Thunder launches winter training programs for youth

Published on September 14, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


Over the last 17 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 continuing to grow its youth development system during the off-season, featuring past and present Thunder players and a highly qualified coaching staff.

Beginning in November, the Minnesota Thunder organization will host a series of youth soccer clinics and training sessions throughout the metro area in order to provide players with an opportunity to refine their skills in the youth club off-season and improve their game for the following club season. The goal is to provide players with the highest-level coaching and training to prepare them to play at the highest level possible, and make them better players when they return to their club and high school teams. Our intention is to complement existing soccer commitments, not to compete with them.

Minnesota Thunder winter programs will be instructed by some of the best soccer coaches in the state, including Thunder all-time leading scorer and head coach Amos Magee, Thunder player and Camp Director Zafer Kilickan, and Thunder Director of Soccer Operations and former U.S. National Team Player Manny Lagos. Additional Thunder and Lightning players are also expected to assist at the clinics.

"We continue to expand our winter programming to add new and more challenging winter clinics for advancing soccer players," Magee said. "We believe that we have the best development program in the state and want to provide players options year round."

Interested participants are encouraged to register early as all of the programs have a limited capacity and will close once they are full.

Currently there are six different winter programs that the Thunder will offer, all catering to different ages and player abilities:

  • The Thunder Juniors Kickers (Ages 5-8) - Several four week sessions throughout the winter will feature training once a week with age and developmentally appropriate programs. Training sessions will focus on small-sided games and activities which promote creativity, comfort with the ball, and fun.
  • The Thunder Juniors Instructional League Training (Players U9-U10) - A series of winter training sessions will be held for an hour and a half each, focusing on individual player skills development as well as how to apply these skills in game situations. Topics covered include dribbling moves, passing techniques, shooting techniques and heading techniques.
  • The Thunder Gamebreakers Clinic (Ages 11-14) - This program is geared toward advanced field players and goalkeepers. These training sessions will be held for an hour and a half each. A Thunder Gamebreaker is a player who, in a split second and at times out of nowhere, can completely change the outcome of a soccer game. Topics covered include 1 vs. 1 techniques, shooting, heading, tactical ideas and goalkeeping.
  • Thunder Pro Technique (Ages 9-11) - these training sessions will focus on the key technical components of soccer, including ball control (first touch), ball-striking, heading, turning and dribbling.
  • Thunder Juniors Academy (Players U9-U14) - Academy is specifically for boys and girls ages eight to 14 that were selected as some of the best players at any of the Thunder's 42 youth soccer camps this past summer. The top players from each session and from Thunder Select camp will be invited to two hour training sessions that will take place for 16 weeks over the winter on Sundays at Augsburg College.
  • Thunder Futures (Ages to be determined) - This program is for elite players both male and female around the U19 age. Participation is by invitation or coach recommendation only. Training sessions will be held on Sundays for 16 weeks over the winter. Players will participate in scrimmages and tournaments as well as receive high intensity training to complement the club and high school soccer off-seasons.

For more information on any of the Thunder's winter programs, click HERE or contact Trina at trina@mnthunder.com.


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