MLS Next 2 Clubs in Minnesota

Saint Paul Blackhawks Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is recognized as the oldest soccer club in the state. Founded in 1952, the club incorporated as a not-for-profit focused on youth soccer programs in 1985. Its mission is to develop highly skilled, respectful, and competitive soccer players while strengthening the community. The club serves boys and girls across a wide range of age groups, from U5 (Little Hawks) through U19, and also fields U18+ teams. Saint Paul Blackhawks embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive environment, emphasizing character development alongside technical and tactical skills. They offer year-round programs, including summer traveling teams, fall leagues, winter and spring indoor training, futsal, and summer camps. The club provides a pathway for advanced players through participation in top competitive leagues such as MLS Next, ECNL-Regional League (ECNL-RL), National Premier League (NPL), and USYS National League. Additionally, they compete in the Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL) and offer U18+ teams in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). Saint Paul Blackhawks is committed to player development, with many athletes progressing to collegiate and professional levels. The club also partners with Minnesota United FC Academy in the 2025 Alliance Program.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Lakeville Soccer Club (LSC) is a youth soccer organization based in Lakeville, Minnesota, serving residents of the City of Lakeville and the ISD194 school district. The club develops teams at all levels of play, fostering an elite community soccer experience with a focus on fun, community connection, and pride. LSC offers programs for a wide range of ages, from the TOTS program for 3-5 year olds and Recreational leagues for Pre-K to 8th grade, to competitive Travel programs for U7 through U19 players. The Travel program includes Select, Academy, and Competitive level teams, designed for players serious about developing their skills and competing regionally and nationally. Lakeville SC teams compete in prominent youth soccer leagues such as MLS Next, ECNL-RL, National Premier League (NPL), and USYS National League for U13-U14 teams. The club also features a United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) program for men, women, and youth, providing a pro-development platform that bridges the gap between youth soccer and the professional level. LSC provides additional training opportunities, including goalkeeper training, private sessions, and a U9-U12 Winter Academy, alongside summer camps and two annual tournaments. The club emphasizes player development with a college prep program for student-athletes and a commitment to providing an affordable and welcoming experience for all participants. Lakeville SC offers a scholarship program to provide financial support, ensuring broader access to its travel soccer programs.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Manitou FC is a youth soccer organization based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, drawing players from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and over 30 Minnesota communities. Established in 1981 as White Bear Soccer Club, the club rebranded to Manitou FC in 2020, building on over 40 years of community tradition. The club serves boys and girls from U4/U5 through U19, with developmental programs like "Young Legends" and "Future Manitou's Academy" for younger age groups. Manitou FC emphasizes a player-centered approach, focusing on individual development, fostering a culture of excellence, and providing pathways for collegiate and professional play. The club is recognized for its strong community ties and is often cited for offering significant value in soccer. For boys, Manitou FC offers participation in MLS NEXT's new competition tier for U11-U19, including a Pre-MLS NEXT Academy starting at U8. They also compete in the Elite Academy (EA) for U13-U19 and field a senior boys' team (U17+) in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), which serves as a bridge to professional soccer. Girls' teams compete in the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL – Twin Cities) for U11-U19 and have a senior team (U17+) in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Various teams also participate in the Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL) and other regional and state competitions.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Minneapolis United SC (MU) is a youth soccer organization based in Minneapolis and the broader Twin Cities metropolitan area, Minnesota. The club was established in 1984, with a mission to provide a citywide youth soccer program that offers all registrants the opportunity to enjoy the sport at a level consistent with their ability and commitment. MU serves a wide range of age groups, offering recreational play for players aged 4 through 14, and competitive soccer for those from 8U through 19U. The club emphasizes holistic player development, focusing on technical skills at younger ages, and supports multi-sport athletes. Minneapolis United SC provides a comprehensive range of competitive play opportunities with nearly 80 teams. Their competitive program is affiliated with the Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL), which is part of US Club Soccer, and the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYS). MU teams compete in various leagues and events, including ECNL/RL, NPL, and the USYS National League for qualified teams. Notably, beginning in the 2025-26 season, Minneapolis United SC was invited to join the MLS NEXT Academy Division for boys teams aged 13U and older, providing a pathway to professional soccer. A unique feature for competitive players is the inclusion of a Winter Professional Training Program at no additional cost. The club is committed to educating and investing in its youth, families, and coaching staff, aiming to be Minnesota's leader in youth soccer programming through a diverse and inclusive environment.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Tonka Fusion Elite is a prominent youth soccer club operating across the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota, encompassing communities such as Plymouth, Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Edina. The club is a collaborative effort between Fusion Soccer and Tonka United, established to offer a unique and comprehensive soccer development pathway for players. Tonka Fusion Elite distinguishes itself through its commitment to elite player development, evidenced by its players' participation in US Soccer Talent ID Centers and numerous collegiate commitments. The club fields highly competitive teams in top national leagues, including MLS Next, Girls Academy (GA), and the Elite Academy League (EA). Additionally, their girls' teams compete in the National Premier Leagues (NPL), and the club is affiliated with Minnesota Bliss, a Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team. Tonka Fusion Elite emphasizes a strong coaching staff and strategic partnerships with organizations like Stefans and Adidas.

Leagues: Girls Academy, MLS Next 2