Here are answers to many of the most common questions we hear from families about Milltown Soccer. If your question is not answered here, please send an email to the appropriate contact, listed by section below.
Registration · Micros · Fields · Coaching · Club Info
Registration
How do I register my child for Milltown Soccer?
Registration is completed online through our official registration portal linked on the Milltown website. Our registration form is hosted by OTTO SPORT (formerly known as Demosphere). The account you use to register your child to play will be the same account you use to see their team roster and communicate with coaches. Simply create an account, add your child’s information, and select the appropriate program for their grade level.
How much does it cost to play soccer with Milltown?
Fees vary by age group and season. The current registration fee covers league fees, field costs, and equipment. Specific pricing will be posted on the registration page for each season. Note that registration during our “priority registration” period is slightly discounted from the regular registration cost, because early registrations help us plan effectively for the season.
What if I missed the registration deadline?
Late registrations may be accepted if roster space allows. Players will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if a position opens. If no position becomes available, we will refund registration fees.
What is priority registration?
Priority registration is available for the first month after registration opens for a given season. The “priority” refers to players returning from the previous Fall being guaranteed a spot back with their former team, if they wish.
All team placements refer to the previous Fall season. If your child was placed on a Spring team, that does not guarantee Fall placement since Spring is considered a soccer off-season. However, our registration form does include the option to request a coach and/or teammates. While requests are not guaranteed to be granted, we do use them in building rosters to the best of our ability.
Once priority registration ends, all registrants are placed according to a first-come, first-served system. Some teams may fill up quickly, so please monitor our website and read emails from the Milltown board so you are aware of the priority registration window.
Can I email the registrar to make sure my child is placed back on their old team?
No. Requests cannot be made directly to the registrar. Placement is based on available space, allocated according to our team formation policies, and requests outside of the registration process will not be considered.
What if I register late but my coach said there might be a spot?
Team placement is handled by the Milltown registration team, not by individual coaches. The registration list/waitlist is processed in the order registrations are received. If another player registered before you, they will be placed first on whichever team has availability.
What is the likelihood of being added to a team from the waitlist?
It depends on the number of registered players and available volunteer coaches. The club does its best to place all interested players, especially at the younger levels.
When do Fall and Spring registrations open and close?
- Fall season: Registration typically opens May 1. Priority registration is available for the month of May. Registration continues through June and closes by early July.
- Spring season: Registration typically opens January 1. Priority registration is available through January. Registration continues through February and closes by early March.
These dates are set in order to allow our registration team to form rosters and provide all necessary information to THJSL in time for them to develop the season’s game schedule.
How are players placed on teams?
Teams are grouped by grade level and gender. (High school teams are co-ed.) Returning players are placed back with their team from the previous Fall (only guaranteed if they register during priority registration, but attempted later if space is available). Children of volunteer coaches are placed on the team coached by their parent. Following this, our registration team builds rosters based on school affiliation, coach/teammate requests, and the order in which registrations were received.
Special requests are not guaranteed and cannot always be accommodated. Please note that only two teammate requests will be considered. If their team(s) is (are) full, Milltown will try to place your child with at least one other player from the same school, depending on roster sizes at that time.
Can my child switch teams after placement?
Once teams are finalized, changes are rare and only approved for special situations. Please talk with your child about this before signing up. If they are not placed with their friends, it is still a great opportunity to make new ones!
Can siblings practice or play at the same location?
Whenever possible, sibling practices or games are scheduled near one another, but this depends on age divisions and coach schedules. If you have multiple children playing with Milltown, communicate with your head coach, who will submit practice preferences to the Fields Manager.
Can my child be placed on a team for a private school such as St. Pius X, FIS, or Catlin Gabel?
Yes, private schools follow the same process as public schools. Placement is based on priority registration, waitlist order, and available space. Regardless of what school your child attends, we cannot guarantee that they will be placed on a team with a majority of teammates from their school, but we do use school affiliation when building teams.
Can a returning coach request specific players before the season begins?
No. Coaches cannot pre-select players. The only guaranteed placement is for the coach’s own child. All other player placements follow our registration and waitlist process described above.
Can coaches recruit new players for their teams?
We love when coaches (and players!) spread the word about Milltown, but it should be made clear that placement on a coach’s own team is not guaranteed. New players should list to coach’s name and/or up to two friends in their request section to help guide team placement decisions.
Why does team size vary between seasons?
In the Fall, team sizes follow league standards. In the Spring, total registration numbers are often lower due to other sports’ seasons taking place, so we may allow rosters that are slightly larger than typical for fall in order to include as many players as possible.
Parents: if you know your child will have attendance conflicts or will be playing multiple sports, let your head coach know as soon as possible. Coaches: please notify the registration team of this information to help balance rosters and maintain fair playing time.
Milltown aims to ensure at least 50% playing time in games for all players, which creates a natural cap on team size of twice the number of players on the field at one time.
What does it mean if my child’s team does not have a coach yet?
