Every year, millions of young athletes across the country take part in the beautiful game. From the bumblebee soccer of the real little ones to the increasingly tactically advanced soccer produced by the older players, the game is alive and well in the USA ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Minnesota United is committed to not only maintaining that trend here in the Upper Midwest but also making the most of it. That’s why the club is proud to host its first Coaches Symposium to educate and build community among the coaches that are growing the game in our neck of the woods.
On Saturday, June 7, MNUFC invites coaches of all levels to the Grand Hall at the National Sports Center for a day’s worth of tips, insights, and lessons from the people running the sporting operations of the club. From Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad to members of the first-team coaching staff, coaches in attendance will have a chance to see how the Loons’ leadership team approaches an actual training session, as well as some of the off-field strategies they use to make the most of their time on the pitch. With both classroom sessions in the Grand Hall and training sessions on the MNUFC training field, attendees will get a well-rounded introduction to life at Minnesota United.
In addition to the practical pieces that will be shared, speakers will discuss the future of the game at a high level. There will be plenty of time set aside for Q&As, allowing coaches to make the most of their time with these professionals at the highest level of the game in our nation. A pair of keynote speakers, Ian Leman and Ben Bartlett, will give the symposium a global perspective.
Leman formerly served as Swansea City’s Head of Performance Intelligence, where his expertise in the fields of human intelligence and culture gave him unique insight into driving high performance behaviors and influence. Bartlett’s perspective is more coaching specific, with over a decade of coaching education experience with the English FA, Fulham Football Club, and in his current role as a Pro License Educator with the US Soccer Federation.
Leman and Bartlett will share insights specific to their fields of expertise, with emphasis on culture and influence, as well as player development and game model design.
Whether you’re an experienced competitive coach, a youth coach trying to get your players to stop acting like honey bees on the field, or simply looking for the right way to step into coaching, this event is for you. At just $25 a seat, the value added from this full-day event will change your approach to the game, add tools to your arsenal, and help make the future of soccer just a little better around here. Space is limited, so sign up now to secure your spot at the next step in your coaching journey.
