Newsletter: Welcome to GRASC Summer 2026!
Summer 2026 Season
Hello GRASC Families,
Summer soccer is just around the corner and we can't wait to get back on the field with your players! This newsletter covers everything you need to know for the 2026 season. All programs are targeting a start during the first full week of May, weather and field conditions permitting.
In This Newsletter
Programs at a Glance
Here's a quick look at all the programs GRASC is running this summer. Find your program, then read on for full details further down.
🐣 Little NetBusters (U4)
Ages 3–4 | Coed
5-week intro program. 30-minute Sunday sessions focused on fun, movement, and basic ball skills. No formal games.
Sundays, 3:30–4:00 PM
West Rapids Elementary School
✓ Jersey Included⭐ Future Stars In-House (U6–U10)
U6, U8, U10 | Coed | Multiple Teams
May–June. Sunday practices + Monday evening games at West Rapids Elementary.
- U6: Mon 5:00–6:00 PM
- U8: Mon 6:00–7:00 PM
- U10: Mon 7:00–8:00 PM
👧 U10 Girls Travel (Pilot)
U10 Girls Only | 1 Team
All-girls environment competing against area clubs. Practices Tuesdays & Thursdays in Grand Rapids.
Season runs May–June with tournament play through early July.
✓ Jersey Included🏆 Travel Soccer (U12+)
U12, U14, U16 | Boys & Girls
Competitive travel with league games, regional matches, and included tournaments. Practice twice per week.
Season runs May–June + postseason.
See Uniforms SectionRequired Equipment
Soccer is one of the most gear-minimal sports out there — but every player needs a few essentials at every session.
- Soccer Cleats — Soccer-specific cleats only. Baseball and football cleats are not permitted as they have a toe cleat/spike that is a safety hazard on the field.
- Shin Guards — Required at all levels. Must be worn under socks so they are fully covered during play — this is a rule of the game.
- Socks Over Shin Guards — Shin guards must be completely covered by socks. Regular crew socks work fine if they're long enough.
- No Jewelry — No jewelry of any kind, including earrings. This applies even to newly pierced ears — earrings must be removed. No exceptions.
- Water Bottle — Players must bring their own to every practice and game. Write your player's name clearly on it.
- Athletic Clothing — Shorts, athletic pants, or leggings. No jeans or cargo-style shorts — loose pockets can catch fingers during play.
- Hair Ties for Long Hair — Long hair must be tied back for safety.
Your Own Ball — Strongly Preferred
We strongly encourage every player to bring their own ball to practices. Write your player's name clearly on it. Ball sizes by age group:
| Age Group | Ball Size |
|---|---|
| U8 and under | Size 3 |
| U10 – U14 | Size 4 |
| U14 and above | Size 5 |
Sunscreen for outdoor play · Extra layers or a rain jacket (it's Minnesota in May!) · A bag to keep all gear organized
⚽ Need gear before the season? GRASC is running a Community Gear Drive and Equipment Exchange this week — a great way to find cleats, shin guards, balls, and more at no cost. See the Equipment Drive & Exchange section below.
Equipment Drive & Exchange
Heading into the season, GRASC is running a two-part community gear event this week. Whether you have equipment to donate or you're looking to gear up without buying new, here's how it works.
6–11
Community Gear Drive — Drop-Off Week
Drop off bagged, gently used gear at the main office of any of these locations during regular school hours:
- Cohasset Elementary
- West Rapids Elementary
- East Rapids Elementary
- RJEMS
- Grand Rapids High School
Main office only — do not leave gear with teachers. All items must be bagged. Elementary families: please remind your child to go to the main office, not the classroom.
We accept: soccer balls, cleats, shin guards, socks, shorts, jerseys, bags, and any other soccer-related gear.
12
Equipment Exchange Night
Sunday · 6:00 – 7:30 PM
West Rapids Elementary — Cafeteria
Come browse the donated gear and pick up what your player needs for the season. All sizes available. This is a free community event — take what you can use and help another family get ready to play.