Milltown Soccer is fully volunteer-run. Teams cannot participate in the season without both a head coach and an assistant coach. If your child’s team does not have coaches assigned, please consider volunteering! Without coaches, a team cannot be activated for the season.
I have a registration question not answered here!
Please send further registration questions to 📧registrar@milltownsoccer.org.
Micros (K-1st Grade)
How many practices and games do Micros teams have?
Micros teams practice once per week with games on Saturdays. Sessions are designed to be short, engaging, and fun.
When in the season do practices begin?
Practices usually begin 1-2 weeks before the first game of the season. Coaches will notify team families of the exact date. Please be aware: in Fall seasons, Micros start later than 2nd-8th grade teams. Families may still receive emails with information geared towards players in higher grades that can have conflicting information. Always refer back to Micros specific communications unless noted.
Where are Micros practices and games held?
Micros practices and games take place at local THPRD fields in the Beaverton area, or at the Tektronix turf field off SW Terman Rd. Exact information for a given season will be communicated via email by the Micros Coordinator.
What equipment does my child need?
Micros players need a size #3 soccer ball, shin guards, soccer socks, and cleats (or sturdy athletic shoes). Jerseys can be purchased on the Tursi Soccer website or in their store.
Are parents required to stay during practice?
It is not required. Parents or guardians are welcome and encouraged to stay during practices, but it is also permitted to drop your child off and pick them up at the end of practice.
What should I expect to change when moving from Micros to 2nd grade?
The biggest difference between Micros and 2nd grade is the transition from learning-based, small-sided play to more structured team soccer.
Here’s what to expect:
- Team Formation: Teams are likely to be more consistent, with most players remaining together through the Fall and Spring seasons.
- Practices: Practices are run more independently, rather than alongside many other teams, station-style, like in Micros. Practices increase from strictly once per week to 1-2 times per week depending on time of year and field availability. Practice scheduling will be managed by the Fields Manager, not the Micros Coordinator.
- Games: Games are played on larger fields with referees introduced. The sidelines will be set up for you; you do not need to set cones. 2nd grade teams will use a smaller pop-up goal, provided at equipment pick-up. (Older grades will use box-style goals installed at the fields.) You will travel to your games at a new location each week, as determined by THJSL scheduling. Games are played against teams from other clubs within THJSL, not against other Milltown teams.
- Game Format: 2nd grade teams still play 4v4. Older grades will introduce larger teams.
- Independence: Parents are encouraged to let players practice and play with limited sideline coaching to foster confidence and teamwork.
- Volunteer Needs: Every team still depends on volunteers for coaching, field setup, and communication.
This transition is an exciting step toward real team play, and while it can feel like a big change, most players adjust quickly and love the added challenge and sense of team identity.
I have a Micros question not answered here!
Please send further Milltown Micros questions to 📧micros@milltownsoccer.org.
Fields
Where are practices and games held?
Most fields are assigned through THPRD and THJSL. Field locations vary by grade level and are communicated to teams before the season begins. Please remember, we do our best to accommodate requests for specific practice fields, but they are not guaranteed.
When are field assignments finalized?
Field schedules are finalized approximately two weeks before practices begin.
Can I request a specific practice day or location?
Requests are considered but not guaranteed. Field allocation depends on THPRD availability and coach scheduling.
Please note: we do not take field requests based on proximity to your home. All assignments are determined by what THPRD provides in our field use permit; we cannot hold practices on other fields.
Who handles field setup?
For grades 2 and above, fields are maintained by THPRD. For Micros, coaches and team volunteers are responsible for setting up and taking down small goals and cones for their assigned field.
What should teams do if a field is closed due to weather?
Field closure information is posted by THPRD and communicated via email as soon as updates are available. Please make sure you check spam folders or have not unsubscribed to ensure you are receiving messages.
I haven’t gotten my team’s field assignment yet. What is happening?
If you are a coach: All coaches must be fully approved before receiving field assignments. If you have not heard about your field placement, it is likely because you or an assistant coach is still pending compliance approval. Please email your team once you have been assigned practice times/locations.
If you are a parent: If you haven’t received practice information, contact your child’s head coach, if one has been assigned. If no coach is listed for your team, please consider volunteering! This is often the reason for a delay in communication or team activation.
I have a fields question not answered here!
Please send further field-related questions to 📧fields@milltownsoccer.org.
Coaching
What is the coaching philosophy of Milltown Soccer?
Milltown focuses on player development, teamwork, and fostering a lifelong love for soccer in a positive environment.
What are the requirements to become a coach?
Coaches must complete OYSA compliance requirements (SafeSport, concussion training, background check) and register with Milltown as a volunteer.
What if I’ve never coached before?
That’s completely okay. Many of our coaches start with little to no experience. We’ll guide you through the basics, and there are plenty of helpful resources on YouTube and through OYSA to get you started. The most important things are enthusiasm, communication, and creating a fun environment for the kids.
