RECREATION LEAGUE - WINTER
The Tonka United Winter Recreation season provides players from Pre-K through 5th with a community-based soccer league experience focused on fun, participation, inclusion, and connection. Leagues are formed by current 2026/27 school-year grade and gender.
All players are welcom to register for the Rec League, which features 6 games over 8 weeks from January 9 through February 27. Rec teams are led by Volunteer Parent Coaches, supported by Grassroots and Competitive Staff, and a have a consistent, family-friendly schedule.
Important Seasonal Notes:
Save More with Early-Bird & Multi-Player Discounts:
10% off any package if you register by December 1, 2026
5% off any package if you register 2+ players in the same transaction
Winter
RDP registration - Open to 1st-5th Grade Players. Also, now offering a RDP Only option. See below.
Juniors is open for U4-U8 players. Register for a Pre-K, K, or 1st Grade Rec Team, and receive 30% off a Winter Juniors Session.
New for Winter 2026
Tonka United Recreation is introducing updated game formats for Winter 2027 to better support player development at each age level
- PreK: 3v3
- Kindergarten: 4v4
- 1st Grade: 5v5
- 2nd/3rd Grade: 5v5
- 4th/5th Grade: 5v5
PreK–Kindergarten teams will play 6 games over 8 Saturdays, competing exclusively against other Tonka United Recreation teams.
1st–5th Grade teams will also play 6 games over 8 Saturdays. Teams will play approximately 3–4 games against other Recreation teams, plus 1–3 games against Tonka United Competitive teams of similar skill and development. This new addition gives players the opportunity to experience different levels of competition while continuing to develop in a supportive Recreation environment.
All games will be supported and led by Tonka United Grassroots and Competitive Coaching Staff, working alongside our Parent Volunteer Coaches to provide a positive, organized, and development-focused game experience.
FULL BREAKDOWN OF PACKAGES AND SEASON DETAILS BELOW
QUESTIONS? Contact Rec Director: Sean Downey - rec@tonkaunited.org
| 2027 Key Dates | Description |
|---|---|
| December 1 | Early Bird Registration Discount Ends |
| December 20 | Guarantee Registration Deadline by Midnight |
| Friend Request & Uniform Tops by January 9 | |
| Registration still open past this date | |
| December 27 | Rosters & Schedules Published |
| January 4 | Rec Parent Volunteer Coaches Meeting |
| Zoom Virtual 7:15 PM to 8:00 PM | |
| January 4 | Parents Meeting |
| Zoom Virtual 8:15 PM to 9:00 PM | |
| January 9 | First Day of Games |
| Uniform Pick-up (Tonka Dome) | |
| Guaranteed for those who registered by Dec. 20 | |
| January 15 | Registration Closes |
| February 27 | Final Day of Games |
*Key dates/times/locations subject to change.
CONFIRM CORRECT GRADE & PACKAGE BEFORE REGISTERING
If your PlayMetrics account
shows an incorrect grade or you would like to request to play up, please contact
Rec Director, Sean Downey
to adjust your account or registration.
Before registering for the league.
Please double check you are registering for the correct grade, once rosters and schedules are released
we will not make changes.
Grade selection in PlayMetrics follows national, birthdate-based standards, not when your player's specific schooling began. We strongly recommend keeping your player in the auto-assigned grade to support a healthy, balanced league.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT FOR REC PROGRAM
Tonka United’s Recreation Program has been powered by volunteers for 45+ years. As our league continues to grow, volunteer support remains essential.
Each family pays a single $100 volunteer deposit at registration, refunded after completing one volunteer shift or serving as a Parent Volunteer Coach. Compared to many other programs that charge $300+ and require multiple shifts, our requirement is simple, but essential: one family, one fee, one shift.
Families may opt out by forfeiting the deposit, which helps fund finacial aid, and keeps the league running at a high standard.
You can Sign Up for SignUpGenius Shifts NOW or Volunteer to be a Parent Coach during registration.
