Why Parent CJ Buzzell Chose Manitou FC for His Daughter Lauren

When parents explore youth soccer clubs, they are often looking for teams that consistently dominate the scoreboard or produce the fastest athletes. However, when CJ Buzzell and his daughter Lauren watched a Manitou FC team play, they noticed something fundamentally different: a focus on authentic, developmental soccer. Over the course of five and a half seasons with the club, that initial impression evolved into a transformative experience for Lauren, highlighting the club's unwavering commitment to long-term player growth.

For families navigating the competitive youth soccer landscape, CJ's firsthand experience provides great insights into what you can expect when you join Manitou FC.

Playing "Actual Soccer" Over Pure Athleticism

A major challenge in youth sports is the temptation for coaches to rely solely on a few star athletes to secure quick victories. For CJ, watching Coach Edi Buro’s team from White Bear Lake play was a breath of fresh air.

"It wasn't about get the ball to the best athletes or play fast," CJ explains. "They were actually playing soccer."

As a center back, Lauren was taught the intricacies of her position. She learned how to safely play the ball out of the back, manage and run a cohesive defensive line, and effectively communicate with her holding midfielder (her "six"). It was the first time she had been exposed to a system that prioritized tactical understanding and technical intelligence rather than just kicking the ball up the field to the fastest player. This developmental approach was the driving factor that led the Buzzell family to join Manitou FC at the U14 level.

Development First, College Success Follows

While Manitou FC prioritizes growth, success on the field naturally followed. Lauren's team went on to win plenty of games, but the true testimony to the club's philosophy was the long-term outcome for the athletes.

"Winning is a huge part of it, but it was all about development," says CJ. "And the number of girls that went on to play college soccer is a testimony to that style of coaching and understanding that development's more important than winning at U14, U15, and U16."

Manitou FC's commitment to long-term player progression — echoed by the club's core belief that lessons learned on the field carry over into life — proved to be exactly what Lauren and her teammates needed to reach the next level.

The Verdict: A Transformative Opportunity

For the Buzzell family, exploring and eventually joining Manitou FC was an incredible decision that allowed Lauren to truly learn the beautiful game.

"I was very, very thrilled for that opportunity for Lauren," CJ concludes. By focusing on teaching the right way to play rather than chasing U14 trophies, Manitou FC provided an environment where she could thrive both on and off the pitch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Manitou FC handle player development?

Manitou FC provides a comprehensive player pathway that caters to every stage of a player's journey. Rather than hyper-focusing on early, high-pressure winning, the club emphasizes skill acquisition, tactical understanding, and character building.

What kind of tactical training do players receive at Manitou FC?

Instead of relying solely on raw athleticism, Manitou FC teaches players the deeper tactical aspects of the game. For example, defenders are taught how to play out of the back, run a synchronized defensive line, and communicate effectively with the midfield, ensuring players learn "actual soccer."

Does Manitou FC help players reach the collegiate level?

Yes. By prioritizing holistic development over winning during crucial development years (U14-U16), Manitou FC prepares its athletes for higher levels of play. Many players from the club have successfully utilized this foundation to go on and play college soccer.