How do I sign up for a coaching clinic?
Coaching clinics, if available, are announced by the Head Coach each season.
Are headers allowed for certain age groups?
Per US Soccer guidelines, heading is prohibited for players U11 and younger, and limited in practice for U12-U13.
How do coaches evaluate referees or submit feedback?
Referee feedback forms are provided via email. As a coach, you will receive information with the link prior to your first game. This link is not to be shared with parents.
What should I do about a behavior issue with a player?
If you have concerns about a child’s behavior, first reach out to their parents directly to resolve the issue. If that does not work, contact the club for additional guidance or intervention.
Am I allowed to coach multiple teams at once?
Please don’t try to spread yourself too thin. If you want to participate in all of your children’s games, try to only head-coach 1 team and assist on the other/s. Please let the registration team know ahead of time so we can assign you appropriately. Keep in mind that scheduling is done separately for K/1st grade (Micros) teams and for 2nd grade and older, so we may not be aware of scheduling constraints unless you inform us. THJSL will attempt to accommodate scheduling for coaches balancing two teams, but no more than two.
What compliance requirements must coaches complete before the season?
All coaches must complete the following items. They must be completed each Fall season regardless of if you completed it in the previous Spring. Other sports’ certifications are not valid with OYSA.
- Background check via SportsConnect/Affinity: every Fall
- SafeSport certification: refresher allowed
- Concussion awareness training: refresher allowed
- Coach registration via OTTO SPORT: every season you participate in
If your certification expires before the season ends, you will need to renew. You may submit for a new background check within 30 days of the expiration date.
How do volunteers submit compliance documents?
All compliance materials and certifications are uploaded directly through the OYSA registration system. Coaches will receive a confirmation email once all requirements are completed and approved by our Compliance Manager. Detailed instructions for all the compliance requirements can be found on our website.
I’m having trouble completing my background check. What should I do?
If you run into issues with the background check process, please submit a support ticket directly with Sports Connect/Affinity. To submit a ticket, visit the Sports Connect Help Center and click the “Submit a Request” button. Choose “Background Check/Registration Issue” as the category, then describe the problem in detail and include your full name and email address.
Common fixes include:
- Updating or resetting your password, then retrying
- Making sure your email is registered with Sports Connect prior to submitting your background check
- Ensuring your name and email exactly match what is listed in OTTO SPORT (this is how the systems recognize you)
If problems persist after trying these steps, contact the Compliance Manager for additional support. Please make sure to start your compliance process as soon as possible.
What equipment is provided to coaches?
Each team receives a coach bag that includes soccer balls, cones, pinnies, a first aid kit, and a ball pump. Goals are provided for field setup to K-2nd grade coaches only. The amount of balls included in each bag will vary depending on inventory.
Important note: Please keep in mind that inventory is limited and isn’t always guaranteed. It’s your responsibility as coach to keep track of all balls and gear during the season. Children are expected to have all their necessary equipment prior to season start: cleats, water bottle, shin guards, and jersey, plus an appropriate size ball for practice.
When and where do coaches pick up equipment?
Pick-up is typically scheduled the weekend before the first practice at a designated time and location. Historically, it has often been at the Cedar Mill Elementary School parking lot in a U-Haul van. Details are emailed to coaches each season.
Can broken or missing equipment be replaced?
Yes. To obtain replacements, email the Equipment Manager with the specific item(s) needed and the coach name and team grade.
Are extra soccer balls or goalie gloves available?
Limited extras are available upon request, while supplies last.
Are coaches provided jerseys?
Yes. One free coach shirt is included each season for volunteer coaches. You will receive a code prior to the season start. Milltown jerseys are available from Tursi Soccer.
I have a question related to compliance, equipment, or coaching in general that is not answered here!
For compliance, contact the Compliance Manager at 📧compliance@milltownsoccer.org.
For equipment, contact the Equipment Manager at 📧equipment@milltownsoccer.org.
For other coaching questions, contact the Director of Coaching at 📧headcoach@milltownsoccer.org.
Club Information
What is Milltown Soccer’s guiding philosophy?
Milltown United Soccer Club focuses on community, inclusion, and player enjoyment while maintaining low costs and accessible programs for all families.
What does the “U” in U6 or U8 (etc.) mean?
“U” stands for “Under.” For example, U6 means players under six years old as of the cutoff date established by OYSA.
Where can I find club documents and policies?
Many documents are posted on our About Us page. Bylaws, policies, and financial documents are also available upon request from the Board or during official meetings.
How can I help Milltown if I can’t coach a team?
There are many ways to volunteer with Milltown besides coaching a soccer team. Serving in a board position, organizing events, assisting with seasonal logistics such as registration, fields assignment, or coaching compliance – all these responsibilities are handled by volunteers and we can always use more help! Please contact the Milltown president to express your interest and find out more.
I have a club question not addressed here!
Please send further Milltown organizational questions to 📧president@milltownsoccer.org.