Photos: Wes Walz Hockey School 2023 Recap!

The Wes Walz MN Wild Hockey School allows players to learn from retired pro hockey player and NHL assistant coach Wes Walz. The Wes Walz Minnesota Wild Hockey School offers expert training at some of the best facilities in Minnesota including St. Louis Park Rec...

Photos: Passion for the Game

Target USA CUP is known for having over 18,000 players from many different countries and states. This brings many styles of play and cultures from all around the globe. The one thing we can guarantee that they have in common though, is their passion for the...

Photos: Referee Appreciation Day at USA CUP

Friday is Referee Appreciation Day at the Target USA CUP! Here are some photos of our great refs doing what they love. Photo by Claudia Sinclair Photo by Claudia Sinclair Photo by Annika Johnson Photo by Sarah Barrett Photo by Sarah Barrett Photo by Annika Johnson...
The Greater Goal Soccer Equipment Drive

The Greater Goal Soccer Equipment Drive

As a newly graduated high school student, it is often hard to leave an impact on your surrounding community, and even more so impacting others around the world. 18-year-old Avery Soli did just that by creating a soccer equipment drive for Target USA CUP. She was in...

Dogs of USA CUP

The dogs were good this tournament We focus a lot on the kids during this time but we wanted to dedicate this post to the unsung heros of the tournament: Our furry four legged friends. Just as our teams and players come from all over the world to play, these these...

Refs on a World Tour: Meet George and Nick!

How does travelling the world with one of your best mates sound? If you have ever wondered this, you should ask George and Nick!  George (left) and Nick (right) With both George (25) and Nick (26) coming from England, they have seemed to have found their footing...
A Team with a Dream: Meet Global FC!

A Team with a Dream: Meet Global FC!

We are extremely proud to have Global FC play at this year’s Target USA CUP. This team comes from Kansas City, but the players have travelled much farther to be here in Blaine, MN. For the past two months, this team has been being filmed for the documentary...

Faces of the Cup: Operations

Today’s Faces of the Cup: Operations! This group goes up and down campus setting up, tearing down, and making sure everything is working and running smoothly. Meet Chris, one of the operations interns! He’s from Southwest London and he is currently...

Recapping Speak Up at USA CUP!

Wednesday, July 19 was dedicated as a day to address the stigma of mental health that surrounds sports. Speak Up at USA CUP recognizes that many athletes don’t talk about their mental health, but our goal is to create a supportive community to make topics like...

Speak Up Spotlight: Thumbs Up

Content warning: The following story contains sensitive information about mental illness.  Shannon Lee, of Thumbs Up, holding a photo of her Daughter Ashlyn. With over 1,200 teams attending our USA CUP tournament, it is crucial that we take this opportunity to show...

Photos: 2023 Target USA CUP Opening Ceremonies

There’s nothing quite like Opening Ceremonies at Target USA CUP. Today was my third time covering Opening Ceremonies, and this one was by far my favorite. From the procession to the musical performance (Carly Rae Jepsen!), each moment was one I’ll never...
Faces of the CUP: Field Services

Faces of the CUP: Field Services

Introducing today’s Faces of the Cup: Field Services! You can spot this great group in the field services tent to the left of the Welcome Center checking in our numerous volunteers for Target USA CUP. Learn More About Field Services: According to Cooksey, the...
Photos: 2023 Target USA CUP Weekend Championship Day

Photos: 2023 Target USA CUP Weekend Championship Day

Target USA CUP weekend was filled with lots of action. The players put in their all, and they left everything out on the field. Today was championship day, and the energy at the Celebration Zone was incredible. Check out this collection of photos from today’s...
Esporte Clube Pinheiros: Target USA CUP Featured Team

Esporte Clube Pinheiros: Target USA CUP Featured Team

We are beyond excited to welcome Esporte Clube Pinheiros back to Target USA CUP! Traveling all the way from São Paulo, Brazil, this club brought a whopping 111 players and 7 teams to compete at the weekend and week-long tournament. Esporte Clube Pinheiros has been...
Faces of the CUP: Officer Arnsdorf

