About
Meet Our Team
Tay Vang
President
Arriving in France as a refugee from Laos in 1978, I discovered my passion for soccer. Growing up in France, I played the sport from my youth through adulthood. In the early 1990s, I immigrated to the US. In 2005, I founded Saint Paul United Youth Soccer Club to introduce the game to my children and their peers.
By 2014, I assumed the roles of coach and technical director at Minnesota Thunder Academy East (MTA). In 2018, I transitioned to MN Eclipse, continuing in these roles. Today, I coach at Manitou FC. Over my 19 years in coaching, I’ve won numerous local tournaments and leagues. Yet, my greatest joy has been guiding many players to play in Division 1 colleges and professional soccer.
Brian Vang
Secretary
My name is Brian Vang. I began my soccer journey with Saint Paul United and Minnesota Thunder Academy. After my youth career, I earned a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer at UW-Green Bay, where I also completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Following college, I signed my first professional contract with Michigan Stars FC in 2020. Currently, I work as an IT Help Desk technician while studying for my IT certifications and exploring a future in cybersecurity.
Michael Vang
Executive Director
My name is Michael Vang. As a former professional soccer player from St. Paul, Minnesota, achieving my dream of playing professionally was a profound experience. Growing up, I played for clubs like Saint Paul United, Minnesota Thunder Academy, and Shattuck St. Mary’s. Throughout my professional career, I had the privilege of playing for teams such as Forward Madison, Columbus Crew, Portland Timbers, Miami FC, and the Lao National Team.
Growing up in a less fortunate family, I understood firsthand the challenges of accessing sports opportunities, especially with three siblings also participating in athletics. I witnessed many children unable to compete due to financial constraints. Recognizing that the U.S. sports system often operates on a pay-to-play model, which can be prohibitive for many families, I founded this foundation to support those in need.
I was fortunate to leverage my talents to earn a scholarship to play at Shattuck St. Mary’s and at a Division I college. However, many young athletes are denied similar opportunities due to financial constraints. I am dedicated to providing these individuals with a platform to showcase their skills, as excelling in sports can serve as a valuable pathway to college admission, alongside their academic achievements.
I am determined to provide opportunities for youth to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams, just as I was fortunate enough to do.