18x26 Academy: Elevating Soccer, Empowering Communities

Welcome to 18x26 Academy, Minnesota's premier pre-professional club and a beacon of opportunity for diverse players from underserved communities. We are more than just a soccer team; we are a community-driven force, built by passionate youth, for the community.

18x26 Academy is a youth-built pro development soccer team proudly competing in the UPSL Premier, the premier national league at the fourth tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid. Our journey is defined by the remarkable diversity of our players, who come together from underserved communities to challenge the best teams in the Midwest.

Our mission is clear: to provide the best possible platform for our diverse players to elevate their game.

Join Us

Whether you are a player with dreams, a supporter with a passion for community impact, or a partner interested in fostering positive change, we invite you to be part of our journey. Together, we can continue to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and shape a future where soccer serves as a catalyst for empowerment and unity.

At 18x26 Academy, we don't just play soccer; we elevate lives, one goal at a time. Join us in making a difference on and off the field.

Amin Qasim

Head Coach

Ahmed Mohamed

Assistant Coach

Abdirahman Shariff Hassan 

The Mission of the 18x26 academy team is to identify, support, empower the most promising soccer players ages18 and under in Minnesota, particularity players from underserved communities who aspire to continue playing at competitive level beyond their age.

the key objectives of the team

-Accelerated development-providing a community team that accelerates the growth and development of players year round preparing them for collegiate soccer and beyond

Enhanced competition: offering a high level of competition in trainings, and games that challenges and elevate their game

Financial accessibility : addressing financial barriers by supporting players especially those who may find it hard to afford or justify the costs associated with high level competitive soccer

Intense specialized trainings: providing intense specialized trainings by pro licensed coaches, and professional players ensuring all players benefit from the expertise and knowledge of professionals dedicated to their development.

professional player mentorship: facilitating free mentorship support from professionals who share valuable insights, guidance creating a dynamic relationship that nurtures both skills development and strong sense of community.

navigating the soccer system: assist players, especially those from underserving communities, who feel lost within the US soccer system, providing guidance to help gain a pathway on their soccer journey