World Cup Star to Coach at Thunder Residential Camp

Published on April 4, 2002 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, Minn. (April 4, 2002) – St. Paul native Tony Sanneh, a member of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team and former Minnesota Thunder star, has agreed to be a guest coach at the Thunder residential camp June 23-26, it was announced today by Thunder officials.

Sanneh, 30, a 1990 graduate of St. Paul Academy, currently plays in the German Budesliga for FC Nurenberg, and is a likely starter on this summer's US World Cup squad.

"Tony is the most successful male soccer player to come out of Minnesota," said John Menk, the Thunder's director of youth development. "This is a great opportunity for the serious youth soccer player to learn from a World Cup player."

The Thunder residential camp is open to boys and girls ages 11-17 and will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The training combines one of the best soccer facilities in the world with three intense days focusing on technical skills, tactical sense and small-sided play.

Sanneh, who has progressed from the A-League to Major League Soccer to the German Bundesliga, is tied for the second most starts (14) for the U.S. National Team in its 2002 World Cup qualifying matches. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he became the school's all-time leading scorer with 53 goals and 32 assists. As a former member of the Minnesota Thunder, Sanneh scored 18 goals and 22 assists. He went on to play for D.C. United in the MLS where he quickly gained national and international recognition for his strong play and great work ethic on the field.

"I am excited to come home and help give back what the Thunder has given me," Sanneh said. "I am looking forward to working with each player."

The cost of the camp is $295. Campers receive a Nike T-shirt, a Nike soccer ball, and excellent instruction from top the Thunder players and head coach Buzz Lagos. Campers can register online at the Thunder's web page www.mnthunder.com, or by calling 763-785-3668.

Minnesota Thunder camps are officially sanctioned by the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, the organization that governs the more than 80,000 registered youth players in the state.

Thunder to Play Inferno FC in Pre-Season Competition

The Minnesota Thunder will play its annual exhibition game at Fogarty Arena in Blaine on April 29. The Thunder will play the Inferno FC, one of the leading amateur teams in the state. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information or directions to Fogarty Arena, please call 763-785-3668.

The Minnesota Thunder, founded in 1990, is a professional soccer franchise that plays in the Western Conference of the 18-team A-League. The Thunder's home schedule runs May through September at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Information on single-game and season tickets, as well as youth camps, can be found on the team's website www.mnthunder.com or by calling 763-785-3668.

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