Faces of the CUP: Officer Arnsdorf

Introducing today’s Faces of the CUP, Officer Arnsdorf! You can spot Officer Arnsdorf lending a helping hand across the National Sports Center campus by ensuring the safety of tournament attendees and stopping traffic to help people cross the street. Arnsdorf has been...
Do Your Part: Soccer and Sustainability

Do Your Part: Soccer and Sustainability

Don’t let your recyclables chase you down! Wondering how YOU can do your part to recycle and make Target USA CUP more sustainable? We are here to help you out! Recycling Bins on Campus: ALL field pavilions have green bins with an orange lid! If you see...
Pin With a Purpose: Target USA CUP Sportsmanship Pin

Pin With a Purpose: Target USA CUP Sportsmanship Pin

Pin trading is one of the most important traditions at Target USA CUP. Everywhere you look, you can find people swapping pins and comparing their collections. This year’s hottest pin is the brand new Target USA CUP Sportsmanship Pin. You’d be lucky to add this pin to...
Photos: Check out the Target Activation Zones!

Photos: Check out the Target Activation Zones!

Target USA Cup has officially kicked off, and with it are new Target Activation Zones around the complex! (photos taken by Isaac Furey) In between games, head over to Target Hills to check out the Nintendo Gaming Lounge! Play some of your favorite Nintendo Games with...
Nutrition for Champions: Fuel Up for the Cup!

Nutrition for Champions: Fuel Up for the Cup!

When it comes to traveling for tournaments and games, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often seem like a challenging task! But do not fear, we are here to guide you throughout Target USA CUP in hopes of fueling your body for success and keeping energy high during...
Meet the Target USA CUP Hosts: Jimmy Conrad

Meet the Target USA CUP Hosts: Jimmy Conrad

The man, the myth, the legend Who is this “Jimmy Conrad”? Where is he from? What has he done? When will he be in Blaine? Get ready to learn more about one of the hosts of this year’s Target USA CUP! Born in California, Jimmy “Conradinho” Conrad has...
South Africa Joins the Party: Meet FARPost X1!

South Africa Joins the Party: Meet FARPost X1!

We are very excited to be welcoming over 1,000 teams to this year’s Target USA CUP! FARPost X1 is from the same city in South Africa as current Minnesota United star,  Bongokuhle “Bongi” Hlongwane, and we are so happy to have them on campus. Learn...
From Chile to Minnesota: Meet Sport Academy!

From Chile to Minnesota: Meet Sport Academy!

Target USA CUP is more than happy to welcome Sport Academy to the National Sports Center campus for this year’s tournament!Sport Academy is from Santiago, Chile which is over 5,600 miles away from Blaine, MN. They are bringing two teams (U16 & U19), 37...
Texas is in Town: Meet Diversity FC!

Texas is in Town: Meet Diversity FC!

Target USA CUP welcomes Diversity F.C. from Texas! This club from the Lone Star State is bringing 18 players to this year’s tournament and we can’t wait to see them play. Learn more about them below! What is your team most looking forward to at Target USA...
Journey to USA CUP: Meet Blindheim II J 2007 Girls!

Journey to USA CUP: Meet Blindheim II J 2007 Girls!

Welcome back for another Target USA CUP team feature! Our next team is Blindheim II J 2007 Girls traveling all the way from Norway as a team selected from the partnership we have with Norway Cup! What is your team most looking forward to at Target USA CUP? “We...
Midweek Buzz 7.5.23

Midweek Buzz 7.5.23

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEEK BUZZ! This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain essential information for your team to gear up for this year’s event. From paperwork deadlines to fun activities to campus updates,...
Midweek Buzz 6.28.23

Midweek Buzz 6.28.23

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEEK BUZZ! This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain essential information for your team to gear up for this year’s event. From paperwork deadlines to fun activities to campus updates, the...
5 Must-Have Items for Your Target USA CUP Bag

