Two Decades of Community: Tim Klein’s 20-Year Legacy with CC United Soccer Club
- Apr 30, 2025
- 4 min read
For Tim Klein, youth sports have always been about something deeper than just winning games — it is about character, confidence, and community. Klein's connection to CC United Soccer Club spans more than twenty years, a journey that saw all five of his children progress through the competitive program from U9 all the way to U19. Even though his own children have now aged out of youth sports, Klein’s passion for the club hasn't waned.
Today, he is back on the sidelines coaching a new generation of players. Tim reflects on his family's long-term journey, the club's exceptional facilities, and the rare, community-first philosophy that keeps him involved decades later.
Memorable Milestones: Snow-Covered Fields and Reunion Seasons
With over 20 years of memories at CC United, Klein finds it impossible to pick just one favorite experience. Instead, his highlights are a mix of high-stakes competitive triumphs and the invaluable relationships built away from the pitch during travel tournaments and community gatherings.
"My mind immediately goes to the great successes for the teams when they are fortunate enough to make it to the state tournament. Those are always incredibly exciting and fraught with a lot of triumphs and tribulations," Klein recalls. "We made it to fall state one year and actually won it, but our first game, we played on a snow-covered field. So that was pretty crazy! And then another specific experience was when my son's team at U12 was really successful. Over the years, they kind of went different directions, but they all came together at U19 for a reunion season. It was really a special experience to be a part of that."
What makes CC United Soccer Club’s development programs unique?
From a parent and coach perspective, Klein believes the true value of CC United lies in its unwavering commitment to player and coach progression, all while maintaining a local identity.
Klein highlights the core pillars that set the club's development apart:
The Open-Door Training Policy: A practice philosophy that encourages fluid training opportunities, allowing players to maximize their touches and learn in varied environments.
Year-Round Training Accessibility: Structured programs and seasonal clinics that ensure athletes can refine their skills across all four seasons.
Inclusivity for All Abilities: A rare athletic breadth that accommodates and challenges players of all skill sets and competitive desires.
A Strict Focus on Community: Unlike modern clubs that aggressively recruit outside their boundaries, CC United remains dedicated to developing local talent.
"I've really just been so impressed at how CC United can offer the breadth of opportunities to players while remaining committed to the community," Klein explains. "This is something that seems to be more and more rare in this modern era of competitive sports."
How does CC United support its coaches?
A key driver behind the club's elite player development is its intentional investment in the parents and volunteers who lead the teams. For Klein, the educational resources provided to staff were transformative.
"I like the fact that there's a lot of opportunities for the coaches to develop too, for those that really wanna be a part of the game," says Klein. "Those opportunities have been great for me. I've been able to learn and grow my understanding of the game, and through that have been able to grow the understanding and the experience for the players."
Where does CC United Soccer Club train during the winter?
Sustaining soccer growth in Minnesota requires a massive infrastructure pivot when the seasons change. Klein notes that the club's geographic footprint and excellent facility resources are major advantages for busy families.
The Dedicated Indoor Dome: A game-changing asset that allows year-round training without requiring families to commute to distant, neighboring cities.
Spring Turf Fields: Premium outdoor turf access that keeps teams playing early in the spring when grass fields are unusable.
Broad Geographic Footprint: A wide range of outdoor spaces scattered across the broad community, allowing families to experience and play in different parts of the region.
"First off, I'm really proud and excited that we have a dome — our own dome — after having had to travel so many years to other domes in neighboring communities. So I think that's a fantastic resource," Klein shares.
A Lifelong Impact: From the Carver County Fields to Adult Leagues in Europe
Ultimately, the true measure of a club is the lasting impact it leaves on its athletes. For the Klein family, CC United instilled a foundational confidence and a genuine, lifelong appreciation for the global game.
"For example, my oldest who probably played the least, he actually became a referee and was really good at that," Klein notes. "And now he lives in Europe, and he plays in an adult league on occasion, and he takes in an occasional professional game. It's just great to see that kind of appreciation of the sport. There are countless memories from my kids talking about the friendships they made, the games they won or lost, and just general discussions at the table about our favorite professional clubs."
That enduring love for the sport is exactly what inspired Klein to step back into the coaching ranks long after his own kids grew up. "Today, for the first time, I am coaching a team of kids, none of whom are my own. I love CC United. I'm very proud of it and wholeheartedly endorse it for anybody."
Editor's Note: This post has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
