- USSF A License, USSF Youth license and NSCAA Premier license.
- Masters in Education and in Athletic Administration
- Teacher & HS boys' soccer coach at Bloomington Jefferson since 1996
- Former Professional Men's Asst Coach, Minnesota Thunder
- Former Semi-Professional Women's Coach, Minnesota Lightning
- Former Region II ODP Staff Coach
- Has coached:
- 34 Current Division I Players
- 349 Players Who Played Collegiate Soccer
- 11 Youth National Team players
- 17 Minnesota Ms. or Mr. Soccer Award Recipients
- 18 Gatorade Players of the Year
- 16 NSCAA or USC HS All Americans
- Former Athletic Director, Jefferson High School
- 3 time ECNL Champions League Playoffs
- ECNL Midwest Division Champions
- Played D1 college soccer at UW-Green Bay and DIII at St Mary's
- Played high school soccer at Park Cottage Grove
- Caption of both college and high school teams.
- Coaching at MTA since 2017
- Has coached youth soccer in Minnesota since 2006
- 11 years of Boys High School coaching, JV boys and Varsity Assistant
- 4 years collegiate soccer player
- USSF D License
- Former professional Goalkeeper for MN Strikers.
- Former GK Coach for MN Thunder professional team.
- Played for Team USA at the World University Games in Japan
- 4 year starter & captain at St John's University
- McDonald's NSCAA All-American
- Holds NSCAA & MIAC goalkeeping records
- 15 yr Boys HS Varsity Coach
- USSF B License
- NSCAA GK (Levels I, II & III)
Info & Fees
Tryout FAQs
MTA continues to raise the bar in Minnesota in terms of player development, team performance, college recruitment and national exposure. 12 years ago we embarked on a new journey to ensure stronger competition and a more direct path to collegiate soccer for our players, and MTA was one of the founding members of the Girls ECNL. That success story has proven itself every year since. We joined the Boys ECNL for the 2019-2020 season, which was canceled by Covid-19, but made us the only club in the state to offer such a national platform for players to excel.
In 2020-21, we joined TCSL in re-defining the local landscape in Minnesota by joining the new National Premier League with our Girls Elite Teams (13U-19U). This is the obvious next step for us to align with our goal of continuing to be the leader in high level soccer not only in Minnesota, but nationally.
MTA is ‘All In’ with US Club Soccer
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Girls and Boys ECNL – will continue to compete in the ECNL Midwest Conference regionally, and in ECNL Showcase events and Playoffs nationally. This will allow for earlier tryouts, more focus on ECNL level competition, and allow time to compete at Puma Cup U17 Elite at Gothia Cup in Sweden(Girls), additional College Showcases, and other high level events.
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Girls Minnesota NPL – will compete in the TCSL Minnesota NPL. The NPL is a national competition platform created to elevate and change the soccer landscape through development, meaningful competition and identification platforms culminating in the NPL finals. This league will have 14-20 games November through June, and emphasizes calendar decongestion, appropriate training-to-match ratios, and club-driven scheduling. TCSL will provide a college recruiting platform, ID camp and Showcase events for 15U+ age groups. MTA also hosts a Girls College Showcase for our NPL players.
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Boys Minnesota NPL & Elite teams– will compete in the TCSL Minnesota NPL, and boys elite teams will continue to play TCSL. In time, all teams in the Boys’ Elite Program will join the Minnesota NPL.
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Juniors Boys & Girls – will continue to compete in TCSL’s National or Regional levels.
MTA – Raising the Bar
As part of our comprehensive player development approach, MTA continues to offer services and benefits that cannot be found anywhere else in Minnesota.
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College Exposure and Recruiting to DI, DII and DIII Programs – MTA has trained more collegiate and professional athletes than all other soccer clubs in MN combined! Other clubs may say this, but MTA can prove it – check out the details on our website
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Proven MTA Development Path – MTA has developed a path to success. From our ThunderBolts programming to NPL and ECNL, from expert, high level coaches to Elite Club Benefits we provide a holistic approach to development, identification & competition that completes the player.
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Top Players Play Here – The athletes awarded Mr and/or Ms Minnesota have been MTA players for the last 20 years. Athletes come to MTA from all over the state to play on teams where all players are dedicated to soccer, and are working together to get to the next level.
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Elite Club Benefits
- State of the art turf and dome facilities – designed and developed to ensure proper ball performance, optimal safety and energy return for players
- Innovative technologies to enhance player performance (Veo Camera system, Normatec athlete recovery pants)
- Strategic Partnerships – to enhance the player experiences and performance, continue to educate our coaches (Twin Cities Orthopedics and Training HAUS powered by TCO, Restore Wellness)
- Byga Comprehensive Club Management System – from player evaluations to registrations, MTA is committed to the highest level of communication and excellence.