Uniforms
Good news for most families — your player's jersey is already covered. We're continuing with the same Nelson Woodshims orange design families know from the last few seasons.
NetBusters
Jersey included — nothing to do!
Your player's jersey is included with registration. You'll receive it before the first session.
Future Stars
Jersey included — nothing to do!
Your player's jersey is included with registration. You'll receive it before the season starts.
Travel
Jersey included — nothing to do!
Your player's jersey is included as part of the travel pilot program.
Travel
Full kit required — use last year's or order new
U12 travel players need the full Nelson Woodshims orange kit. If your player still fits in last year's uniform, you're all set. Ordering information was shared at registration.
Travel
Full kit required — use last year's or order new
U14 travel players need the full Nelson Woodshims orange kit. Check your player's fit from last season — if everything still works, you're good to go. Ordering information was shared at registration.
Travel
Jersey only — use last year's or order new
U15 and above players need the Nelson Woodshims orange jersey. If last year's still fits, no action needed. Ordering information was shared at registration.
Pre-Season Calendar
A busy few weeks before the season starts! Here's everything in order so you can plan ahead.
6–11
Community Gear Drive — Drop-Off Week
Bring bagged gear to the main office at Cohasset Elementary, West Rapids Elementary, East Rapids Elementary, RJEMS, or GRHS during the school day. Main office only — do not leave with teachers. All gear must be bagged. Elementary families: remind your child to go to the main office, not the classroom.
We accept: soccer balls, cleats, shin guards, socks, shorts, jerseys, bags, and any other soccer gear.
12
Equipment Exchange Night
Sunday · 6:00 – 7:30 PM · West Rapids Elementary — Cafeteria
Browse donated gear and find new-to-you equipment for the season. All sizes welcome.
22–30
Tryouts — U12 Girls, U12 Boys, U14 Boys
West Rapids Elementary — ideally outside, gym backup if needed
U12 Girls: Wed Apr 22 (5:30–7:00) · Tue Apr 28 (5:30–7:00) · Wed Apr 29 (5:30–7:00)
U12 Boys: Thu Apr 23 (5:00–6:30) · Mon Apr 27 (5:00–6:30) · Thu Apr 30 (5:00–6:30)
U14 Boys (placements): Thu Apr 23 (6:00–7:30) · Thu Apr 30 (6:00–7:30)
U10 Boys: Tournament team tryout — dates TBD, more info coming
27
Parent Meeting & Uniform Pickup
Monday · West Rapids Elementary School
U4 Little Netbusters ~ 6:00pm
U6-U10 Future Stars In-House ~ 6:00pm
U10 Girls' Travel ~ 7:00pm
U12+ Travel ~ 7:00pm
27
Coaches Meeting
Monday · West Rapids Elementary School
Held the same night as the parent meeting, after the parent meeting concludes.
16
Picture Day — U14/U15 & Under
Saturday · Indoors · Photography by Sarah at 3Month Sun Photography
Location and individual team time slots shared by your coach closer to the date.
Little NetBusters — Session Dates (U4)
The five Sunday session dates for Little NetBusters are set! All sessions at West Rapids Elementary School, 3:30–4:00 PM.
- Sunday, May 17
- Sunday, May 24
- Sunday, May 31
- Sunday, June 14
- Sunday, June 21
Weather-related cancellations will be communicated as early as possible. Make-up sessions may be offered when feasible.
Future Stars — Season Schedule (U6–U10)
The Future Stars program runs through June, targeting a start during the first full week of May, weather and field conditions permitting. Games on Monday evenings; practices on Sunday afternoons — all at West Rapids Elementary School.
Summer Travel Teams
Here's a look at the travel teams GRASC is fielding this summer. League game schedules are still being finalized — we'll share those as soon as they're available.
