Minnesota Thunder Academy Announces Partnership with West Ham United

West Ham United International Academy announced the Minnesota Thunder Academy as its twelfth partner club today. The Minnesota Thunder Academy was formed in 2008 as an amalgamation of two of Minnesota’s most successful youth programs, namely Wings Soccer Club and Bangu Tsunami FC. Prior to 2008 these two clubs had amassed 42 State Championships, 3 Regional Championships and 2 National Finalists with five of their players representing the United States at youth national team level. Today, the Thunder Academy fields 92 teams at various levels.

Partnership Development Manager, Mike Kelleher said “We are looking forward to working with an organization of the stature of the Minnesota Thunder Academy, they have a great reputation in the Midwest and will be a first class addition to our family of clubs.”

The Partnership will formally begin at the end of this month when one of the Thunder’s Academy Directors, Mark Cook, will spend four days at the West Ham United Academy in London, funded by the International Academy’s partner XL Travel.  While at West Ham Mark Cook will learn about West Ham United’s Development Philosophy.