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(Billed by MTA in Registration)
- Applicable league fees
- Referee Fees
- Outdoor Training/Game Fields & Equipment
- Indoor Training/Game Domes/Facility Rental/Equipment
- Goalkeeper Training
- Coach Fees/Coach Education
- Club Operations/Administration/Insurance
(Collected by Team Manager)
- Tournaments & Game Travel/Player & Coach Expenses (Estimate includes: player flight &/or bus and hotel)
- Scrimmages
- Add’l Team Fees/Activities
- Some Team Fees may be collected by the MTA Office
- Uniforms
- Winter League Fee (to be billed separately)
- National Championships/Playoffs (to be billed separately)
- ECNL Showcase events
We expect to form two teams at each age group, U13 and up.
- Girls: 1 ECNL team & 1 NPL team.
- Boys: 1 ECNL team & 1 NPL or Elite team (TCSL).
An ECNL team will be formed for both Boys & Girls at birthyears 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004/2003.
ECNL: Players will be emailed a roster offer within 24 hours after the second ECNL tryout.
NPL/Elite: Players will be notified as soon as possible after the end of Tryouts, the week of July 25.
Girls: The majority of our ECNL rosters will be formed after ECNL ID tryouts on July 13 & 14.
Boys: The majority of our ECNL rosters will be formed after ECNL ID tryouts on July 11 & 12.
The July 25 & 26 tryouts are for players that were unable to attend the earlier ECNL ID tryouts or are interested in playing Girls Minnesota NPL or Boys Minnesota NPL or Elite (TCSL). All NPL teams and Elite teams will be formed at these tryouts and any remaining ECNL roster spots will be filled. If you attend ECNL Tryouts and are not offered a roster spot, please return for the NPL/Elite Tryouts at the end of the month to see if you might still make an ECNL team or an NPL or Elite team. Your registration fee covers you for either or both tryouts. You do not need to register twice.
Minnesota NPL was new for the 2020-2021 season. In addition to Minnesota Thunder Academy, teams accepted for the 2020-21 season were: Blaine, Edina, Eden Prairie, Eagan Wave, Lakeville, NSSA, Prior Lake, Blackhawks, STMA United, Salvo, St Croix and Tonka United.
ECNL schedules for the upcoming season are not yet set, but we should be able to provide a good idea of the travel requirements at tryouts. Depending on the age group, teams will have 1-3 National Events and 4-6 Away fixture weekends. Some teams also have additional travel with College showcases, and possible Playoffs and Championships.
Refer to the team expectations that will be posted on the website, as well as the Season plan handouts at tryouts.
As we do not yet know how Covid-19 will continue to affect the upcoming season, the answer to this question may be adjusted over time.
In general, families are always welcome to travel with the team. In past seasons, teams traveled with chaperones, and players stayed in rooms with other players. During the 2020-21 season with the pandemic, it was necessary to have players staying with parents instead of in all players rooms for the safety of everyone. We’re getting used to adjusting on the fly!
All teams are provided 3 training sessions in the dome with 60-90 min on field, with the exception of any adjustments needing to be made for state health regulations. There is often extra fitness time added, and many teams have additional events outside of their scheduled training sessions.
Handouts detailing each team’s expected Season Plans will be available at tryouts. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be any parent meetings at the fields this year at tryouts. Plans were discussed on the webinar and will be available at tryout time. Teams will play 10-14 Midwest ECNL games.
2021-2022 Girls Team Expectations
Subscribe to our MTA Nation Newsletter for the most up-to-date info.
