Soccer Academy

18x26 Academy is a community-driven soccer organization dedicated to empowering minority and African immigrant youth. We provide comprehensive support through high-quality soccer training, academic assistance, and mentorship programs, aiming to help young athletes develop their skills, excel academically, and realize their full potential on and off the field

Vision Statement
To inspire the next generation of soccer players to achieve their dreams within an academy designed to nurture their needs both on and off the field.

18x26 Academy Through the Years

2019: Founders Omar Mohamed and Abdi Mohamed were called to the Somali National Football Team for its 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe, representing their heritage on the global stage.

2020: After their success with the Somali National Team and overwhelming global support, Omar and Abdi inspired a new generation of players seeking to advance beyond youth sports. Responding to young athletes on social media, they envisioned 18x26 Academy. With COVID briefly pausing their careers, they launched the first Winter Camp in Minnesota in 2021.

2021:

• 18x26 Academy Showcase: A free two-day camp for nearly 30 high school players to train with Omar and Abdi.
• High School Summer Camp: The academy’s first free two-day camp in Minnesota, providing a platform for high school players to showcase their talent.
• Turkey Trip: A transformative overseas journey for 20 of the best young players from the U.S. and Canada. Participants competed against professional teams, gaining firsthand experience in the professional soccer world, exposure to scouts, and a memorable cultural exchange.

2022:

• Free Individual and Group Training: Sessions for high school players to develop their skills.
• High School Eid Tournament: A community-centered competition celebrating soccer and culture.
• Somali U-20 Camp: A training opportunity for emerging talent.
• 18x26 Academy Somalia: Launched under Coach Said Ali and Saynab, with two youth teams to nurture talent locally.
• Semi-Pro Team Formation: Created to bridge the gap for players needing opportunities beyond youth soccer levels.

2023:

• UPSL Season Begins: Hosted at St. Louis Park Stadium.
• Season Champions: The team achieved an outstanding record of 8 wins, 2 draws, and a playoff record of 1 win and 1 loss, marking a milestone in the academy’s journey.

18x26 Academy continues to evolve, breaking barriers and building pathways for young athletes to succeed in soccer and life.