ThunderBolts Development Academy

THUNDERBOLTS: U6/U7/U8
Year-Round Program with 3 Seasons  

ThunderBolts Development Academy is a coach-led training program for players at any skill level, with a player-centered approach. We provide 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 bring together like-minded families who have a higher level of commitment and interest in soccer, to focus on technical skills. This allows 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, they can continue to develop and be ready for our Juniors 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.

Players are encouraged to have fun, challenge themselves, and learn to love the game of soccer!

Summer 2024
Fall 2024
Winter 2023-24

Spring/Summer 2024 Season

Ages Eligible U6*-U7-U8 Players • Birthyears 2016, 2017
*2018s w/ approval only
Location MTA Winter Park Training Facility
9520 Viking Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Season Days/Times Session A:  Sundays 3:00-4:00pm
Session B:  Sundays 4:30-5:30pm
Session Dates Sundays
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19 (No session 5/26)
June 2, 9, 16, 23 (No session 6/30)
July 7
Fee
$199 per player 

Fall 2024 Season

Ages Eligible TBD
Location TBD
Season Days/Times TBD
Session Dates TBD
Fee TBD

Winter 2023-2024 Season

Ages Eligible U7-U8 Players • Birthyears 2017, 2016
U6 Players • Birthyear 2018 w/ soccer experience
Location MTA Winter Park Training Facility
9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie MN 55344
Season Days/Times Sundays
Session A: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Session B: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Session Dates Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
Dec 3, 10, 17 (Not 24 or 31)
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 18, 25 (Not 11)
Mar 3, 10, 17, 24 (Not 31)
Fee $415
Summer 2024
Fall 2024
Winter 2023-24

Spring/Summer 2024 Season

Ages Eligible U6*-U7-U8 Players • Birthyears 2016, 2017
*2018s w/ approval only
Location MTA Winter Park Training Facility
9520 Viking Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Season Days/Times Session A:  Sundays 3:00-4:00pm
Session B:  Sundays 4:30-5:30pm
Session Dates Sundays
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19 (No session 5/26)
June 2, 9, 16, 23 (No session 6/30)
July 7
Fee
$199 per player 

Fall 2024 Season

Ages Eligible U6*-U7-U8 Players • Birthyears 2017, 2018
*2019s w/ approval only
Location TBD
Season Days/Times TBD
Session Dates TBD
Fee TBD

Winter 2023-2024 Season

Ages Eligible U7-U8 Players • Birthyears 2017, 2016
U6 Players • Birthyear 2018 w/ soccer experience
Location MTA Winter Park Training Facility
9520 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie MN 55344
Season Days/Times Sundays
Session A: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Session B: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Session Dates Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
Dec 3, 10, 17 (Not 24 or 31)
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 18, 25 (Not 11)
Mar 3, 10, 17, 24 (Not 31)
Fee $415

Guidelines

Birthyears 2017 & 2016 are eligible* for Fall 2023 – Summer 2024 (2018’s w/ approval only)

*2018 Players: Age exceptions may be made for 2018 players with previous soccer experience and/or a strong desire to play soccer. If it is determined by the Director to not be a good fit for your player, a pro-rated refund will be given. Complete this form for approval before registration.

*2015 Players: Age exceptions may be made for 2015 that are not ready for the competitive lever, though 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 2023 thru Summer 2024: Birthyears 2017 & 2016 (2015 move to U9)
Fall 2024 thru Summer 2025: Birthyears 2018 & 2017 (2016 move to U9)

WE ARE THUNDER

Learn more about Minnesota Thunder Academy

MTA Camps and Events take place throughout the year

The ThunderBolts Development Academy Parent Experience

” I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate the MTA program. As a father of a player who is working towards playing collegiate soccer, I wanted to give him the best opportunity to get first be coached by the best coaches in MN and secondly get some national exposure through ECNL.  I believe that he has gotten both. I cannot say enough about Mark Yueill, who is not just a great tactician, but has also showing the value of attitude and hard work.”
Don R. – MTA Parent

There is no doubt that Joe made his biggest improvements as a soccer player while at MTA. He was taught tactical as well as technical things that have served him increasingly well as he developed. Perhaps more importantly, his coach Mark Yuiell placed an equal importance on being a good team mate, respecting the officials and your opponents and being dedicated to your team. This is often overlooked, but character development was a central tenet of Joe’s education at MTA and we are thankful for the balance Mark demanded.

Matthew H. – MTA Parent

” My daughter has not only improved her skills since being part of the MTA program, she has gained confidence and I cannot express how amazing it is to see her comfortable in an environment with her teammates, coaches and friends and free of anxiety and worries. It is truly a safe space for her and has been an incredible blessing to see her excited, happy and excelling. .”

Amanda Jane F. – MTA Parent

” If you want to play college ball, especially outside of the midwest then MTA would be a great option” 

Anny C. – MTA Parent

” The costs are up front, but you know what you are getting and have consistently high-quality facilities to train in, strong coaches available when training is to happen and focused on players’ success and expectation that post-club play is what all players want.”

Michelle G. – MTA Parent

The chemistry on my son’s team is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced and we feel much of that is due to the example set by the coaches and club directors. We didn’t know this kind of youth soccer existed in Minnesota and only wish we’d made the move earlier.

Ashley B. – MTA Parent