FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I determine my child's age group ?
See the Age Group Chart at http://www.mankatounited.org/chart
What are the differences between Rec and Competitive levels of play?
Rec means “recreational”. This is for players in our 6U, 8U, and 10U programs. All games are played in Mankato. No tryouts and no players are cut. Players rotate field positions and each player present plays at least 50% of the game except for reasons of illness, injury, or attitude. Kids learn basic soccer concepts and skills, develop self-confidence, and have fun!
Competitive is the highest level of play. This program accepts players from 9U to 19U through an evaluation process. Half the games are played in Mankato and half are played in communities such as Owatonna, Rochester, and the Twin Cities. Competitive soccer focuses on individual and team excellence and provides opportunities for players to learn advanced soccer concepts and skills as well as teamwork, self-discipline, honesty, and self-confidence. Players must be willing to sacrifice and work together for the good of their team and accept that they may receive unequal amounts of playing time based on their differing abilities to contribute to team needs.
When are the MUSC soccer seasons?
Mankato United has two separate seasons: Summer and Fall
The summer season typically has higher attendance and field teams from 5U through 19U. The summer season runs from April to mid-July. In the fall, the club runs teams 5U through 13U, and players older than 13U usually play high school soccer. The fall program is from early September to mid-October.
Who runs Mankato United Soccer Club?
Parent volunteers (you)! MUSC is a non-profit volunteer-based community organization with volunteer board members who hold 3-year terms. Occasionally, there are open board positions, so please feel invited to get involved! There are many other ways in which you can volunteer to help the club grow and provide soccer to Mankato area families. That said, volunteer help is essential and the club can only be as strong as the volunteers who give their time and abilities.
When are the games and practices?
The answer depends on the age, level of play, and which season.
The 6U-8U Rec summer program starts in late May and runs through June. Teams are single gender and meet on Friday and Sunday evenings. Each session includes a warm-up, practice, and a small-sided game. All sessions take place in Mankato. The 5U-8U fall program is the same but runs from September to early October.
The 9U-19U summer Competitive program starts with winter training indoors and continues into mid-April evening practices about twice per week. Games are on weeknights from April through mid-July and take place in Mankato and other communities. Also, teams usually sign up for 2 or 3 weekend tournaments. The Competitive fall program is the same but runs from September to mid-October and is for 9U-13U.
Who coaches the teams?
Normally it’s volunteer parents who are the coaches and sometimes we have college players help out. For younger teams, parents who first become involved may not have any soccer experience but successfully mature into good soccer coaches. Our club encourages coaches to become certified by attending coaching clinics along the way, but it is not mandatory. Please let us know if you are interested in coaching. We provide extensive support and coaching training opportunities.
My child has signed up for soccer. When will I hear something?
Each of the three playing levels has separate registration periods. Once teams are formed and coach assigned, your first contact is normally from a coach or team manager. This will happen about one month prior to the beginning of league play. The coach will set up a parent/player team meeting and go over all questions.
What does my child need to bring to practice?
The player should come dressed in comfortable soccer clothes, wear shin guards and soccer socks that cover them. Bring a water bottle. Bring a soccer ball (Size 3 for 5U-8U; Size 4 for 9U-12U; Size 5 for 13U+). Soccer cleats are recommended for 9U and older players. Tennis shoes are ok for the 6U-8U program. Soccer cleats are different from baseball cleats in that they do not have a central cleat in the front toe area. If you have rubber baseball or multi-purpose shoes that have a central, front cleat, just cut it off. No metal cleats are allowed.
Are there special rules for the younger kids or do they play the regular game?
As part of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) rules, we play "small-sided games" on smaller fields in our younger age divisions.
- 6U plays 3 v 3 with no keeper.
- 8U plays 4 v 4 with no keeper.
- 6U - 10U play with no "offside" rule. There are no direct kicks or penalty kicks.
- 10U plays 7 v 7 with a keeper.
- 12U plays 9 v 9, but otherwise full rules.
- 13U and higher play full rules.
Do I have to fundraise?
No, families are not required to participate in fundraisers as part of their obligation to play soccer. However, the club occasionally has opportunities you can participate in. Proceeds raised by your team go directly back to your team and can be used for several things, such as keeping tournament costs down.
Are there any tournaments?
5U and up have a tournament on a mid-June Saturday held in Mankato. It’s called SoccerFest and is for 5U-14U Blue teams.
Competitive teams make the decision whether to play in extra tournaments on their own. Teams are responsible for their own entry fees except that MUSC will reimburse up to set amount for one event.