Find more information and details on our
VOLUNTEERS PAGE!
REC LEAGUE PACKAGES
Click each tab for full package details. All packages are subject to change.
PreK Rec League
Season Summary:
- Location: MHS Tonka Dome
- Game Format: 3v3
- Game Manager: Grassroots Staff
- Roster Max: 6
- Game Time: 45/mins
- Field Size: 20x30
- Ball Size: 4
- Games: 6 (over 8 Saturdays)
- Uniform Tops: 1 Silver, 1 Navy, No Additional Cost
- Uniform Shorts/Socks: Black Shorts/Socks. Can order from Sprit Gear MN
- Cost: $215
- Plus $100 Volunteer Deposit (refundable)
Game Days:
PreK Boys: Saturdays | 8:15 AM
PreK Girls: Saturdays | 9:15 AM
Will merge to COED if we do not reach the minimum of 4 teams with healthy rosters to form separate leagues by December 27.
All players should arrive 10 minutes before the above listed kickoff time, for a warm-up with their Coach and Team.
Make-up Games: Our goal is for every team to play all scheduled games. If cancellations occur, there are no reschedules during the Winter season. No refunds or credits will be issued for games canceled due to circumstances outside of our control.
RDP: RDP is not offered at this age. We highly recommend combining Rec with Juniors. Register for Rec and receive a 30% Juniors discount in your confirmation email.
K Rec League
Season Summary:
- Location: MHS Tonka Dome
- Game Format: 4v4
- Game Manager: Grassroots Staff
- Roster Max: 8
- Game Time: 45/mins
- Field Size: 20x30
- Ball Size: 4
- Games: 6 (over 8 Saturdays)
- Uniform Tops: 1 Silver, 1 Navy, No Additional Cost
- Uniform Shorts/Socks: Black Shorts/Socks. Can order from Sprit Gear MN
- Cost: $215
- Plus $100 Volunteer Deposit (refundable)
Game Days:
K Boys: Saturdays | 8:15 AM
K Girls: Saturdays | 9:15 AM
Will merge to COED if we do not reach the minimum of 4 teams with healthy rosters to form separate leagues by December 27.
All players should arrive 10 minutes before the above listed kickoff time, for a warm-up with their Coach and Team.
Make-up Games: Our goal is for every team to play all scheduled games. If cancellations occur, there are no reschedules during the Winter season. No refunds or credits will be issued for games canceled due to circumstances outside of our control.
RDP: RDP is not offered at this age. We highly recommend combining Rec with Juniors. Register for Rec and receive a 30% Juniors discount in your confirmation email.
1st Grade Rec League
Season Summary:
- Location: MHS Tonka Dome
- Game Format: 5v5
- Game Manager: Grassroots & Competitive Coaching Staff
- Roster Max: 8
- Game Time: 45/mins
- Field Size: 45x30
- Ball Size: 4
- Games: 6 (over 8 Saturdays)
- Uniform Tops: 1 Silver, 1 Navy, No Additional Cost
- Uniform Shorts/Socks: Black Shorts/Socks. Can order from Sprit Gear MN
- Cost: $215
- Plus $100 Volunteer Deposit (refundable)
Game Days:
1st Grade Boys: Saturdays | 10:15 AM
1st Grade Girls: Saturdays | 10:15 AM
Will merge to COED if we do not reach the minimum of 4 teams with healthy rosters to form separate leagues by December 27.
All players should arrive 10 minutes before the above listed kickoff time, for a warm-up with their Coach and Team.
1st–5th Grade Teams will play 6 games over 8 Saturdays. Teams will play approximately 3–4 games against other Recreation teams, plus 1–3 games against Tonka United Competitive teams of similar skill and development.
Make-up Games: Our goal is for every team to play all scheduled games. If cancellations occur, there are no reschedules during the Winter season. No refunds or credits will be issued for games canceled due to circumstances outside of our control.
