Heartland Soccer Association
9161 W 133rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone: 913.888.8768
Heartland Soccer Association is recognized as one
of the largest soccer leagues and tournament hosts in the country. We offer recreational to premier divisions,
ages U8 through U19.
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Fall 2017 Heartland League Registration
opens June 1st and closes
at 12pm on June 30th.
No late registrations will be accepted!
Fall League play begins the weekend of August 4th-6th
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Concussion ImPACT Testing
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Register for our next tournament!
Fall Kick Off Challenge
Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex
and Swope Soccer Park
All Games on Turf!
Aug. 11th-13th, 2017
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Overland Park, KS - Heartland Soccer Association is excited to host their first annual 5K run as a way to bring friends and families together in order to give back to the fields that have given so much enjoyment to the kids within the soccer community.
The 5K run will take place on July 8, 2017. The race will start and finish at Heritage Soccer Park. The proceeds
from the event will go to support youth soccer and creating healthy athletes.
The race will start at promptly 8:00AM. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to receive reduced rates. The registration fee is $35. All participants must register by June 30th.
"We are excited to host our first annual 5k run for soccer families, kids and the greater Kansas City running community," explained Shane Hackett, Heartland Soccer Association Executive Director. "This is a great opportunity for all of KC to get out for a run and have a great time at Heritage Soccer Park."
Adults and kids alike can run or walk in this highly-anticipated event. There will be music, food vendors with the awards' ceremony immediately following the run. We will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards for adult, male/female participants and several age-based categories for both kids and adults.
(913)707-1344.
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Get certified to be a referee!
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referees continues. Join America's Largest Soccer League. More details on referee meeting schedules, training and education can be found on the Referee Classes page.
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"15 games later! 3 out of my 4 teams made it to the finals in the Kansas City Invitational. 2 Champions and 1 Finalist. Not a bad weekend in the office. Congrats to all the players and thank you to all the parents! KC Blaze Soccer Club and I are very proud of all the players!"
"5BC101 and 16BC101 finished out a great weekend at the Kansas City Invitational. 15BC101 had four shut-outs in four games to win the Championship, while 16BC101 took 2nd place after a hard fought Final. great job boys!"
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Fall 2017 Calendar
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June 01
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Fall 2017 Online registration opens
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June 30
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Fall 2017 Online registration deadline by noon on June 30
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Jul 06
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Recreational seeding
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Jul 07
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Premier pre seed & Recreational Final seed posted after 5pm
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Jul 07-11
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Premier seeding challenges via email deadline noon on July 11
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Jul 12
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Final premier seeding posted after 5pm
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Jul 28
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Schedule posted after 5pm
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July 28-30
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Dick's Sporting Goods Discount weekend for Heartland
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Aug 04-06
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First weekend of League Play
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Aug 11-13
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Fall Kick Off Challenge Tournament / League Play
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Aug 11-13
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Dick's Sporting Goods Discount weekend for Heartland
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Aug 18-20
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League Play
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Aug 25-27
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League Play
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Sep 01-04
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Heartland Midwest Classic Tournament
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Sep 08-10
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League Play
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Sep 15-17
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League Play
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Sep 22-24
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League play
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Sep 29-Oct 01
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League Play
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Oct 06-08
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Midwest All Girls Tournament / League Play
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Oct 13-15
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League Play
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Oct 20-22
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League Play
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Oct 27-29
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Rainout Weekend
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Nov 03-05
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Heartland Invitational Tournament-Girls
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Nov 10-12
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Heartland Invitational Tournament-Boys
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2016/17 Heartland Numbers
Fall league teams
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1260
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Spring league teams
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1296
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League players
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42,000
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Tournament teams
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2,634
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| Tournament players |
44,000+
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Referees
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2,000+
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Coaches
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4,000
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2016/17 Tournament Numbers
(number of teams)
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Border Battle '17
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181
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| Sport Shake KC Champions Cup '17 |
407 |
| Mother's Day Classic '16 |
407 |
KC Invitational '16
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282 |
Fall Kick Off Challenge '16
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224
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Heartland Midwest Classic '16
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198
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Sport Shake Midwest All Girls '16
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282
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ALDI Heartland Invitational Girls '16
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339
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ALDI Heartland Invitational Boys '16
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431
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In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams
from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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Health Tip
Our bodies create a tremendous amount of heat. Normally, they're cooled through sweating and by heat radiating through the skin.
