Orono Thunder Soccer Club

Orono Thunder offers a community based recreational soccer program. It gives children an opportunity to play in-house soccer in a non-competitive setting. The main goal of the rec program is to teach the fundamentals of soccer in a fun and positive environment. This also helps prepare players to move up to traveling soccer. The rec program is a great way for kids to play with their classmates and meet new friends. Our players primarily live in or near the Orono School district. However, we accept registrations for any interested player.

At age eight, players have the option of playing with either the traveling or the recreational program. In making that choice, parents should be aware of the following:  
·         U8 Players opting to play traveling soccer will be assigned to a team competing at the U9 age.  Teams (ours and opponents) will be made of players that are age 9 and under.
·         Traveling soccer teams compete against teams for other clubs.  Our opponents are typically in the West Metro.
·         Traveling teams typically have 3-4 meetings a weeks (between practices and games).

Equipment:
All players need to have shin guards, soccer socks over the shin guards, soft cleats, a soccer ball and a reversible blue/white Orono soccer jersey. Jerseys can be purchased at the 10dome in Long Lake.

Parents:
Orono Soccer has a no-drop attendance policy.  Children age 4 through 8 must have an adult present during all practices and games. As long as you’re there, we encourage you to join in the fun!

Volunteer opportunities:
Orono Thunder Soccer is run with 100% volunteer efforts. Each team ideally has a minimum of two volunteers to lead the players.

Coach –
Most of our coaches are parents; no soccer experience is required. All equipment is provided. Training is provided by Orono Thunder’s Coaching Director.
Time commitment: 15 additional minutes per game for field set up/take down, plus a couple of practice nights which you schedule with your child’s team.
Additional coaching information can be found on the Coaches top tab and then click "Rec Coaches" on the left side.

Team Manager –
Send out team communications, organize treat schedules, etc…

Parent help –
If you cannot be a coach or manager, please offer to help the coaches at the practices and games. For example: setting up cones, picking up balls, helping with team coordination.

Please choose to support your child’s team when you register online. Extra help makes for a better experience for everyone!

Club level –
We are looking for volunteers to help run the recreational program.

·         ·         Equipment – Inventory equipment, jerseys, and coach gifts. Distribute and collect team equipment bags. Order participation medals.
·         Marketing – Create & distribute registration flyer. Pull registration signs from storage & put up around town
·         Registrar – Create team rosters and game schedules. This could be divided amongst several people as age group coordinators. Send out rec league communications. Update rec web page as needed.

Spring Program
·   Teams are gender specific
·   Ages 4 (as of the first game of the season) through 2^nd grade

Playing days:
Boys:  Mondays and Wednesdays   
Girls:  Tuesdays and Thursdays

Pre-K & Kindergarten: 6:00-7:00 pm
1^st – 2^nd Graders: 7:00-8:00 pm

Practice times are determined by the coach after the season begins

Dates:
Mid-January: Registration opens
Early March: Registration closes, team formation begins
Early April: Teams are announced.
Late April: Practice time indoors at the 10dome
Early May - Late June: Games are played twice per week

Registration for 2012 season recreational in-house soccer will be available mid-January through early March.  We do allow registration after that date; however, your player risks not having a spot available if the teams are full. Additionally, a late fee will apply.

 Fall Program

·         ·   Co-ed
·   Age 4 (as of the first game of the season) through 5th grade.

Playing Days:
Pre-K & Kindergarten: Tuesday nights and Saturday
1^st – 5^th Graders: Monday nights and Saturday

Game times are between 5:30pm - 7:15pm weeknights and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. A detailed game schedule will be sent after all teams are formed.

Practice times are determined by the coach after the season begins

Dates:
Early July – Registration begins
Early August - Registration fee increases
Mid August – Registration closes
Mid-late August – Fergie Soccer Academy mini-camp
Late August – Players are contacted by their coach
2nd weekend of September – Season begins
Mid October – Season ends with Jamboree Tournament

Optional Fergie Soccer mini-camp - Additional cost per child
   Girls – Monday and Wednesday
      * Age 4-8 from 6-7pm
      * U9-U11 from 7-8pm

   Boys – Tuesday and Thursday
      * Age 4-8 from 6-7pm
      * U9-U11 from 7-8pm