5 Must-Have Items for Your Target USA CUP Bag

Make the most out of your experience at Target USA CUP by ensuring you have essential items such as: 1. Sunscreen Don’t forget to pack sunscreen for the sunny and hot July weather during both the weekend and week-long tournament! Nothing is worse than playing with a...
Midweek Buzz 6.21.23

Midweek Buzz 6.21.23

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEEK BUZZ! This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain essential information for your team to gear up for this year’s event. From paperwork deadlines to fun activities to campus updates,...
All-American Cup kicks off summer at the NSC

All-American Cup kicks off summer at the NSC

The 2023 All American Cup brought teams from around the upper Midwest and Canada for a competitive, fun-filled weekend at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN. This was a fantastic opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills while in preparation for Target...
Midweek Buzz 6.14.23

Midweek Buzz 6.14.23

welcome to the midweek buzz! This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain essential information for your team to gear up for this year’s event. From paperwork deadlines to fun activities to campus updates, the...
Speak Up at Target USA CUP is back!

Speak Up at Target USA CUP is back!

Target USA CUP is excited to welcome back Speak Up, an initiative that aims to combat the stigma around mental health struggles in sports, specifically in young athletes. Speak Up is committed to fostering a supportive environment where athletes feel empowered to...
Midweek Buzz 6.7.23

Midweek Buzz 6.7.23

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEEK BUZZ! Loan Player Program Required Forms Deadline College ID Combine Pasta Dinner Tickets Deadline CA & MX Qualifer Social Media Handles This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain...
Maximize Your College Exposure at Target USA CUP

Maximize Your College Exposure at Target USA CUP

The National Sports Center is hosting its third annual USA CUP Premier College ID Combine this Summer. The ID Combine will help prospective student-athletes participating in USA CUP Weekend or USA CUP learn about the college recruiting experience and showcase their...
Midweek Buzz 5.31.23

Midweek Buzz 5.31.23

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEEK BUZZ! Pre-Tourney Ranking Deadline MN Twins Game Speak Up at USA CUP! Volunteer Info Order Team Pins! Target USA Cup College ID Combine This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain essential...
Midweek Buzz 5.26.23

Midweek Buzz 5.26.23

Welcome to the midweek buzz! Traveling Team Update! Forms and Fees Deadline Activity Order Deadlines Speak Up @ Target USA CUP! This Newsletter will be released every Wednesday leading up to Target USA CUP 2023 and will contain essential information for your team to...
Minnesota Wild hosts STEM Day at Super Rink

Minnesota Wild hosts STEM Day at Super Rink

Earlier this month, the Minnesota Wild and EVERFI hosted STEM Day at the NSC Super Rink as part of the Future Goals initiative. The initiative focuses on promoting STEM through sports and provides STEM education to K-12 students. Bella Iverson, the Wild’s Community...
Photos: NSC Skaters shine in annual Spring Ice Show

Photos: NSC Skaters shine in annual Spring Ice Show

The 2023 Spring Ice Show filled the Super Rink with skaters and spectators on April 26 and 27 for three dazzling shows. Skaters from all levels and ages showcased their talents, bringing impressive grace, athleticism and creativity to the ice. The event featured a...
Dome Sweet Dome: photo highlights from March Mayhem

Dome Sweet Dome: photo highlights from March Mayhem

The National Sports Center hosted the annual March Mayhem tournament on Sunday, March 5th in the M Health Fairview Dome. More than 70 teams competed in 121 games throughout the day, making it the largest March Mayhem to date. Congratulations to the winning teams and...
3 reasons MNUFC Adult League players love the league

3 reasons MNUFC Adult League players love the league

With recent memories of mud-caked snow on the ground, adult soccer in Minnesota feels like a distant pipe dream, right? Wrong. We can’t make summer come faster, but we can provide an opportunity to keep your soccer skills fresh in a fun, indoor environment. Of course,...
Photos: 2022 Fall College Showcase

