
Manitou F.C.
Minnesota
Soccer Club
Manitou is more than football. Manitou is about fun and friends. It’s about learning and about being challenged to grow both as a player and as a person! It’s about stretching yourself and giving your best to meet the challenges that sport provides. We’re passionate about our club’s culture and the player pathway we provide for boys and girls to experience and enjoy the world’s most popular sport.
MANITOU F.C OVERVIEW
Manitou FC: More Than Football
"Manitou is more than football. Manitou is about fun and friends. It's about learning and about being challenged to grow both as a player and as a person! ...Character is important to us and we believe the lessons learned on a field carry over into life." — Edi Buro, Sporting Director
A Complete Player Pathway
Manitou FC offers one of the most comprehensive pathways in the state, catering to every stage of a player's journey from grassroots to pre-professional.
Young Legends (U8-U10):Â A player-centered foundation that emphasizes movement education, skill acquisition, and a love for the game without the pressure of early travel.
Competitive (U11-U19):Â Players are placed on "Orange" or "Green" teams based on ability, competing in the Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL)Â and National Premier Leagues (NPL).
Elite Platforms:Â Top-tier talent has access to national platforms, including MLS NEXTÂ (Boys), Elite Academy League (EA), and the ECNL Regional League (ECNL-RL).
Pre-Professional:Â The club extends the pathway for collegiate and adult players through its UPSLÂ (Men) and WPSLÂ (Women) teams.
The Manitou Culture
The club’s identity is built on the belief that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Community First:Â Whether win or lose, the club prioritizes being a support system for its families.
Excellence:Â A commitment to producing not just superior technical players, but leaders who contribute positively to their community.
Mission & Values
With roots dating back to 1981, Manitou FC has evolved into a premier destination for soccer in the Twin Cities.
Our vision is to provide a sporting environment that instills a culture of excellence through leadership, coaching, and the empowerment of young athletes.
Connect With Manitou
Stay updated on tryouts, game schedules, and community events through their official channels:
Website:Â www.manitoufc.org
Facebook:Â @whitebearsoccer
Instagram:Â @manitoufutbol
MANITOU F.C. FAST FACTS
CATEGORY | DETAILS |
Founded | 1981 (as White Bear Soccer Club, rebranded 2020) |
Headquarters | White Bear Lake, MN |
Service Area | White Bear Lake, Northeast Metro, and Western Wisconsin |
Status | 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization |
Total Players | ~1,100+ annually |
Affiliations | MLS NEXT, Elite Academy League (EA), ECNL Regional League (ECNL-RL), TCSL, US Club Soccer, UPSL, WPSL |
Club Colors | 🟠Orange, ⚫ Black, ⚪ White |
Programs | Early Development:Â Future Manitous (U8-U10), Pre-MLS NEXT (U11-U12) Youth:Â Competitive (Orange, Green levels), Elite Academy (EA), MLS NEXT (Boys), ECNL-RL (Girls) Pre-Professional:Â UPSL (Men), WPSL (Women) |
Key Distinction | The only club in the Northeast Metro offering the MLS NEXTÂ platform, the highest level of boys' youth soccer competition in North America. |
