Photo by Jeremy Olson

Since our founding, the Dark Clouds have been invested in supporting not only pro soccer in Minnesota but also the community built around the sport. Thus we are disappointed by the news that Minnesota United FC has become the only club in Major League Soccer to lay off or furlough all academy employees. We are also alarmed by reports that the academy and first team had a poor relationship with one another.

The Dark Clouds believe Minnesota deserves a top-tier soccer academy that is directly affiliated with Minnesota United FC, providing talented players a pipeline to professional soccer success. We call on MNUFC to announce plans to restart their academy and participate in MLS’ Elite Player Development Platform. We also call on the team to work in the best interest of the players impacted while a new strategy is implemented. The team has a duty to be clear and transparent with its supporters about their plans.

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