTA provides opportunities for soccer players who are very dedicated to the sport through great coaching and playing opportunities.
My son’s coach truly cares about him and every player on his team.
Camps & Clinics
Minnesota Thunder Academy offers ThunderFoot training as well as various camps & clinics throughout the calendar year, open to MTA and non-MTA players. Participation in MTA camps and clinics provides an alternative to private lessons and private training.
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