U8 Crossover

Ages 6 through 12 are the most critical development years of a soccer player’s career. It is at these ages where the basic fundamental skills of soccer are mastered that allow players to compete and be successful as soccer players at the next level of play and where they develop a true love for the game. For 6-8 year olds, explore our ThunderBolts Training. The year-round Junior Academy program is designed for players ages 8-12 years old who have a higher level of ability, commitment, and interest level in soccer. This program helps prepare players who aspire to play in the Minnesota NPL, Boys ECNL or Girls ECNL.

Minnesota Thunder Academy has prepared a program that recognizes U8-U12 players. This is designed for players of higher standard and commitment level. We will play & train in a quality environment throughout the fall, winter, spring and summer.

TEAMS

Tryouts

Training

Fees

Tournaments

Teams

The MTA Junior Academy operates within the Twin Cities metro area and practices are primarily held in Richfield. Teams are typically formed for each gender age group (U9-U12). Players ages 7-8 are encouraged to train in our year-round ThunderBolts Development Program.

MTA Junior Academy teams compete in the Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL – US Club).

Tryouts

Tryouts for the MTA Junior Academy will be held in mid July at Academy of Holy Angels. For more detail, please visit the Tryouts Information page.

Training

Training Frequency: 3-4 times per week.
Locations: Primarily at the Academy of Holy Angels

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Fees

Please see the Boys Team Expectations page for information on the current season.

Tournaments

MTA Junior Academy teams typically participate in 3-4 tournaments per year in addition to league play. It is possible that our top teams at this age may travel to out-of-town tournaments. If this is the case, you will be made aware of this at tryouts.

U8 (2016) Crossover Program: ThunderBolts to Juniors Academy

MTA’s U8 ThunderBolts seeking a head start into the competitive soccer landscape also have the opportunity to join our developmental crossover programming, which is a combination of our Fall (Session A) & Summer ThunderBolt Development Program and our Juniors Academy Team Training, competing year around in the TSCL Fives Fests.

Training Details: average 2 contacts per week, mid-Aug thru mid-July Tentative Winter Training Days: TBD

Your MTA Player Fee: $1265 Includes: Coach fee, MTA Club fee, US Club League fees, Coach education & licensing, Field rental & equipment, BYGA team page, Secondary insurance,

If incurred, Team fees are collected by your team manager through Snap!Spend, and include: Tournament Registrations; Team Participation in scrimmages, futsal, or other outside training.

Your MTA Player Fee Includes MTA Programs Only. Other non-MTA programs are possible. Outside programs are not included and will be collected separately.

Additional Team Expenses may be incurred (estimate $0-$200). All players equally share team expenses regardless of participation in individual events.

Season	U8 Details
Fall (~Aug 14-Oct 15)	Fall ThunderBolts 1x/week; Team training 1x/week; 2 Fall Fests
Winter (~Oct 29-April 7)	Team training 1x/week; 4 Winter Fests; ThunderBolts Winter session optional for additional training day
Spring (~April 8-May 26)	Team training 2x/week; 2 May Fests
Summer (~June 2-July 14)	Summer ThunderBolts 2x/week; 1 June Fest. U9 Tryouts in July 2024.

If interested in participating in the U8 program, please email admin@mnthunderacademy.org and see the Boys/Girls Team Expectations pages for more information.

U8 Program participants – do NOT register for Fall ThunderBolts as it is included in the U8 Team Fee.