General Competitive 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 and Hopkins School Districts and surrounding area through the sport of soccer at all levels of age, skill and competition.
The purpose of the Tonka United Competitive Program is to offer and provide a full scope of soccer experiences for its players at all ages and 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 year-round Competitive Program.
Tonka United Competitive Soccer FAQ's
What is Competitive Soccer and who is it for?
Competitive Soccer is available to players who enjoy the game of soccer ages U9 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 Metro Area.
What does a more committed level of soccer mean?
Soccer is a year round sport and a commitment to Fall and Spring/Summer play along with winter training is suggested for U9 and older players. 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.
Most first year competitive soccer players will have 2-3 days of soccer in fall, 1 day a week in the winter (Jan-Mar), and 3 days per week in Spring/Summer. For more specific information check out individual age group season plans.
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. Weekly sessions take place late November - March. Registration is taken online at www.footholde.com
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 hires professional goalkeeper coaches to train our goalkeepers during the winter, spring, and fall seasons.
How far do we have to travel for games?
Games are generally played against other club teams in the Metro Area. 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, Kansas, Illinois or further (for older Premier/Elite teams).
Who Runs the League?
Our teams compete in one of two leagues:
MYSA (Minnesota Youth Soccer Association), governed by USYS (United States Youth Soccer). Tonka United Soccer Association does not set league rules/guidelines.
Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL), governed by US Club. 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 Jan 1 - Dec 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 June for Fall and Summer Leagues.
How are the teams formed?
U9-U19 Teams are formed based on tryouts, body of work from prior season, and commitment/ attendance.
Can I change teams once the teams have been formed?
NO. Not until the following season.
When are Tryouts?
Tryouts for U12-U18 players are held the first day after the MYSA State Tournament ends, usually the last week of July overlapping the first week of August.
Tryouts for U9-U11 are held mid-July.
What are the Different Levels of Play?
U9 Teams: Academy, Select
U10 Teams: Academy, Select
U11-12: Academy, Select (White, Red)
U13-U14: Tonka Fusion Elite, Academy, Select (White Red)
U15+older*: Tonka Fusion Elite, Premier, Academy, Select (White, Red)
* Team level based on prior season results
Who Coaches Travel Teams?
U9 Travel Teams are coached by parent volunteers.
U10 Academy Team will have a paid Professional Coach. All other U10 teams are coached by parent volunteers.
U11-U18 will have a Paid Professional Coach. Exceptions can be made depending on parent expertise.
Commitment Guidelines
Tonka United serves all interested soccer players from age 4 through adult and for every interest level from Recreational to Elite. For the more committed player (U9-U19), there is a Competitive 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.
Send general inquiries to [email protected] for more information regarding our Competitive program.