RDP Registration
Add RDP during Rec registration checkout or register for RDP Only package, which does not include the Rec Games.
Training Format
4 bi-weekly training sessions, separated by gender. Groups are formed by teammates and friend requests first.
RDP Staff
US Soccer-licensed, full-time Staff Coaches.
Training
Fridays | 6:30–7:30 PM
Boys: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
Girls: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
2nd/3rd Grade Rec League
Season Summary:
- Location: MHS Tonka Dome
- Game Format: 5v5
- Game Manager: Grassroots & Competitive Coaching Staff
- Roster Max: 8
- Game Time: 45/mins
- Field Size: 45x30
- Ball Size: 4
- Games: 6 (over 8 Saturdays)
- Uniform Tops: 1 Silver, 1 Navy, No Additional Cost
- Uniform Shorts/Socks: Black Shorts/Socks. Can order from Sprit Gear MN
- Cost: $215
- Plus $100 Volunteer Deposit (refundable)
Game Days:
2nd/3rd Grade Boys: Saturdays | 11:15 AM
2nd/3rd Grade Girls: Saturdays | 11:15 AM
Will merge to COED if we do not reach the minimum of 4 teams with healthy rosters to form separate leagues by December 27.
All players should arrive 10 minutes before the above listed kickoff time, for a warm-up with their Coach and Team.
1st–5th Grade Teams will play 6 games over 8 Saturdays. Teams will play approximately 3–4 games against other Recreation teams, plus 1–3 games against Tonka United Competitive teams of similar skill and development.
Make-up Games: Our goal is for every team to play all scheduled games. If cancellations occur, there are no reschedules during the Winter season. No refunds or credits will be issued for games canceled due to circumstances outside of our control.
RDP Registration
Add RDP during Rec registration checkout or register for RDP Only package, which does not include the Rec Games.
Training Format
4 bi-weekly training sessions, separated by gender. Groups are formed by teammates and friend requests first.
RDP Staff
US Soccer-licensed, full-time Staff Coaches.
Training
Fridays | 6:30–7:30 PM
Boys: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
Girls: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
4th/5th Grade Rec League
Season Summary:
- Location: MHS Tonka Dome
- Game Format: 5v5
- Game Manager: Grassroots & Competitive Coaching Staff
- Roster Max: 8
- Game Time: 45/mins
- Field Size: 45x30
- Ball Size: 5
- Games: 6 (over 8 Saturdays)
- Uniform Tops: 1 Silver, 1 Navy, No Additional Cost
- Uniform Shorts/Socks: Black Shorts/Socks. Can order from Sprit Gear MN
- Cost: $215
- Plus $100 Volunteer Deposit (refundable)
Game Days:
4th/5th Grade Boys: Saturdays | 12:15 PM
4th/5th Grade Girls: Saturdays | 12:15 PM
Will merge to COED if we do not reach the minimum of 4 teams with healthy rosters to form separate leagues by December 27.
All players should arrive 10 minutes before the above listed kickoff time, for a warm-up with their Coach and Team.
1st–5th Grade Teams will play 6 games over 8 Saturdays. Teams will play approximately 3–4 games against other Recreation teams, plus 1–3 games against Tonka United Competitive teams of similar skill and development.
Make-up Games: Our goal is for every team to play all scheduled games. If cancellations occur, there are no reschedules during the Winter season. No refunds or credits will be issued for games canceled due to circumstances outside of our control.
RDP Registration
Add RDP during Rec registration checkout or register for RDP Only package, which does not include the Rec Games.
Training Format
4 bi-weekly training sessions, separated by gender. Groups are formed by teammates and friend requests first.
RDP Staff
US Soccer-licensed, full-time Staff Coaches.
Training
Fridays | 6:30–7:30 PM
Boys: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
Girls: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
RDP Training Groups Schedule
The Recreational Development Program (RDP) is an optional training program offered during the Rec season. Players can register for RDP when completing their Rec League registration during checkout. All trainings are held at the MHS Tonka Dome.
