FC Minneapolis’ new program for international players has opened up the doors for all talented players across the world to come and kick-start their playing career in the US. According to the club, this program will give talented players an opportunity to share their experiences and cultures with the club’s players, families, and communities while playing in one of the fastest growing National pro-development soccer leagues in America, the United Premier Soccer League. Players will also have an opportunity to participate in all the club events, training sessions, friendly games and all other competitions. In addition to being offered a highly competitive playing platform, players will have access to all the club’s media such as high-quality photos and videos which will also be shared with the club’s network of local and international agents along with the player CVs to further assist in the player’s path to professional football.
All interested players must download an application form from the club’s website following the “international players’ tab” and return it fully completed and signed to info@fcminneapolis.com. The application must be returned along with the full nonrefundable program fee, a copy of the player’s passport, one full body photo, one passport size photo clearly showing the player’s face and shoulders, and the player consent form fully signed by the player and the parents if the player is under the age of 18.
Once all the program documents and payments are received, the club will pair the player with a host family or secure that player’s spot at the club-house and once that has been confirmed, the club will send out the invitation letter and a guide to obtaining a US visa flyer to assist the player in his visa acquisition process.
“Note should be taken that our relationship with the United States Embassies abroad has been rewarding. 98% of all the players we have invited in the past have been granted visas and are currently playing on our team or are in the process of doing so.” Said Ian Sendi, the club’s coach player.
After arriving in the US, FC Minneapolis will be responsible for the player’s welfare such as housing, feeding, insurance, and local transportation. The club will also be responsible for picking up the player from the airport to either the Club-house or their host family as well as escorting the players to the airport at the end of their playing program which starts on April 1st and ends on August 31st each year unless other appropriate arrangements have been made between the player and the club.
Before being placed on the team after arriving in the United States, each player will undergo a fitness test, a medical evaluation, and an orientation and If that player meets the right physical requirements for competitive soccer, he will be placed on the club’s United Premier Soccer League team in a pro-premier national soccer league with over 200 participating teams across the United States. Players with lower skill sets may be placed on one of our lower level teams for development purposes.