Girls Travel Teams
| Age Group | Teams | Division / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U10 Girls | 1 Team | Girls-Only Travel Pilot Program |
| U12 Girls | 2 Teams | Tier 1 Tier 2 |
| U14 Girls | 1 Team | Tier 1 Combined U13/U14 bracket |
| U16 Girls | 1 Team | Tier 1 Playing in U15 bracket |
Boys Travel Teams
| Age Group | Teams | Division / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U10 Boys | 1+ Team | Tournament team — tryout based. More information to follow. |
| U12 Boys | 3 Teams | Tier 1 Tier 1 Tier 2 |
| U14 Boys | 2 Teams | Tier 2 Tier 2 |
| U15+ Boys | 1 Team | Tournament Team with self scheduled games. |
Both tiers are travel programs — all teams play games against other area clubs. The difference is in the format of competition:
- Tier 1 — Fewer regular home and away league matches, but the included tournaments are a core part of the schedule. Tier 1 teams are generally our more competitive rosters.
- Tier 2 — More home and away league matches throughout the season, with less tournament-heavy scheduling. A great fit for players developing their game in a travel environment.
We do our best to balance both tiers through the AYSA (Arrowhead) league — but the league schedule is determined by how many teams all clubs across the region field, and we don't see that full picture until after registration closes. If things end up significantly unbalanced between tiers, we'll make adjustments so no family ends up with a schedule that feels way off from what they signed up for. Every club is in the same position waiting on final numbers, and we appreciate your patience. We'll always communicate early and often if anything changes.
A note on tournament selection: For age groups with multiple teams, we typically send our top tier team. We'll also review attendance — if we can't field a full roster, we may bring in players from another team. We'll also evaluate whether we have the numbers to send more than one team from a given level.
Tournament Schedule — Travel Teams
All U12+ travel team families should hold these weekends on your calendar. Tournaments are included as part of the travel program.
5–7
Head of the Lakes
Duluth, MN
12–14
GRASC Home Invitational
Grand Rapids, MN (Tentative)
26–28
Lake Superior Open
Duluth, MN
10–11
Rotary Cup
Detroit Lakes, MN
🏨 Rotary Cup — Hotel Room Block
GRASC has secured a room block at the Holiday Inn Lakefront in Detroit Lakes. This is a Friday–Saturday tournament (July 10–11). Most families will arrive Friday, but some may choose to come in Thursday evening — we won't know the full tournament schedule until closer to the event, but expect first games to land on Friday morning. Book based on what works for your family.
The block is open now. Call the front desk at 218-847-2121 and ask for the Grand Rapids Area Soccer Club block. Travel team selections will be communicated to families directly — book once you've confirmed your player's spot.
| Night | Standard Room | Lakeview Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, July 9 | $179 | $199 |
| Friday, July 10 | $259 | $299 |
The block starts at 10 rooms and more will be added as it fills. You are not required to book through the club block — but Detroit Lakes fills up fast, especially during Water Carnival weekend. Book early.
Summer Camps
GRASC is hosting several camps this summer — details and registration information for each will be shared as we get closer. One note for U16+ travel families: the Twin Ports Elite Soccer Camp is already incorporated into your registration at no additional cost.
When: July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
More detailed information coming soon.
U16 and above: This camp is included in your registration and will be part of your team's training plan — no separate sign-up needed.
All other players: This will be available as an optional, separate add-on. Details to follow.
When: August 15, 9-11 AM
Ages: 5-12 (girls only)
Cost: $20
More info coming soon!
More Information Online
Detailed program information has been available on our website since registration opened. If you have questions, these pages are a great place to start:
Interested in Officiating?
Soccer can't happen without officials. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a referee, visit the3rdteam.org to learn more. An in-person certification class for new officials will be coming to Grand Rapids soon — stay tuned for details!
Questions? Reach out to us anytime — we're here to help make this a great season for your family.
See you on the pitch! ⚽