| BIRTH YEAR | TEAM | COACH | LEAGUES | TENT. WINTER TRAINING | MTA PLAYER FEES | EST. TEAM FEES | TEAM EXPECTATIONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | U9 Nike | Lauren Witte | TCSL Red - Fall, Summer + 3-4 Winter Fests | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $1,980 | $200-$500 | TCSL league games •• 3-4 TCSL Winter Fests •• NSC Fall Cup •• 2-3 local tournaments |
| 2013 | U9 Swoosh | TBA | TCSL -Fall, Summer + 3-4 Winter Fests | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $1,980 | $200-$500 | TCSL league games •• 3-4 TCSL Winter Fests •• NSC Fall Cup •• 2-3 local tournaments |
| 2012 | U10 Nike | Tim Notz | TCSL Red - Fall, Summer + 3-4 Winter Fests | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $1,980 | $300-$600 | TCSL league games •• NSC Fall Cup •• 3-4 Winter Fests •• 2-3 local & 1-2 out of town tournaments (driving) |
| 2012 | U10 Swoosh | TBA | TCSL - Fall, Summer + 3-4 Winter Fests | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $1,980 | $200-$500 | TCSL league games •• NSC Fall Cup •• 3-4 Winter Fests •• 3-4 local tournaments |
| 2011 | U11 Pre-ECNL | Steph Jacobson | TCSL National -Fall & Summer (+Winter League add'l fee) | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $2,280 | $500-$1200 | TCSL league games •• NSC Fall Cup •• TCSL Winter league •• MN Cup •• 1-2 local & 1-2 out of town tournaments (driving) •• *possible* 6-9 Pre-ECNL Midwest Conference Games |
| 2011 | U11 Swoosh | TBA | TCSL -Fall & Summer (+Winter League add'l fee) | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $2,280 | $500-$1200 | TCSL league games •• NSC Fall Cup •• TCSL Winter league •• MN Cup •• 1-2 local & 1-2 out of town tournaments (driving) |
| 2010 | U12 Pre-ECNL | Tommy Sivongsay | U13 TCSL National - Fall & Summer | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $2,900 | $800-$2500 | TCSL league games •• 1-2 Fall tournaments •• TCSL Winter League •• 1 Winter tournament (AZ, FL or TX) •• 1-2 local & 1-2 out of town Spring/Summer tournaments •• *possible* 6-9 Pre-ECNL Midwest Conference games |
| 2010 | U12 Swoosh | TBA | TCSL - Fall & Summer | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $2,280 | $500-$1500 | TCSL league games •• 1 Fall tournament •• TCSL Winter League •• 1-2 local & 1-2 out of town tournaments |
| 2009 | U13 ECNL | Mark Abboud | ECNL Midwest Conference | Tu-W-Th | $3,350 | $1800-$2500 | ECNL Midwest Conference Games •• 1 ECNL National Event •• Jefferson Cup, VA •• ECNL National Playoffs (must qualify) •• 2 additional events |
| 2009 | U13 NPL | Tim Notz | TCSL Minnesota NPL | Su-M- alternate Th/F | $3,050 | $1200-$2800 | Minnesota NPL league games •• possible Fall event •• President's Day, AZ •• MN Cup •• possible US Club Regionals, IL •• National Cup or NPL Finals, CO (must qualify) •• Add'l tournament TBD |
| 2008 | U14 ECNL | Meghan Schoeberl | ECNL Midwest Conference | Tu-W-Th | $3,350 | $1800-$2500 | ECNL Midwest Conference Games •• 1 ECNL National Event •• Jefferson Cup, VA •• ECNL National Playoffs (must qualify) •• 2 additional events |
| 2008 | U14 NPL | Joe Hartwell | TCSL Minnesota NPL | M-W-Su | $3,050 | $1200-$2800 | Minnesota NPL league games •• possible Fall event •• President's Day, AZ •• MN Cup •• possible US Club Regionals, IL •• National Cup or NPL Finals, CO (must qualify) •• 1-2 add'l tournaments TBD |
| 2007 | U15 ECNL | Dave Alberti | ECNL Midwest Conference | Tu-W-Th | $3,200 | $3000-$4000 | ECNL Midwest Conference Games •• 1-2 ECNL National Events (FL,TX, AZ, NJ) •• Jefferson Cup, VA •• ECNL National Playoffs (must qualify) •• 2 additional events |
| 2007 | U15 NPL | Meghan Schoeberl | TCSL Minnesota NPL | Tu-W-Th | $2,900 | $1800-$3500 | Minnesota NPL league games •• President's Day, AZ •• Crossroads Showcase, IN •• NPL College Showcase, MN •• MN Cup •• possible US Club Regionals, IL •• National Cup or NPL Finals, CO (must qualify) •• Add'l tournament TBD |
| 2006 | U16 ECNL | Danny Storlien | ECNL Midwest Conference | Tu-W-Th | $3,200 | $4000-$5500 | ECNL Midwest Conference Games •• 3 of 4 ECNL National Events (FL,TX, AZ, NJ) •• National Showcase (Las Vegas or Ohio) •• ECNL National Playoffs (must qualify) |
| 2006 | U16 NPL | Joe Hartwell | TCSL Minnesota NPL | M-W-Su | $2,900 | $1800-$3500 | Minnesota NPL league games •• MTA Showcase •• Omaha Showcase •• President's Day, AZ •• Crossroads Showcase, IN •• NPL College Showcase, MN •• MN Cup •• possible US Club Regionals, IL •• National Cup or NPL Finals, CO (must qualify) |
| 2005 | U17 ECNL | Danny Storlien | ECNL Midwest Conference | Tu-W-Th | $3,200 | $4000-$5500 | ECNL Midwest Conference Games •• 3 of 4 ECNL National Events (FL,TX, AZ, NJ) •• National Showcase (Las Vegas or Ohio) •• ECNL National Playoffs (must qualify) |
| 2005 | U17 NPL | Steph Jacobson | TCSL Minnesota NPL | M-Th-Su | $2,900 | $1800-$3500 | Minnesota NPL league games •• MTA Showcase •• Omaha Showcase •• President's Day, AZ •• Crossroads Showcase, IN •• NPL College Showcase, MN•• MN Cup •• possible US Club Regionals, IL •• National Cup or NPL Finals, CO (must qualify) |
| 2004/2003 | U18/U19 ECNL | Dave Alberti | ECNL Midwest Conference | Tu-W-Th | $3,200 | $3000-$4000 | ECNL Midwest Conference Games •• 1 ECNL National Event (FL, TX) •• Silver Lakes Fall Showcase, CA •• Dallas Cup •• ECNL National Playoffs (must qualify) |
| 2004/2003 | U18/U19 NPL | Tobbe Thorsell | TCSL Minnesota NPL | M-Th-Su | $2,900 | $1800-$3000 | Minnesota NPL league games •• NSC Showcase, MN •• MTA Showcase •• Omaha Showcase •• Las Vegas Mayor's Cup, NV •• NPL College Showcase, MN •• National Cup or NPL Finals, CO (must qualify) |
Our Leagues
Minnesota Thunder Academy is proud to be the only Minnesota club selected to compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) with both genders.
