Every soccer player knows the importance of mastering their position on the field. It’s not just about knowing where to be; it’s about understanding the nuances of your role and how it fits into the team’s strategy. That’s why we are happy to share that the Elite Position Specific Camp is back for 2024!  elite position specific camp Sign up here The details The camp will be held from August 6th to August 8th and will be for ages U11-U14. There will be four positions offered: Elite Goalkeeper Camp | Elite Defender | Elite Midfielder Camp | Elite Striker Camp There will b ..read more

And what an experience it was! Being a referee isn’t just about knowing the rules; it’s about understanding the game on a deeper level. That’s why we were excited to work with the Minnesota State Referee Committee to have an event where new referees can be exposed to real-game scenarios, all while having help if needed. Referees were paired one-to-one with mentors to gain confidence and bolster their skills on the field.  This mentorship experience was named in honor of the late Alan McIntosh. Alan was an important part of the National Sports Center for over two decades and his lastin ..read more

Thank you so much to all participating teams in this year’s NSC Fund for Play Paddle Battle! 26 teams joined us to raise over $1,500 for NSC Play to support increased access for kids to introductory sports programs. This is the first NSC event of its kind, filling up all six pickleball courts in the Expo Center back on March 10th.  Congrats to our winners! Shield Crew | One Hitters | Stringrays Looking to show your support? Donate Here ..read more

Target USA CUP is thrilled to announce its newest qualifying tournament kicking off in sunny Florida! This exciting qualifier near Miami, FL will give teams from the east coast the best opportunity to secure a spot at Target USA CUP 2025. Join us at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota—home of Target USA CUP in July. As the largest youth soccer tournament in the U.S., this event is set to take place for the 39th time in July 2025. With over 1,100 teams expected to participate from around the country and the globe, Target USA CUP offers more than just soccer. From an Olympic-style ..read more

The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) announced additional grant recipients for the 2020 James Metzen Mighty Ducks Ice Arena Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to Minnesota communities to improve indoor air quality in ice arenas and to eliminate the use of R-22 systems in ice arena refrigeration.  The 2020 grant program was funded by an appropriation of $2 million in the state bonding bill. Seven applicants were awarded to reach the total amount remaining, with $884,635 awarded across the state. Awarded communities include: Independent School District-700 ..read more

That’s a wrap on this year’s Target USA CUP Texas Qualifier! A huge thanks to all of the teams that joined us for making it wonderful tournament.  Check out the champions below ..read more

Youth sports are more important now than ever. The overall participation of kids in sports was hit hard by the pandemic, so it’s crucial that both kids and parents know the benefits associated with playing ball. Since the list is virtually endless, we’ll cover the five that we believe are the most important (in no particular order)! #1: Time management Youth sports give kids the opportunity to learn the essential skill of time management. This skill plays a key role in the overall development of youth, which can ultimately contribute to academic success and personal growth. Learning to ma ..read more

What a tournament we had on our hands! The Super Rink was covered in talent as each day of the tournament passed, eventually culminating in an electric Championship Day at the Ridder Arena at the University of Minnesota. A huge thank you to all the teams who gave it their all on the rink and congratulations to our winners! Girls  Varsity Girls Gold Division: Duluth Marshall Varsity Girls Silver Division: Northern Tier Stars Boys  Varsity Boys: Gentry Academy   Check out some pics from the tournament below ..read more

The echoes of cheering fans, the thrill of fast-paced competition, and the jubilant spirit of the holiday season – the 5v5 Holiday Classic Soccer Tournament brought it all to the field in a spectacular display of skill, teamwork, and festive joy. As the tournament unfolded, 20 divisions witnessed incredible goals and intense matches, culminating in the crowning of champions. Let’s take a journey through the highlights, photos and the champions of this action-packed event. From the Resting Grinch Face to the Marvel-inspired 16U Boys, the tournament featured a diverse array of divis ..read more

São Paulo, Brazil, played host to a thrilling soccer extravaganza from December 19-22, 2023, as the Target USA CUP Brazil Qualifier took center stage. The tournament, which witnessed the participation of 57 teams and over 1,000 athletes, showcased the immense talent and passion for the beautiful game in the vibrant city. One of the standout features of the event was the geographical diversity of the participating teams. Teams from various regions of Brazil converged in São Paulo to compete, with some traveling impressive distances to be part of this soccer spectacle. Murtinho City, located i ..read more