Tonka United Soccer Association

Summer Rec Program 2008 FAQs

Q. How do I register for the summer soccer season?

Online registration will open as of February 15 on our website at www.tonkaunited.org and is based on the grade the child will enter in the 2008-2009 school year. Registration fees are $90 for K-1st Grade and $120 for 2nd-9th grade. If your child did not purchase and/or participate in our program last year, you will be required to purchase the Tonka United uniform for an additional $35.

Q. When is the deadline to regsiter for the summer season?

The deadline to register is March 24. Registrations received after that date will be assessed a $25 late fee and the player will be put on a waiting list. If there is no team for the late registrant, the entire fee will be refunded. Tonka United makes all the decisions on late players, NOT the coach.

Q. What is the basic format of the league?

One game and practice per week. Practice days and times are to be determined by the coach. In most cases, games will be once a week: Monday – Thursday.

Q. When does the season begin and how long is it?

The season consists of 10 games scheduled in 10 weeks. Games begin the week of May 5 and the season concludes with a league tournament, the Tonka Blast, the weekend of July 12.

Q. When will the games be played?

The game nights are expected to be:

Day	Boys	Girls
Monday	Grade K	Grade 2, 6, 7
Tuesday	Grade 3	Grade K, 3, 8, 9
Wednesday	Grade 2, 5, 6	Grade 1, 4
Thursday	Grade 1, 4, 7, 8, 9	Grade 5

Note: Registration is based on the grade the child will enter in the 2008-2009 school year.

These game nights are based on last year’s participation numbers and are subject to change. Tonka United Soccer Association will set the game schedule. Due to field constraints it is possible that a small number of games may be scheduled on a Friday or Saturday. It is also possible that games that are cancelled due to weather or field conditions will be rescheduled to a Friday or Saturday as well. Schedules will be given to the coaches at the coaches meeting approximately two weeks prior to the start of the season.

Q. How are the teams formed?

Registration is based on the grade the child will enter in the 2008-2009 school year. Teams are then formed by gender, grade, and school whenever possible.

Q. Can we request friends?

Yes, you may indicate ONE friend. Please do not indicate more than one.

Q. When will we know our teams?

At least two weeks prior to the start of the season your coach will contact you (after April 21). Team rosters may be posted online and/or emailed.

Q. What should I do after April 25 if the coach has not contacted me?

Please be patient and give the coach a chance to make the calls. If you have not heard from someone by April 25, contact the age group coordinator listed on the website.

Q. Can I change teams once the teams have been formed?

NO. Tonka United volunteers put the teams together using the information you provided on the registration form. Teams are formed by gender, grade and school whenever possible.

Q. When and where will we practice?

The coach will determine practice times and locations. Practices are held at local parks and schools near your area, usually within the Minnetonka School District. Practices should be held at least once a week.

Q. Will there be player clinics again this year?

Yes, players and coaches will have the opportunity to attend player clinics run by David Wall and staff throughout the season. These clinics are designed to further both the players and the coaches’ soccer knowledge and skill. Your coach will receive this schedule approximately two weeks prior to the season at the Coaches Meeting. Come dressed to play with a ball, shin guards, a water bottle and appropriate footwear. All clinics will be held at MMW.

Q. What equipment do we need?

Each player must have a ball with his or her name on it. Balls are sized for each age group.
(Grades K – 3) – size 3
(Grades 4 – 6) – size 4
(Grades 7 and up) – size 5
Each player must have shin guards.
Each player must wear the Tonka United uniform.
Additional items:
Soccer socks (long enough to go over the shin guards).
Water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, hair binders and weather appropriate clothing.
Turf shoes and soccer cleats are recommended appropriate footwear. No baseball cleats allowed.
PLEASE BE SURE TO LABEL ALL EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING.
NO JEWELRY of any kind is allowed, including ALL earrings. Sports glasses must be worn if needed by the player. No metal hair binders are allowed.

Q. Who should I inform about a medical condition?

Medical conditions such as asthma, or sprains and strains should be reported immediately to the coach. If you require an inhaler, please make sure the coach is aware of it and knows the location of the inhaler during your game or practice. The coach will have a limited first aid kit at his/her disposal.

Q. When is the Tonka Balst (end of season tournament)?

The Tonka Blast is scheduled for the weekend of July 12.

Q. How can I, as a parent, help?

In addition to coaching we need age group coordinators, field marshals, Tonka Blast coordinators and other various opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online Adult Registration found on our website.

Q. How can I be a coach if I don't know anything about soccer?

The hardest part of coaching is volunteering! After that it gets much easier. We don’t expect everyone to start out as a great coach. All you need to start coaching is a desire to learn, have fun and work with kids. Our top notch coaching staff led by David Wall can provide you with the soccer tools you will need to make this a fun and exciting year for the players.

Q. Are there any summer camps this year?

Yes, Tonka United is conducting our own summer camps for players ages 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The dates for the summer camp are June 9 – 13 at MMW. Register online on our website after February 15, Registration deadline is June 1.

Q. How do I found out more information on your programs?

Visit our website at www.tonkaunited.org, email us at admin@tonkaunited.org or call the Tonka United office at 952-475-9178.