In 2009, the Minnesota Thunder Academy girls program was announced as an inaugural member club of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), the highest level of female youth soccer in the United States. The ECNL was founded by forward-thinking Directors of Coaching across the country who saw a need for change in and special commitment to improving the daily environment for American elite female youth soccer players. These directors came together and collaborated to build what would become the top female youth development platform in the world. The ECNL continues to be the most progressive and innovative development platform in the country.
In the 2019-2020 season, the Minnesota Thunder Academy boys program was added to the Boys ECNL.
MTA was accepted into TCSL’s Minnesota NPL for the inaugural 2020-21 season. The league runs Fall-Winter-Summer for U13/U14 and Winter-Summer for U15-U19. It provides post-season play-off competition for top teams across the country, with the possibility of advancing to NPL Nationals in Colorado.
Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (TCSL) aims to provide the highest quality soccer league experience in Minnesota.
TCSL has competitive levels ranging from the Minnesota NPL, through U11-U19 National, Regional, State & City, down to U9 & U10 (Red, White, Blue).
MTA Girls Nationally Ranked #34 out of 10,000 Clubs!
Minnesota Thunder Academy
- Proud to be one of the 40 founding members of the ECNL in 2009.
- Only Boys & Girls ECNL Club in Minnesota
- MTA has developed 23 Professional players and 31 National team players!
- Mr and/or Ms Soccer Minnesota has been an MTA player every one of the past 20 years
- 900+ MTA college players in over 110 college programs
- 25-32 girls go on to play college soccer each year – most of them at D1
- Highly licensed coaches
- GK training by a former professional player
- Centrally located, top level, year-round facilities
- 11 months of programming U13-U14, 9 months of programming U15-U19
- Elite level training & recovery tools:
- TCO athletic trainer at all ECNL games
- Normatec recovery pants
- Injury prevention program
- Games recorded on VEO with online access to create highlight videos
- Techne Futbol subscription for all MTA players
Girls ECNL
- ECNL teams at U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18/19
- 2020-21 ECNL: 3 teams in Champions League
- 2 players high school All-American
- 1 Gatorade MN Player of the Year
- 1 Ms Soccer MN
- Play regionally & nationally against the top clubs in the US
- ECNL is the top level, club-based development, training & competition platform considered the best youth girls league in the world.
- Maximum college exposure
- Play on your high school team
- Broadest patch to college & professional soccer
- Meaningful, competitive games
- 10,000+ ECNL alums have graduated to the college game (DI, DII, DIII) since the league began in 2009
- Of 3 million youth players in 10,000 US clubs, ECNL girls are the top 2% of players – truly the ‘best of the best’.
Girls Minnesota NPL
- Play locally against the top clubs in Minnesota
- Play on your high school team
- Meaningful, competitive games
- NPL teams at U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18/19
- 2020-21 NPL league champions: U13, U14, U16, U17
- 2021 MN State Cup Champions: U15, U17, U18/19
- All 6 NPL teams advanced to NPL Finals &/or National Cup
Girls Juniors – TCSL
- Play locally against the top clubs in Minnesota, and travel out of state
- 2020-21 TCSL league standings:
- U9 – 4th
- U10 (playing U11) 4th
- U11 (playing U12) 4th
- U12 (playing U13) 1st
- 09 Girls Pre-ECNL All American Cup Champions
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