MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United to Host Lead Monrovia Football Academy's Girls U15 Team at the 2019 USA Cup

Published on June 27, 2019 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United announced today that the club will host the girls U15 team from the LEAD Monrovia Football Academy in Liberia at this year's USA Cup at the National Sports Center from July 16-20. The USA Cup is one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the world, welcoming more than a 1,000 youth teams every summer to the campus of the NSC in Blaine, Minnesota.

"As a club, we're always looking for ways to connect with our diverse community through the world's game," said MNUFC CEO Chris Wright. "Our ownership group has worked tirelessly with LEAD Africa to make this trip possible for these girls and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them to Minnesota. We know it will mean a lot to the more than 35,000 Liberians living here in the Twin Cities and to Liberia's president, soccer legend George Weah."

"This will be a tremendous experience for the young ladies traveling from our flagship leadership academy in Liberia," said William Smith, Co-Founder and Director of the LEAD Monrovia Football Academy. "The trip would not have been possible without the support and generosity of Minnesota United. We are so grateful to Chris Wright, the owners, and the rest of the club for this very special opportunity."

This marks the first time a Liberian team will participate in the tournament. As part of their trip, the 14 athletes and three staff members will attend Minnesota United's friendly against EPL side Aston Villa on Wednesday, July 17, presented by Target, as well as visit other Twin Cities landmarks and connect with the Liberian community in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

About Minnesota United: Professional soccer has been a part of Minnesota for over four decades and Minnesota United is at the forefront of growing the game at all levels. From the first team to the front office to the Development Academy to our work throughout the Twin Cities, the club's goal remains the same: to promote soccer, the world's game, and through it inspire and unite our community. We'll accomplish this through a culture built on accountability, respect, excellence and honesty and by creating a fan experience and connection to the community second to none. Minnesota United is currently playing our inaugural season at Allianz Field, our new home in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul.

About LEAD Africa: LEAD Africa is a network of progressive leadership academies that empower Africa's future leaders through quality education and sport. LEAD's flagship, Monrovia Football Academy, is the first school in Liberia to combine high-quality education with professional football training.

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