Photos: 2022 Fall College Showcase

The 2022 Fall College Showcase launched us into dome season last weekend. With college coaches from all across the midwest in attendance, competition was high and the passion was palpable. Special thanks to all of the players who showcased their skills in last...
Cloquet-Esko-Carlton: All American Girls Featured Team

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton: All American Girls Featured Team

Our next featured team is the 12U Girls Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks! When asked what physical object these girls would choose to represent their club, they responded with, “An axe – we are the Lumberjacks!” Talk about team spirit! The Lumberjacks’ favorite...
Photos: Kick or Treat 2022

Photos: Kick or Treat 2022

This year’s spooky season ended with one of the National Sports Center’s most fun tournaments: Kick or Treat! Competing teams brought their A-game and showed up in some of the most clever costumes we’ve seen to date. Check out some of our favorite...
Omaha Lady Lancers: All-American Girls Featured Team

Omaha Lady Lancers: All-American Girls Featured Team

Introducing our first All American Girls Hockey Tournament Featured Team: the 12U Lady Lancers! The Lancers are coming all the way from Omaha, Nebraska for the tournament this November, and we are so happy they are making the journey to the Super Rink! The Lady...
Karen Olson receives ISI District 10 Merit Award!

Karen Olson receives ISI District 10 Merit Award!

NSC Figure Skating coach Karen Olson received the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) District 10 Merit Award for 2022. The award is presented to current ISI professional members who have demonstrated excellence in promoting ISI membership, programs and activities at the local...
Photos: USA CUP Utah Qualifier brings best of the west

Photos: USA CUP Utah Qualifier brings best of the west

Last weekend, Target USA CUP hosted its second qualifier tournament at the Regional Athletic Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nestled within the Salt Lake Valley, the Wasatch mountains served as a breathtaking backdrop to three days of exciting soccer. 44 teams from...
Summer highlights from an NSC Intern

Summer highlights from an NSC Intern

This summer, I was given the great opportunity to be a Content Creation Intern at the National Sports Center. As the summer is starting to come to a close, I am finding myself reflecting on all of the fun and exciting moments I was given the opportunity to take part...
Target USA CUP in the news!

Target USA CUP in the news!

Check out this years Target USA CUP stories in the media! Video: CCX Media – USA CUP SOCCER TO KICK OFF 36TH YEAR ON FRIDAY July 6, 2022 Video: KSTP – 16U Ukrainian boys soccer team arrived at MSP for USA Cup in Blaine Alec Ausmus KSTP Updated: July 7,...
My favorite moments from USA CUP 2022

My favorite moments from USA CUP 2022

It is always a great time photographing the amazing athletes at USA CUP! Here are my favorite shots from this year’s tournament. #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; } #gallery-1...

Faces of the CUP: USA CUP Content Director, Caroline Skoog

Caroline Skoog is the National Sports Center’s fantastic Multimedia Content Creator. This is her first Target USA CUP, and she’s knocking it out of the park. Caroline has a lot on her plate as the USA CUP Content Director, and she’s the reason why the USA CUP media...
Kick around the world: San Juan FC

Kick around the world: San Juan FC

The San Juan FC 14U team from Puerto Rico is not an average team! Most of these kids were friends that came together from different clubs to play together in the Target USA CUP! This is their first time actually playing together, but the close-knit friendships makes...
Photos: Neon Dance Recap!

Photos: Neon Dance Recap!

