Summer Rec Program 2010 FAQs

How do I register for the summer soccer season?

Online registration will open February on our website at www.tonkaunited.org and is based on the grade the child will enter in the Fall 2010-2011 school year. Registration fees are $90 for K-1st Grade and $120 for 2nd-10th grade. If your child did not purchase and/or participate in our program the last 3 years, you will be required to purchase the Tonka United uniform for an additional $35.

When is the deadline to register for the summer season?

The deadline to register is March 20, 2010 . 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 will make all the decisions on late registrations, NOT the coach.

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.

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 3rd and the season concludes with a league tournament, the Tonka Blast, the weekend of July 10th.

When will the games be played?

The *tentative game nights are:

Updated 1/14/10

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

Note: Registration is based on the grade the child will enter in the 2010-2011 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. If a make-up game is scheduled on a Saturday and you also have a clinic that day, game takes precedence.

How are the teams formed?

Teams are formed by gender, grade, & school whenever possible.

Can we request friends?

Yes, you may indicate ONE friend. That same friend MUST also request your child. (no loops of friends.) Please do not indicate more than one.

When will we know our teams?

At least two weeks prior to the start of the season your coach will contact you (after April 19).

Team rosters will be posted online and/or emailed.

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

If you have not heard from someone by April 25, contact the Tonka United office at 952-475-9178.

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.

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.

Will there be player clinics again this year?

Yes, players and coaches will have the opportunity to attend player clinics 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, bring a ball, shin guards, a water bottle and appropriate footwear.

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.

Who should I inform about a medical condition?

Medical conditions such as asthma, peanut allergies, sting reaction/allergy (epi pen), AD, ADHD, sprains and strains etc should be reported immediately to the coach/trainer. If your child requires 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. For players that carry an epi pen or have serious medical conditions please contact the club directly before the start of the season.

What is the Tonka Blast?

The Tonka Blast is an end of season mini tournament/celebration. Each team will play 2 games that day. There is food available and fun activities (in the past we have had dunk tank, water slide, bouncy house, hair/face painting, tattoos….). The Tonka Blast is usually held at MMW.

When is the Tonka Blast (end of the season tournament)?

The Tonka Blast is scheduled for the weekend of July 10th. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

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 DOC and coaching staff will provide you with the soccer tools you will need to make this a fun and exciting year for the players. If you are interested in coaching, please complete the online adult registration process (please note you will need to create a new and separate user i.d and pasword) by clicking HERE.

How can I, as a parent, help?

In addition to coaching we need age group coordinators, field marshals, Tonka Blast volunteers and other various opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online adult registration process (please note you will need to create a new and separate user i.d and pasword) by clicking HERE.

Are there any summer camps this year?

Yes, Tonka United is conducting our own summer camps for players aged 5-11. The dates for our World Cup Summer Camp are June 21st – 25th, 2010 at MMW. Register online on our website. Registration deadline is June 1.

What is Traveling Soccer?

Traveling Soccer is available to players aged U8 through U19 who wish to play a more committed level of soccer. Players play at least 1 game per week plus 2-3 practice sessions. Games are played against other club teams in the West District (such as Eden Prairie, Chaska, Plymouth, Edina to name a few). Recreation players have an opportunity to experience travel soccer and should contact dlaw@tonkaunited.org for more details.

*New: An Introduction to Travel Soccer:

Players interested in experiencing U8 travel soccer should attend the following introductory session. Parents & players are invited to attend to meet our Director of Coaching and Coaching Staff. Players will be placed into small sided games after a typical travel soccer warm up, whilst parents receive an introduction to travel soccer in a relaxed and informal environment. Parents will have an opportunity to listen and ask questions during the session.

This is not a tryout as we look to place ALL players on a travel team for the Fall season (if numbers permit). Our aim is to have as many players as possible experience the transition from recreation to travel soccer in a fun and safe environment.

How do I find out more information about Tonka United's programs?

Have a look around our website or you can email us at admin@tonkaunited.org or call the Tonka United office at 952-475-9178.