Competitive Program Information

Q: What nights do you play?
A: Teams have a total of 3 contacts per week (consisting of practices and games; holiday weeks are an exception). 

• Exact dates for Spring / Summer typically align with League game nights, which are Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday (determined by Twin Cities Soccer League “TCSL” and based on age and competitive level), plus a weekend practice on non-tournament weekends. Teams will participate in 2 weekend tournaments (teams might collectively choose to add more tournaments at an additional cost).
• Fall season practice dates are based on coach and field availability, but are typically Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, plus a weekend practice until games start (which are weekends during the Fall season). 
• Both seasons may end with a two-game tournament “Final Four” for qualifying teams based on league games (top 1 or 2 teams per TCSL bracket).

Q: Can a player play competitive soccer while participating in other activities/sports?
A: We desire to be a club that balances support for both competitive teams and multi-sport athletes. Our U5-U12 teams offer players full flexibility to join for a single season or play year-round. For U13+ teams, “Fire” and “Lightning” teams continue to offer that same flexibility. U13+ “Heat” teams require a full-year commitment, but still respect that some athletes may be juggling multiple sports and may therefore miss sessions due to direct conflicts (the winter season is our most flexible for multi-sport athletes). If you are uncertain about your multi-sport athlete’s commitment level, please discuss with club staff before tryouts to help determine the right team to try out for.

Q: Where are games played?
A: League games are split between home games in Bloomington and an away schedule in nearby communities in the Twin Cities. Tournament games are also in nearby communities with out of town or out of state travel up to individual teams with guidance from the club.

Q: When is the main season?
A: Spring / Summer and Fall are both main seasons for Bloomington United. Spring consists of 10 league games from April through early July, plus 2 weekend tournaments (potentially more, depending on the team’s interest). Fall league play includes 6 weekend games running mid-August through early October. Both seasons may end with a two-game tournament, the “Final Four,” for qualifying teams based on league games (typically the top 1 or 2 teams per TCSL bracket).

Q: Is there a uniform?
A: There is a home and away uniform for competitive teams that is required to be purchased online for each player by that player’s family. Each player is assigned a number and purchases their uniform directly on www.soccer.com. Instructions on ordering will be provided after team invites have been sent.

Q: How much does it cost, what do fees cover?
A: See the chart on this page for specific program costs and player fees. Player fees go to cover the cost of coach pay, indoor facilities, fields, referees, a referee assignor, league registration, insurance, club administration, and tournaments.

Q: Are there tryouts?
A: Bloomington United has tryouts/player identification sessions in July.

Q: What competitive level will my player be placed at?
A: United uses coach evaluations (when available) and tryouts to evaluate a player’s technical skill and ability. Once we have assembled a team, we will look at the collective roster of players and determine which of four competitive levels, National (highest), Regional, State, or City, we will place the team in. U9 and U10 teams have three competitive levels: Red (highest), White, or Blue.  We are a community-based club and therefore do our best to find a team placement for every player who is looking to play competitively. For full details, please review our Team Formation Policy. 

Q: What if my player is unable to attend tryouts?
A: Please contact [email protected] to discuss alternative options.

Q: What can my player expect to experience during tryouts?
A: Players will be grouped by birth year and participate in a series of evaluations 1v1, small-sided sided and full-sided, run by our coaching staff.

Q: Does Bloomington United accept all players, or are there cuts after tryouts?
Bloomington United aims to place all players who demonstrate a desire to play competitive soccer. Tryouts are used to assess skill and form teams with similarly skilled players—not to cut. The only reason a player may not be placed is if there aren’t enough players in their age group to form a team. Past performance and commitment are also considered during team formation.

Q: When will my player know what team they will be invited to?
A: We aim to send out Fall and Spring invites within 48 hours after the completion of tryouts.  Please note, we ask that all players accept or decline their invite within 48 hours of receipt. After this point, we may offer roster spots to other players and cannot guarantee placement for players who did not accept their invitation by the deadline.

Q: What is the team structure by age?
A:

U9–U10 (2017–2016): Balanced Team Model

• No tiering — teams are built to include a range of skill levels. Emphasis on age group development. Players may opt into Fall, Winter, and/or Spring seasons

U11–U12 (2015–2014): Tiered Team Model

• Heat Teams – Flexible, à la carte season selection, year-round participation encouraged
• Fire & Lightning Teams – Flexible, à la carte season selection

U13–U17 (2013–2009): Tiered Team Model

• Heat Teams: Full-year commitment (U13 – U14 Fall/Winter/Spring, U15 – U17 Winter/Spring)
• Fire & Lightning Teams: Flexible, à la carte season selection

Q: How much does it cost, what do fees cover?
A: The fee to try out is $50.00, which includes a Bloomington United training shirt.  If your player accepts their team invite, a $30 credit will be applied to your registration fees.