What a night at the Neon Dance! These kids might be good at soccer, but they are even better at dancing. It’s evenings like last night that make Target USA CUP more than just a soccer tournament. Check out the colorful memories made last night! Let’s be...
Kick around the world: ESM Cayman

Kick around the world: ESM Cayman

Welcome back to Target USA CUP, ESM Cayman! This is the 9th time that the Cayman Islands has competed at USA CUP, and they’re ready to give it their all this week. ESM Cayman was founded by Winston Chung in 1999. Today, ESM is run by Virgil Seymour. Fun fact: Winston...
Annie Juergens: Founder of Speak Up at USA CUP

Annie Juergens: Founder of Speak Up at USA CUP

New to Target USA CUP this year is Speak Up, a day dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health in sports. Annie Juergens, Sports and Recreation Coordinator at the National Sports Center, has put in countless hours preparing for this day. Annie created Speak...
Faces of the CUP: Referee Justin Beiersdorf

Faces of the CUP: Referee Justin Beiersdorf

Today’s Faces of the CUP is returning referee Justin Beiersdorf. Justin is from Minnesota, and he has reffed at Target USA CUP for the past 4 years. He is very excited to be back in action this year, especially since international teams are back! USA CUP depends...
Kick around the world: Corinthians Academy

Kick around the world: Corinthians Academy

Introducing Corinthians Academy from Brazil! Corinthians Academy was founded in 1910, and since then, it has become an extremely successful soccer club with millions of fans in Brazil and around the world. This FC has over 20 teams, and the boys U12 team came to USA...
Target USA CUP Weekend Recap

Target USA CUP Weekend Recap

Target USA CUP kicked off with our weekend tournament which began on Friday, July 8 and concluded this evening after a 2 hour weather delay. With referees and players from 19 countries and 25 states, Target USA CUP its 36th tournament after it’s first tournament...
Kick around the world: Rudbeckianska Gymnasiets

Kick around the world: Rudbeckianska Gymnasiets

Rudbeckianska Gymnasiets and RBFC after their game on 7/8 Located in Västerås, Sweden, Rudbeckianska Gymnasiet secondary school is home to the incredible boys 19U team. This school was founded in 1623, and since then, its students have had the opportunity to blossom...
Brenda Dolejs: Manager of Chaos

Brenda Dolejs: Manager of Chaos

Welcome back to Faces of the CUP! Today we are highlighting an invaluable member of our medical volunteer staff, Brenda Dolejs. Brenda is a Medical Manager, and this is her 9th year in this position. When she isn’t overseeing the team of medical volunteers at Target...
Kick around the world: Lincoln School from Costa Rica

Kick around the world: Lincoln School from Costa Rica

Welcome back to Target USA CUP 2022! We are as proud as we are excited to be hosting teams from 19 different countries and 21 different states; the celebration and community this brings to our campus is what makes Target USA CUP so unique.I had the great opportunity...
Final Midweek Buzz 7.6.22

Final Midweek Buzz 7.6.22

THE FINAL WEEK OF THE MIDWEEK BUZZ We are so close to Target USA CUP! Keep reading to make sure you get maximize your time here at the National Sports Center. Final Team Check In Dances OC & Rock the Cup Game Day Tips Photography MLS All-Star Skills Tour Mall of...
Finding Love at USA CUP

Finding Love at USA CUP

As we count down the (few) days left to Target USA CUP, we find ourselves reminiscing on the many memories over the years. While the tournament is an exciting and unique experience to take part in, Target USA CUP provides an experience that reaches beyond the field...
2022 Target USA CUP Featured Team: FC Atlas

2022 Target USA CUP Featured Team: FC Atlas

Target USA CUP is excited to welcome the Texas Qualifier Winners, FC Atlas U11 boys from Wichita, Kansas! In just eight days, 12 FC Atlas players will make the trip to Target USA CUP! The team is bringing Nick, Aaron, Sol, Leroy, Javier, Micah, Joaren, Cristian,...
Final Midweek Buzz 7.6.22

MIDWEEK BUZZ 6.28.22

WEEK 5 OF THE BUZZ Welcome back to the buzz! We are 2 weeks away from Target USA CUP. We can’t wait to see everyone. Schedule Posting Final Team Check In College Recruitment ValleyFair Mall of America Speak Up Adidas Store schedule posting dates USA CUP Weekend...
Motivation Monday 6.27.22

