General Traveling Soccer Information - Tonka United
Tonka United Soccer Association (TUSA), a non-profit organization whose mission of which is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of youth soccer players in the Minnetonka School District and surrounding area through the sport of soccer at all levels of age, skill and competition.
The purpose of the Tonka United Traveling Program is to offer and provide a full scope of soccer experiences for its players at both the Traveling (Competitive) and Premier (Select) levels play. The program serves players ages U8-U19.
The Tonka United Recreational Program exists to provide players ages 4-18 an opportunity to enjoy playing in an organized and fun-filled youth soccer league. TUSA facilitates a Fall and Summer Travel Program.
Tonka United Travel Soccer FAQ's
What is Traveling Soccer and who is it for?
Traveling Soccer is available to players who enjoy the game of soccer ages U8 through U19 who have an interest in honing their soccer skills and playing at a more committed level. Teams primarily play other teams within the West Metro.
What does a more committed level of soccer mean?
Soccer is a year round sport and a commitment to Fall and Spring/Summer play is suggested for players U11 and above. During the Summer Season there will be 3-4 games or practices per week. Teams will play in 2-4 tournaments on average in the spring/summer. The Fall League is a more laid back season with games/practices 1-3 times per week. In addition players are strongly encouraged to practice once per week during the Winter (Jan-March). We understand and encourage players to play other sports; it is our feeling that players can typically balance other sports throughout the year. Winter sports can still be managed along with soccer.
Fall (September-October ): 1-2 games on the weekend. 1 practice session during the week. 6 Week Season.
Spring/Summer (April-July): 1-2 games per week (weekday) plus 2-3 practice sessions (week days and weekends) depending up the level of your team (see playing levels).
Winter (January-March): Players will train one evening per week in the Tonka Dome. Winter training is a part of your Spring/Summer fees and registration.
Does Tonka United offer additional opportunities for its players and teams?
Yes. Tonka United offers various "additional" player development programs for its players throughout the calendar year. See below for your options.
FootHolde Summer Camps: Camps are run in June and July and are held in various locations across the twin cities. Tonka players prefer camps at Minnetonka Middle School West in mid-June and late July. Other nearby locations are Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, and Chanhassen.
FootHolde Winter Clinics: Excellence of Attack West I and II are 8-week clinics designed to develop players' individual attacking skills. Session I runs Nov 9-Jan 11; Session II runs Jan 18-March 8.
Goalkeeper-Striker Clinic: Tonka United runs its annual GK-Striker Clinic each spring. This clinic is for players looking to learn more about the goalkeeper position, and also for players looking to improve their attacking skills.
FutsalWest Indoor Soccer League: FutsalWest is run by Tonka United aimed at developing players and improving team cohesion during the winter months. Session I runs Nov-Dec and Session II runs Jan-Feb. Each session is a 6-week league consisting of 6 games.
Goalkeeper Training: Tonka United has hired a professional Goalkeeper Coach to train all goalkeepers and offer specialized training during the winter, spring, and summer months.
How far do we have to travel for games?
Games are played against other club teams in the West District (such as Eden Prairie, Chaska, Plymouth, Edina to name a few). Teams usually opt for a couple of tournaments each season to compliment league play. Tournaments can be as local as Eden Prairie and Blaine or as far away as Iowa, Wisconsin or further (for older age groups).
Who Runs the League?
MYSA (Minnesota Youth Soccer Association). Tonka United Soccer Association does not set league rules/guidelines.
What are Age Groups & can I play with my Grade?
Age groups are determined by the date you were born between 8/1-7/31 of each year. Players may NOT play down to an age group they can only play up a year.
How and when do I register my child(ren)?
Registration is executed online.
To enter the Registration Page, Click HERE.
Registration opens in July for Fall and Summer Leagues.
How are the teams formed?
U8 teams are formed by gender and neighborhood whenever possible. At this age there is not a tryout as such, as we look to place ALL players on a travel team (if numbers permit). We do not allow friend requests in Travel Soccer. Our aim is to have as many players as possible experience the transition from recreation to travel soccer in a fun and safe environment.
U9-U17 Teams are formed based on Tryout results as well as Coach, Staff Coach, and Coaching Director Evaluations from the prior season.
Can I change teams once the teams have been formed?
NO. Not until the following season.
When are Tryouts?
Tryouts are held the first week of August for U12 and older players looking to play soccer for Tonka United.
Tryouts are held mid-July for U9-U11 players looking to play soccer for Tonka United.
What are the Different Levels of Play?
U9-U10 teams play at the Maroon or Gold Level. (U8 plays U9 Gold)
Maroon is the higher more experienced level. Gold is entry level. NO scores or standings are kept. Clubs decide the level of play for each team.
U11, U12, and U13 teams play at C1, C2 or C3. C1 is the highest level. Scores and Standings are now kept. Clubs decide the level of each team.
U14-U18 teams play at Premier, C1, C2, or C3. Premier is the highest level. MYSA determines the level of each team based on the results of their prior summer season.
Who Coaches Travel Teams?
At U8-U10 Travel Teams are coached by parent volunteers. Some teams at U10 will have a college or High School age Coach along with the Parent Volunteer.
It is our intention that ages U11-U18 will have a Paid Professional Coach. Exceptions can be made at the C2 and C3 Levels. Coaches are paid for by the families on the team.
Commitment Guidelines
Tonka United serves all interested soccer players from age 4 through adult and for every interest level from Recreational to Premier League. For the more committed player (U8-U19), there is a Travel league. The following information is provided to ensure that each player and his/her family understand the commitment expected for each level of play.
These are guidelines and each coach, along with input from players and their families, will make the final determination on the amount and type of training and the number of tournaments to be played. If a player (family) cannot participate to the level suggested the family can request to have the player assigned to a team with a lower commitment level. Players’ commitment will be rated by their coaches and reported to the Director of Coaching. These ratings will be included with other tryout information to place the player on the appropriate team.
Families of travel players should try and schedule summer camps and vacations around the soccer season if possible. District and State Tournaments are held at the end of the season (mid to late July) and participation is expected if the team qualifies. It is understood that conflicts will arise.
Our hope is that players and families will work hard to avoid these conflicts. This can be accomplished through planning and discussions with coaches and leaders of all sports and activities you are involved in as well as communication to the team manager/coach prior to the start of the season at which time the schedule is laid out. Tonka United has created flexible options during the winter season to accommodate the varied needs of its players. The more you participate, the better you become and the better your team becomes.
Please read the description of the commitment for various levels in order to better understand the required commitment. For U11-U19 C2 and higher playing levels, players and parents will be asked to electronically initial the commitment form with our new online registration process.
COMMITMENT GUIDELINES
Send general inquiries to admin@tonkaunited.org for more information regarding our Traveling program.