Thunder Juniors youth development system introduced

Published on October 21, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


Over the last 16 years the Thunder has built its solid reputation upon direct and functional interaction with the Minnesota soccer community at all levels of the game. The Thunder desires to develop its role further by implementing its own youth development system, featuring past and present Thunder players and a highly qualified coaching staff.

The Thunder Juniors program provides training and competitive opportunities designed to:
a)Groom and develop local players for the Thunder professional team and a women's league team;
b) Provide training opportunities for all ages;
c) Develop regional and national caliber youth players;
d) Create a year-round presence for Thunder soccer.

OVERVIEW
The Thunder Juniors offers three distinct programs which can function as a player's primary youth club participation or serve as complimentary training to that received by one's "home" club.

We invite you to experience youth soccer programming guided by one of the preeminent professional soccer clubs in the country.

THUNDER JUNIORS "KICKERS"
Ages 6-8
Age and developmentally appropriate training programs for players U6-U8 through several 4-week sessions that feature once-a-week training and in-house games. The training emphasizes small-sided games and activities which promote creativity, comfort with the ball, and fun!

The program will be separated into 4-week sessions with a cost of 65$ per session. The Thunder Junior "Kickers" Program is limited to 40 players per session.

Available Sessions:
FALL I (Nov 9 - Nov 30, 2005)
FALL II Dec 7 - Jan 4, 2006)
WINTER I (Jan 11 - Feb 1, 2006)
WINTER II (Feb 8 - Mar 1, 2006)
SPRING March 8 - March 29)
* Each session meets 1x per week, 4x a month
* Cost: $65/per session

Includes:
-Two VIP tickets for 2006 Thunder game
-Initial Enrollment includes 1 training t-shirt
-Free Thunder Sweatshirt with 5 session registration!!
*Training: Wednesdays 6-7:30 PM at Holy Angels Star Dome
*Training groups separated into age and skill appropriate levels

THUNDER JUNIORS "ACADEMY"
Ages 9-13
The "Academy" is a program for talented players ages U9-U12 who have been identified through the Thunder Select Camp or through scouting. The training focus is to improve players' individual technical and tactical abilities within an environment where all players have a similar commitment and experience in the game. The Junior "Academy" meets 1x a week for training and 1x a month for games.

* November 13, 2005 - March 19, 2006
* Training is 1x a week (Sunday 11am-1pm at Augsburg College)
* Games are monthly (Tuesday 8-9pm at Holy Angels Star Dome)
* Cost: $500 ($200 commitment fee, 4 monthly payments of $75 beginning 12/01/05) Save 10% by paying in full.

Includes:
-Two training t-shirts
-One sweatshirttwo training shirts, sweatshirt,
-Favility Rental
-Three Evaluations
-Training gees
-Two VIP tickets to a 2006 Thunder game

THUNDER "JUNIORS"
Ages 14-19
The "Juniors" are teams of U14 and older, formed with players identified through the Thunder Select Camp, Academy, and scouting. Teams will be formed by Thunder staff and managed throughout the winter by one coach. Teams will compete as "tournament teams," train once per week, and play friendly games against elite teams twice per month. Teams may also enter tournaments in and out of state. Out-of-state-travel will be determined on a team-by-team basis. The Thunder "Juniors" teams for 2005-2006 are U16 Boys, U17 Girls and U19 Boys.

* November 6, 2005 - March 19, 2006
* Training is once per week with games twice/month
* Cost: $840 ($400 commitment fee, 4 monthly payments of $110 beginning Dec 1.) Save 10% by paying in full.

Includes:
-Two training t-shirts
-One sweatshirt
-Facility Rental
-Three evaluations
-Training fees
-Two VIP tickets for 2006 Thunder Game
*Does not include Thunder uniform ($95)

The Juniors will train Sunday evenings or Wednesday evenings at the Minnesota Thunder's Official Training Facility, Soccer Blast in Burnsville, MN.

Thunder Juniors Staff

Amos Magee
-Head Coach Minnesota Thunder (2005-present)
-Assistant Coach Minnesota Thunder (2003-2005)
-Player Minnesota Thunder (1991-2004)
-Tampa Bay Mutiny (2000-2001)
-Chicago Fire (2001-2002)
-Member- Thunder Hall of Fame
-USSF A-License (2003)
-Head Coach St. Paul Academy and Summit School (2003-present)
-Youth Coach St. Paul Blackhawks (2002-present)

Zafer Kilickan
-Thunder Camp Director (2005-present)
-Player Minnesota Thunder (2002-present)
-Player 13 years in the Turkish Professional League
-Director of Coaching Minneapolis United Soccer Club.
-USSF B-License
-Assistant Coach Augsburg College (2004-present)
-Youth Coach White Bear Lake (2004-present)

Donny Gramenz
-Player Minnesota Thunder (1991-2003)
-Member- Thunder Hall of Fame
-Assistant Coach St. Paul Academy (2001-2003)
-USSF Y-License (2002)
-Youth Coach Woodbury Soccer Club (2004-present)

John Swallen
-Goalkeeper Minnesota Thunder (1990-2001)
-Member- Thunder Hall of Fame
-MVP A-League (1999)
-Co-Head Coach Moundsview Girl's Soccer

Other Scheduled to Appear
Matt Holmes
Chris Brunt
Godfrey Tenoff
James Prosser
Nathan Knox
Brett Branan
Ben Gaddis
Tod Herskovitz
Greg Wheaton
Chris Galbraith

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