A beginner class in Richfield, a selective MLS NEXT pathway in Blaine and city park leagues give Minneapolis families three different ways into youth soccer.

Where can children learn soccer in Minneapolis?

For a young player, “soccer school” can mean a one-hour introduction, a city park league or a demanding academy whose players are selected by coaches. The differences show up in age, distance and cost. MU Juniors meets in Richfield; Minnesota United’s academy trains north of the city in Blaine; the Park Board assigns teams to neighborhood sites. These are not interchangeable options, and a professional club’s name does not make every program a tryout.

For a first season, MU Juniors is the clearest entry for Pre-K and kindergarten. Winter sessions meet Sundays at Academy of Holy Angels’ Stardome, with five- and six-week cycles priced at $100–$120. Its play-practice-play format gives children time on the ball and short skill activities. The location is south of Minneapolis, so families should plan for the trip to Richfield rather than assume classes happen at a city office.

Older, highly committed players can consider Minnesota United FC Academy, which competes in MLS NEXT. The 2026 tryout took place in June and cost $120 to register; selected academy players participate free, with uniforms, training, league fees and travel covered by the club. Entry is by staff selection, scouting or Pre-Academy, and a roster spot requires full commitment. The academy trains at the National Sports Center in Blaine, not Allianz Field or downtown Minneapolis.

Families seeking local recreation can start with MPRB Youth Soccer. Registration asks residents to name up to three preferred parks, then assigns teams according to capacity and location. Divisions include 6U and 8U through older teen groups; Minneapolis residents can choose a citywide fee discount at checkout based on household size and income. The current page does not show one soccer price or a fixed practice time: details depend on season and team.

Minnesota United’s first team competes in MLS, the country’s top professional division, and plays at Allianz Field in St. Paul. Its youth academy is based in Blaine, the beginner class is in Richfield, and park teams are spread through Minneapolis. Before signing up, match age and experience to the program, confirm the actual fee and request the assigned field address. Official next steps are the MU Juniors registration page, MNUFC Academy information and MPRB youth-sports portal.

Bottom line

Confirm the child’s team, current field assignment and full season cost before registering.

Editorial selection

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These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

Early-childhood soccer program

Minneapolis United — MU Juniors

Academy of Holy Angels Stardome, 6600 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423

MU Juniors is Minneapolis United’s introductory soccer program for children in Pre-K and kindergarten. Its Play-Practice-Play format begins with a game, moves into a short skill activity and returns to play. The club says it emphasizes frequent ball touches, sportsmanship, persistence and social con

Why it made the selection

Pre-K and kindergarten; Play-Practice-Play, small-sided games and frequent ball contact. Fees: $120, $100 and $120 by session; 60-player cap per session.

Hours: Sundays, 12:30–1:30 p.m.; winter sessions run Nov. 15–Dec. 20, 2026, Jan. 3–31, 2027, and Feb. 21–Mar. 28, 2027. Verified: October 30, 2026

View Maskay profile → Official website ↗

Selective MLS NEXT youth academy

Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center

National Sports Center, 1750 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449

MNUFC Academy is the competitive end of Minnesota United’s youth pathway, not a drop-in class for beginners. Players may be identified through Pre-Academy, a tryout or the club’s scouts, and all routes involve staff selection. The 2026–27 open tryout notice targeted committed players born from 2009

Why it made the selection

Free after selection; 2026 tryout registration was $120. The club covers travel, uniforms, training and league fees; families provide rides to practices, home matches and the airport.

Hours: The 2026 open tryout was June 23–26; MLS NEXT season runs August–July. Current entry is through staff selection, scouting or Pre-Academy. Verified: October 30, 2026

View Maskay profile → Official website ↗

City youth soccer league

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer

Administrative headquarters (not a playing field): 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN 55411; team fields are assigned after registration.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) runs a youth soccer league through neighborhood parks. The format is recreational: coaches are certified through participants’ home parks, volunteers are background checked, and the league uses small-sided and older-player divisions rather than a prof

Why it made the selection

Divisions include 6U/8U and 11U, 13U, 15U and 18U, with girls and open brackets. Minneapolis residents may choose an income- and household-size-based discount at checkout; the page gives no single soccer fee.

Hours: Team schedules and game times are posted online after teams form; the current program page lists an August–October season. This address is administrative, not a field. Verified: October 30, 2026

View Maskay profile → Official website ↗

Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

Official website of Minneapolis United — MU Juniors ↗ Primary source Minneapolis United · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis United — MU Juniors ↗ Primary source Minneapolis United · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis United — MU Juniors ↗ Primary source Minneapolis United · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center ↗ Primary source National Sports Center · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minnesota United FC Academy — National Sports Center ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Athletics · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Athletics · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board — Youth Soccer ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Minneapolis United · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Athletics · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Minnesota United FC · Accessed October 30, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

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Sources & references

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