RDP Training Groups are first formed with teammates and friends, then combined with players from the same Rec League as needed to maintain a maximum 10:1 player-to-coach ratio. Groups will complete 4 total training sessions and work with consistent RDP Staff throughout the program. RDP Staff will also support Parent Volunteer Coaches on Game Days.
Winter Only: Players may register for RDP Only even if they do not participate in Saturday Rec games. RDP-only players will be added to existing training groups with players registered for Rec + RDP.
Training
Fridays | 6:30–7:30 PM
Boys 1st-5th Grade: Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
Girls 1st-5th Grade:
Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19
IMPORTANT SEASON INFORMATION
Volunteer Requirement
A $100 volunteer deposit is charged to the family account at the time of seasonal registration. If you do not opt-in to volunteer for any SignUpGenisu Shifts, nor become a Volunteer Parent Coach, that is considered an opt-out of the obligation and you will not be refunded the deposit.
A $100 volunteer deposit is charged at seasonal registration. One shift per family is required. Opt-out of the obligation and you will not be refunded the deposit.
- Up to three coaches per team receive a 100% deposit refund
- Most non-coaching shifts are 2–3 hours
- Deposits are refunded to the original card after your shift is completed
- Volunteer shift refunds are processed weekly
- Coach refunds are processed two weeks before the season ends
UNIFORM KIT 2026 - 2028 (Provided by Spirit Gear MN)
If you participated in the 2026 Spring/Summer or Fall season or any season after, you have already received your silver and navy Jasper, Moriarty, Wetherille-sponsored jerseys.
- Jersey Tops: included at no additional cost for new players
- Required for all Rec games: PreK–HS COED
- Unisex sizing
- Uniform cycle: Spring 2026–Spring 2028
- Silver = Home | Navy = Away
- Shorts/Socks: Black, self-purchased (Spirit Gear MN or your own)
- Players choose their number
- Game-day Kit: Silver jersey, Navy jersey, Black shorts & socks
- RDP Training Day Kit: Wear Navy jersey, Black shorts & socks
- Warranty & Replacement Policy: Spirit Gear MN will, at its discretion, repair or replace any item determined to be defective under normal use and care within thirty (30) days of the original purchase date
- Lost Uniform Replacement: Lost uniform tops, along with additional black shorts or socks, may be repurchased through Spirit Gear MN after the initial bulk distribution for the 2026 Spring/Summer season is complete. Replacement costs are $30 per jersey, $10 per pair of shorts, and $5 per pair of socks.
Equipment & Safety
- No Jewelry: all earrings, bracelets, and necklaces must be removed to play
- Uniforms required
- Shin guards required
- Cleats recommended (tennis shoes allowed)
- Ball sizes:
- Size 4: PreK–4th grade
- Size 5: 5th grade–High School
Team Formation
- Each player may request one mutual friend (both players must list each other). We honor one mutual request only.
- Teams are formed using this priority: Friend Request → Player Experience → School → City → RDP/Non-RDP Balance → Roster & Coach Needs.
- We aim to place players with others from their school or neighborhood when possible, but final rosters depend on registration numbers and balance needs.
- Friend requests are not guaranteed and may not be honored after the registration deadline.
Parent Coaches
Volunteer Parent Assistant Coaches are essential to our Rec Program. No experience required—sign up when you register your player.
- Virtual or In-person coaches clinics
- Coach T-shirt
- Volunteer deposit refunded final weeks of season
- Game-day priority: Lead games with support from Grassroots & Competitive Staff Coaches.
- PreK to 5th Grade Leagues: RDP Staff will replace the Junior Ref and manage the game.
- Requirements: Background check, concussion training, and abuse prevention via Trusted Coaches
Questions? Contact Recreation Director Sean Downey at sdowney@tonkaunited.org
