MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City SC Futures Program, a one-of-a-kind player development initiative for ambitious players, has opened the program to players aged 13-15. This marks a significant milestone in a program that has, over the years, been an important part of the developmental pathway of most of Minnesota’s top young players.
“We have seen the Futures be an important step for players who have gone on to make an impact in the Minneapolis City first team, and beyond” said Program Director Matt vanBenschoten. “From guys like Loic Mesanvi to Minnesota United, to Rory O’Driscoll at Las Vegas Lights, to Elijah Fearing at Drake, we have seen the difference Futures made in the trajectory of players making an impact beyond high school and we believe that our model can be even more effective starting with earlier ages.”
The Futures Program is a supplementary program that exists alongside club teams, high school squads, and college programs.
It was created to elevate and showcase Minnesota players, with an emphasis on ambitious, soccer-obsessed players across all income levels and ethnicities from across the state, because we want Minnesotans to succeed. And, as a USL League Two club reliant on Minnesota-based players, we benefit competitively when they are more, better players in our backyard. Uniquely, our incentives are aligned with the players’.
“We believe that it is good for players, especially younger teen players, to break out of just playing within just their age group” continued vanBenschoten. “That is why we are extending the program to players aged 13 to 15. It’s a critical time for their development. And, as they develop physically over those years, an important time for them to learn how to solve soccer problems without being able to rely on just physicality.”
Futures helps fill in the developmental gaps that American players face relative to their counterparts around the world, and especially in Europe and South America, specifically:
STRUCTURE
Futures is not age group segregated. Playing against older, stronger, more experienced players forces players to adapt and improve, accelerating development especially for higher level players. It stretches their abilities. And it helps develop qualities like grit, confidence, and professionalism that are necessary at elite levels. Couple that with an emphasis on competitive, small-sided play where players get lots of touches and it’s possible to get a lot better, fast.
ROADMAP
A strength of the systems in other countries, and especially Europe and South America, is all of the different ways for players to move forward. They don’t require an immediate jump to USSF Division 1 (MLS) at 18 for a player to have a successful career. Futures, which connects directly to the Mpls City SC (USL) first team, gives players a respected, high-profile platform to improve and showcase their ability for college and professional coaches.
EXPENSE
The cost of elite-level youth soccer can exceed $5,000/year. This cost can exclude talented Minnesota players who do not have the financial means to participate, essentially shutting them out of “the system.” We use every means possible to run our Futures programming at the lowest cost because we believe that soccer is a vehicle for good and should be accessible to everyone.
TIME & TRAVEL
Elite teams typically involve extensive travel. Minnesota’s young players often spend more time traveling than playing on the field which is a pity because time spent traveling isn’t time spent getting better at soccer. That’s why we’re focused on maximizing time on the field, getting tons of reps in against strong competition, over getting our passports stamped going to expensive, junket-y tournaments.
Taking the reins of the Futures 13-15 group is Jason Alexander.
As a player, Alexander was a two-time All-Big Ten selection while at Northwestern. After his four years was up, Alexander went to the University of Minnesota for medical school and practiced as a vascular surgeon. He never lost his love the game, however, and has remained active in coaching.
“He knows the game as a player, coach, and parent of a player, which gives him important perspective” said vanBenschoten. “He knows how to connect with players, how to keep competitive environments growth-oriented, and he is passionate about helping make Minnesota into a recognized soccer powerhouse.”
Jake Swallen is also joining the Futures Program coaching staff. Swallen, a former Wake Forest and Sporting Kansas City 2 player, spent last season with Minneapolis City where he helped the Crows to the Heartland Division crown and a place in the national quarterfinals. Along the way, Swallen was named Heartland Division Player of the Year.
Players looking to join the Futures Program can find more information, including links to register for tryouts, HERE.