But in very hot weather, high humidity and other conditions, this natural cooling system may begin to fail, letting heat in the body build to dangerous levels. This can cause heat illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Heat cramps
Heat cramps are brief, painful muscle cramps in the legs, arms or abdomen that may occur during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. The sweating that occurs with intense physical activity causes the body to lose salts and fluids. This low level of salts causes the muscles to cramp.
Kids are particularly at risk for heat cramps when they aren't drinking enough fluids.
Although painful, heat cramps on their own aren't serious. But cramps can be the first sign of more serious heat illness, so they should be treated right away to help avoid any problems.
What to do:
A cool place, rest and fluids should ease a child's discomfort. If possible, give fluids that contain salt and sugar, such as sports drinks. Gently stretching and massaging cramped muscles also may help.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a more severe heat illness that can occur when someone in a hot climate or environment hasn't been drinking enough fluids. Symptoms can include:
What to do:
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Bring your child to a cooler place indoors, an air-conditioned car or shady area.
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Remove your child's excess clothing.
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Encourage your child to drink cool fluids containing salt and sugar, such as sports drinks.
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Put a cool, wet cloth or cool water on your child's skin.
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Call your doctor for advice. If your child is too exhausted or ill to drink, treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Heatstroke
The most severe form of heat illness is heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency.
In heatstroke, the body cannot regulate its own temperature. Body temperature can soar to 106°F (41.1°C) or even higher, leading to brain damage or even death if it isn't quickly treated. Prompt medical treatment is required to bring the body temperature under control.
Factors that increase the risk for heatstroke include overdressing and extreme physical activity in hot weather with inadequate fluid intake.
Heatstroke also can happen when a child is left in, or becomes accidentally trapped in, a car on a hot day. When the outside temperature is 93°F (33.9°C), the temperature inside a car can reach 125°F (51.7°C) in just 20 minutes, quickly raising body temperature to dangerous levels.
What to do:
Call for emergency medical help if your child has been outside in extreme temperatures or another hot environment and shows one or more of these symptoms of heatstroke:
While waiting for help:
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Get your child indoors or into the shade.
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Undress your child and sponge or douse him or her with cool water.
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Do not give fluids unless your child is awake, alert and acting normally.
An ounce of prevention
To help protect kids from heat illness:
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Teach kids to always drink plenty of fluids before and during activity in hot, sunny weather - even if they're not thirsty.
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Make sure kids wear light-colored, loose clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.
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On hot or humid days, make sure your kids only participate in heavy activity outdoors before noon and after 6 p.m.
- Teach kids to come indoors, rest, and hydrate immediately whenever they feel overheated.
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KSYSA Coaching Licenses
National "E" License
June 30-July 2, 2017; Overland Park
June 30-July 2, 2017; Valley Center
August 4-6, 2017; Topeka
National "D" License
July 14-16, 2017; Overland Park
July 21-23, 2017; Wichita
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2017 Referee Meetings
Referees of all ages and experience levels
are encouraged to attend Heartland's monthly referee meetings! Join us to learn tips and
tricks
for ARs and Referees, fun games, vital information, and fabulous prizes! Parents are always welcome.
