This was a great honor for Craig and he cherishes it dearly after al the years training and sacrificing.  Not long after that his dream of playing professional came true, he signed a contract with the Minnesota Thunder of the United Soccer Leagues Division 1.  Now known as Minnesota United FC, Craig and his team mates faced great opposition every week in Seattle Sounders, Montreal Impact, Miami FC, Rochester Rhinos, Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders.  It was a very exciting time to be playing in that league.  During Craig’s professional career he was fortunate to have played in some very important games, while at the same time he was very eager to learn about the coaching side.  Minnesota Thunder had a great youth camp program and in addition to playing Craig would work camps all over the state throughout out the week before training.  Knowing that when his playing career would end that this was a great way to give back to the game he gave him so much and that he dearly loves.  After retiring from playing due to an injury in the off season, Craig beginning his coaching career.  After several years of coaching youth teams and camps, Craig was offered a position in New Jersey as Director of Coaching for the European Soccer Academy.  The club focused on all ages and skill levels, from 18 months year old to 16 year old academy teams.  At only 24 years old, Craig was identifying, hiring, and training a team of coaches who would run training sessions, coach in games, for eight different soccer clubs in New Jersey.  After 18 successful months, Craig wanted to return to Minnesota, and took on the prestigious role of Director of Coaching for Cottage Grove United, at still a young age, this was a great opportunity to put a positive mark on the great club of Cottage Grove.  He led a club in all aspects with 40 travel teams, and 1600 recreation players.  During this time Craig led coach educations classes, provided feedback to coaches after practices and games, he also ran team training once a week for every team in the club.  Craig ran many outdoor and indoor camps for players of all ages and staffed them accordingly.  During this time is when Craig attained his USSF D, and C licenses, as well as his National Youth license.  After a very successful spell at Cottage Grove, Craig got the opportunity to become the Director of Camps & Youth Development for the NASL team; Minnesota United FC, soon to be MLS Minnesota United FC.  Craig was thrilled to be back where it all began and was tasked with building a camp, coach education program with Minnesota United, as well as running clinics for partners such as LifeTime Fitness.  After four successful years at Minnesota United FC, Craig decided to join Edina Soccer Club, an incredible community club, which is where he currently coaches.  Craig has teams in the U8, U9, and U10 age groups.

It’s extremely important to Craig and his staff that they pride themselves in delivering unparalleled programming for all age groups and skill levels in a safe, fun-filled, challenging, caring environment.

We would love for you to be part of our programs, and If you have a question, please send an email to cmallace@gmail.com