Motivation Monday 6.27.22

Happy Motivation Monday! For Motivation Monday this week, we are reflecting on Pride Month as the end of June is soon approaching. At NSC, we strive to celebrate and appreciate all LGBTQIA+ athletes, coaches, parents, staff, and supporters. We want to take this...
Meet the Icons: Maddie Rooney

Meet the Icons: Maddie Rooney

In this episode of Meet the Icons, Tim McNiff sits down with girls’ hockey Olympic Medalist, Maddie Rooney. They discuss the evolution of girls’ hockey and the upcoming All American Girls Hockey Tournament. want to learn more about the All American Girls...
Teeing off with Tom: Lesson #5

Teeing off with Tom: Lesson #5

We are back with the next episode of Teeing off with Tom! In this episode, Tom discusses ways to continue to improve your golf game, including club selection and understanding your ball’s lie. CONNECT WITH...
Final Midweek Buzz 7.6.22

MIDWEEK BUZZ 6.21.22

WEEK FOUR OF THE BUZZ! Your main source of news leading up to Target USA CUP. Pasta Dinner Activities Volunteers MN United Game Kickit Ukrainian Team Pasta Dinner Tickets Deadline The July 1st deadline approaching! Make sure to grab your meal tickets before Opening...
Final Midweek Buzz 7.6.22

MIDWEEK BUZZ 6.16.22

WELCOME TO WEEK 3 OF THE BUZZ! Your main source of news leading up to Target USA CUP. SPEAK UP at USA CUP Target USA CUP will be combining awareness, education, and community, to create an overall perception that it is ok to not be ok. It is our goal to end the stigma...
Motivation Monday 6.27.22

Motivation Monday 6.13.22

Happy motivation Monday! To kick off Motivation Monday this summer, we are starting with the perfect playlist curated specifically to fit Summer 2022 energy. Listen to Summer Moves while you’re driving to practice, walking your dog, or enjoying dinner with your...
Final Midweek Buzz 7.6.22

MIDWEEK BUZZ 6.8.22

WELCOME BACK TO THE BUZZ! Your weekly information leading up to Target USA CUP. MN Twins Game International Refs Norway Cup Volunteers Pins MINNESOTA TWINS GAME Come cheer on the Minnesota Twins as they take on the Chicago White Sox! Get your tickets before the...
Four must-play games on the TrackMan

Four must-play games on the TrackMan

The TrackMan golf simulator at the National Sports Center now offers four different game modes that can provide hours of entertainment for golfers of all skill levels. Take your golf practice to a new level with these four games: “Hit It” Step into the...
Try this soccer endurance building HIIT workout

Try this soccer endurance building HIIT workout

In soccer, endurance is key. It’s a sport of strength, agility and speed; a successful player will need all three. In a single game, players are constantly traveling for 90+ minutes and could run up to 8 miles. For this extended period of exercise, you’re going to...
NSC Cookbook: Kati’s Zesty Fajita Lime Chicken

NSC Cookbook: Kati’s Zesty Fajita Lime Chicken

Ingredients (makes 4 servings)4 piece of chicken (breast, thigh, leg)4 Tbsp butter or olive oil1 white onion sliced2-3 peppers sliced (red, orange, yellow or green)1 Tbsp lime juice1 Tbsp zest of the lime1 clove minced garlic1 Tbsp minced ginger2 Tbsp honey1 jalapeno...
NSC announces new field numbers

NSC announces new field numbers

Big news for the National Sports Center! We’ve changed our outdoor field naming system. As of July 2019, all outdoor fields at the NSC campus are identified by number and all parking lots are identified by single letter.  Click the map to view a full-size PDF...
NSC announces Target as title sponsor of USA CUP

NSC announces Target as title sponsor of USA CUP

BLAINE, Minn., (July 1, 2019) — The National Sports Center (NSC) is excited to announce Target will be the title sponsor for the USA CUP youth soccer tournament, starting with the 2019 tournament as part of a multi-year partnership. Target USA CUP will take place July...