Wednesday, July 12
Monday, August 7
Wednesday, September 13
Wednesday, October 11
Wednesday, November 8
Monday,
December 11
*Mentors will meet from 6PM-7PM
*Monthly Referee Meeting from 7PM-8:30PM
Meetings will be held at the "Steve D. Scheels" Training Center in the northwest corner of the second floor of the Scheels store located at 6503 West 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Thank you to Scheels for providing gift cards to our March 15 referee meeting award winners.
winners: Bob Bean, John Cronan, Patrick Kershaw, Juan DeLeon, Jason Roy, Alex Roy, Seth Wisdom, Jacob Adams, Drew Klemp, Adam Riekeman
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Reimaging How the World
Manages
Youth Sports
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Coaching Requirements
Heartland Soccer League is sanctioned by Kansas Youth Soccer. There is a minimum coaching requirement. All recreational and premier coaches must complete the F license course. It is online and can be found at the following link.
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Attention!
If you have a referee, coach, club, team or player accomplishment or photo that you would like to share please email Katie Falco at katie@falcocreativemedia.com
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A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
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3 Women and an Oven
4 Wheel Parts
7 Eleven
AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
Advocare
ALDI
Audi, Shawnee Mission
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Boy Scouts of America
Buca di Beppo
BV Crossfit
California Pizza Kitchen
Casey's
Chartroose Caboose
Chick fil A
Chili's
Cinzetti's
Columbia College
Costco
Cricket Wireless
Dick's Sporting Goods
Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel
FC Kansas City
Freezing Moo Ice Cream
Fry Wagner
Fuzzy's
Global Connections
Go Ape
Goodcents
Grill Park Place
Grimaldi's
Hague Quality Water
Harlan C Parker State Farm
Hasty Awards
HCA Midwest Health
Huntington Learning Center
J&K Soccer
JF Consulting
Jimmy John's
Jon Russell's BBQ
KC Comets
Krusich Dental
Kumon
Land of Paws
Legoland/Sea Life
Lenny's Subs
Levine Advertising
Market Leverage
Menorah Medical Center
Mickey Cotton Candy Man
Minsky's Pizza
Missouri Comets
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Moneytalks Financial Foundation
Morrill & Janes Bank
Museum at Prairiefire
NAIA
Nerium
Noodles and Co
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Pacific Dental Services
Paciugo Gelato
Papa John's
Pickleman's
Pizza Hut
Pizzeria Locale
Presto-X
Price Chopper
Raising Cane's
Research Medical Center
Ritz Charles
Rock and Brews
Rosati's of Overland Park
SeatGeek
Scheels
Scott the Electrican
Security Bank
Shred-It
Simple Science
Simply Soccer
Simplified Team Management
Slim Chickens
Smoothie King
Soccer Master
Sport Shake
Sporting Kansas City
Sprouts Farmers Market
Stinkboss
Storage Mart
Stroud's
Sunflower Bank
Swope Park Rangers
The Foot Spot
The KC Steak Company
The Roasterie
The Sports Medicine Store
The Storage Place
Timber Challenge
T-riffic T-shirts
University of Missouri Kansas City
Urban Air
Valley View Bank
Wendy's
Which Wich
Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Zaxby's
Zip KC
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2017 Spring Season
We can't believe how fast this spring season went! On behalf of our executive director
Shane Hackett
and our entire staff, we want to thank you for your support! This season would not have been possible without you!
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| Here is a message from our Executive Director |
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Minsky's Pizza and Heartland Soccer are excited to announce our three-year partnership!
The Heartland Soccer Field Marshals will be not only easy to spot with their all new bright red and black apparel, they'll also be weather ready with new rain-proof jackets (also in red), quality warm-up pants (in black) and stylish and comfortable red polos - all co-branded with Heartland Soccer and "Minsky's Sport" graphics. The field marshals will also be will be navigating the soccer fields in style with new "Gourmet on the Go!" branded golf carts promoting Minsky's home delivery throughout the KC Metro area.
