For Parents

Everything you need to know to support your young athlete's Blast experience.

We know that supporting your child's soccer journey involves more than cheering from the sidelines. This page is your hub for understanding how Blast works — the season structure, what we expect, what you can expect from us, and how to make the most of the experience for the entire family.

Annual Season Timeline

Blast operates on a year-round development model with three distinct seasons. Here's what to expect.

July

Tryouts & team placement. Welcome Day — gear fitting, photos, parent meeting, meet new players.

August – November (Fall Season)

Season kicks off — training begins. Fall league play. Fall tournaments (select weekends). Development objectives set with coaching staff.

December – March (Winter Season)

Indoor training sessions. Dome and facility training. Fitness & technical intensification. Mid-season development assessment.

April – July (Spring/Summer Season)

Outdoor training resumes. Spring league play. Summer tournaments. End-of-season evaluations. Season wraps — preparing for tryouts.

Player Expectations

Blast sets high expectations because development demands commitment. These expectations are designed to maximize every player's growth.

Attendance

Players are expected to maintain 90% or better attendance at training and matches. Consistent presence is essential for team chemistry and individual development.

Commitment

Blast is a year-round competitive program. Players commit to three seasons of training, league play, and tournament participation.

Multi-Sport Athletes

Players with other interests and sports are welcome. However, when you are with Blast, you are expected to be fully present and contribute your best. Organization and communication are key.

Attitude & Effort

The D.R.E.A.M. principles apply every day. Players are expected to bring discipline, responsibility, effort, and a positive attitude to every session.

Communication

If a player will miss training, families should communicate with the coaching staff in advance. Proactive communication is a life skill we reinforce.

Travel Expectations

Tournament travel is part of competitive soccer. Here's what Blast families should know.

General

  • • Most league games are local (Twin Cities metro)
  • • Selective regional & national tournaments
  • • Travel costs are each family's responsibility

Family Responsibilities

  • • Accommodate travel arrangements
  • • Ensure on-time arrival
  • • Communicate conflicts in advance

Club Responsibilities

  • • Advance notice of travel schedule
  • • Seasonal event calendar shared
  • • Tournaments serve development objectives

Play-Up Policy

Blast has a thoughtful approach to rostering players above their age group. Playing up can accelerate development for the right player, but it must be done with clear purpose and communication.

Development Focus by Age

What your child will focus on at each stage of their Blast development.

Age Group Primary Focus Secondary Focus
8U – 9U Technical foundations, ball mastery, love of the game Introduction to small-sided play
10U – 11U Technical refinement, positional awareness Team tactics introduction
12U – 13U Tactical understanding, high-possession execution Physical development begins
14U – 15U Advanced tactics, leadership development Fitness integration
16U – 19U Collegiate preparation, competition intensity Cognition, mental performance

Welcome Day

At the start of each season, Blast hosts Welcome Day — a chance for families to:

Welcome Day details (date, time, location) are communicated to registered families at the start of each season.

Blast Apparel Store

Rep the Blast! Our apparel store is open 24/7 with gear shipped directly to you in 5-7 days. New items for every season are offered throughout the year.

Shop Blast Gear →

Have Questions?

We're here to help. Whether you're a new family or a Blast veteran with questions, reach out anytime.

Contact Us →