As part of the relationship, Minsky's will also provide catered meals to Field Marshals, administrative staff and volunteers during tournaments and other activities throughout the soccer season. From Minsky's "Best in Kansas City" gourmet pizzas, to pastas, sandwiches, fresh salads and gluten free choices, Minsky's will provide menu variety - and great taste - that has something for everyone.
Said Minsky's General Manager Brent Wittrock, "After forming a great relationship with Sporting KC player Graham Zusi over the past few years, it was a natural next step to up our involvement in youth soccer with Heartland Soccer." He continued, "Minsky's has always used top quality, fresh ingredients to provide our customers not only the great taste they love, but also food that is better for them. When we say, 'Eat well, live better' we really mean it."
Minsky's begins with hand-rolled dough - never frozen - making our crusts from scratch, several times each day, with our own time-tested recipe. And, we make them even tastier (and healthier), with sea salt and olive oil. We flavor-it-up with our unique blend of aromatic herbs and seasonings and then add our crowd-favorite tangy and delicious house-made red sauce, fresh cut vegetables, the highest quality meats - all topped with 100% Wisconsin mozzarella cheese.
After a long day at the soccer fields, we invite you to enjoy a
Minsky's Gourmet Pizza or any of our dozens of other menu choices at one of our 17 locations throughout the KC metro area. Or,
order online and have
Minsky's delivered hot and fresh - direct to your front door!
Minsky's. Eat well. Live Better.
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2017 SeatGeek Kansas City Invitational In The Books!
Heartland Soccer's longest running tournament, the 2017 SeatGeek Kansas City Invitational was held over the weekend of May 26th to the 29th. All games were played on the turf fields at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and the Swope Soccer Village. Over 250 teams came from as far as South Dakota and Texas to play in our Spring season finale.
Unfortunately, bad weather forced the cancellation and shortening of numerous games on Saturday afternoon. However, once the skies cleared, Saturday evening and Sunday continued in ideal playing conditions and trophies and medals were awarded to the 45 tournament Champions & Finalists.
We would like to say a big thank you to all of the nearly 3,000 teams that have taken part in our tournaments during the Fall of 2016 and Spring of 2017. We really appreciate your support, and are looking forward to once again providing the highest quality tournaments possible over the course of the 2017/18 seasons.
Sincerely,
Dave Morrow, Tournament Director
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S
pring Season 2017 - Another one in the books....
What a season! Another round of exciting matches, spirited teams, and Midwest weather. Remember the couple of weekends that were sunny and warm? Too bad there were so few of them. Our passionate fans
 endured wind, rain, cold, snow, and Referees. Hard to believe the league season is over, isn't it? We will get our quick respite and look forward to starting all over again. Tryouts are just around the corner and we will be working on getting ready for the Fall season. The Referees who worked at Heartland this Spring want to thank you for making the season possible.
The picture shows the Referee team leaving the field after a match. But it represents more than officials assigned to a match. You see the  seasoned Referee (that is what I like to call people like me with white hair) working with the next generation. The seasoned team member shares experience and passion and insights on the beautiful game so that when he moves to the sidelines the next generation will be ready to provide SAFE and FAIR matches for the players in the next season. Our plan is for the younger generations to keep coming back so they can develop the experience and passions and insight that comes with experience and mentoring and become the seasoned Referees we all need. Our end of season Referee Survey was released earlier this week. Let's see who your Referees were and what they thought about the season.
Who are the Referees who supported Heartland this Spring?
60% of our Referees were under 17. Most are players who are building  their character by accepting the challenges of being a soccer Referee. Almost 50% of the Referees who responded to the end of season survey have been a Soccer Referee for 3 years or less (and half of these are in their first season). They have a lot to learn to be even better Referees. During the Heartland Monthly Referee meetings, we talk about ideas for making better decisions, and help them understand that the Referee's role is to enforce the Laws of the Game and to work hard for their Heartland CUSTOMERS (the players, coaches and you the fans).
Thank you to those of you who have commented on the Referees this past season. While we wish we pleased 100% of the people 100% of the time, but we know we didn't. You told us so. You also told us that we are moving in the right direction. One of our newer Referees (a young lady 14 years old) said the following in response to the question "What do you like least about being a Referee?" Coaches and parents not understanding that we WILL make mistakes. We are not perfect. Even the best Referees make mistakes too. She wasn't asking you to forget her mistakes. She wants you to understand she is learning and will get better every season. She wants you to give her the opportunity to develop. You can do this by not complaining to her from the sidelines (many of you give her the space she needs to want to come back - but a few don't get it yet). Please see the Referee Corner article. Will you help us keep them coming back so we can make them even better for you, our Customers? Thank you.
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From the Heartland League Director,
Richard Davies
Dear All,
Just a quick note for the end of the season.
Thanks to all of you that played in the 2017 Spring season, yet again we had record numbers and quality match ups across the board.
Congratulations to all of the division winners, but also to every player that "strapped the cleats on" and competed to the best of their ability all season.
Tryouts begin in a couple of weeks which we know can be stressful for players, but especially parents. Please know though, that things always work out in the end and there are places and coaches for everyone. Be patient with the process and enjoy watching the players find the right spot.
There will be some major changes during the off season as far as new fields go. Currently, Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex is undergoing resurfacing. Fields 10, 11 and 12 will be redone first and then they will be starting on fields 7, 8 and 9. The 8 turf fields at Wyandotte County will also be ready to go for the start of the 2017 Fall season. Then we should be adding 7 fields at Gateway Sports Village some time during the Fall. This will ensure that we are rewarding the players and coaches for their hard work by allowing them to showcase their skills on some of the best fields in the country.
We sincerely hope you have a great summer with your families and we can't wait to see you all again in the Fall.
Thanks for everything you do
Heartland Soccer.
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Division Winners- Spring 2017
Heartland Soccer Association and Sporting Kansas City will again host an awards ceremony at the following games:
- June 10th - 7 pm game
- July 1st - 6 pm game
All division winning teams attending the game will be recognized during a half-time parade at field level. A large block of tickets has been set aside for sale to Heartland division winners. After that block is sold, tickets will be standing room only. Other details for the events will be included in the congratulatory email sent to division winning teams.
If you have any questions, pleases do not hesitate to call.
Wendy Reyes
Special Events Coordinator
Heartland Soccer Association
Direct: 913-707-1344
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DEVELOPING POSSESSION AND PLAYING THROUGH DEFENSIVE LINES
- This activity has been setup to show how it can be adapted when working with a large squad (19 players in this example). Use 4 x mini goals or 7's goals with keepers.
- One box features 4v4 plus 2 x neutral players 'floaters' and the other with 4v4 plus 1 'floater'. 4v4 +2 floaters in both boxes if numbers are balanced. Game should be played at 2 touch minimum.
- 'Floaters' simply play with the team in possession.
- Target is for players to make at least 5 successful passes in the box before playing a through pass or dribbling out of the box to try and score at either end with no more than 2 touches to finish.
- Only one player is to leave the box to try and receive a pass or dribble out (breaking the defensive line). Rotate neutral players when necessary.
Progressions
- One touch for all players and first time finish.
- When breaking out, one opponent can track run to defend.
3 Key Focus Points
- Players need to be alert to receive the ball whilst looking around to see passing options and make quick decisions. Especially if working on first time passes.
- Encourage players to look for gaps to dribble or play into on final pass.
- Timing of runs for players behind the defensive lines (can relate to offside).
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Congratulations to Rocco Deppe for being named our Papa John's Spotlight Referee for June!
Rocco, who plays for Sporting KC Academy year round, started reffing this spring and has already excelled as a top referee for Heartland Soccer!
Q&A with Deppe...
What is your favorite part about reffing?
When I get to referee good competition.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing?
Always control your emotions and stay focused on the task.
How long have you played soccer?
Since I was three-so about 10 years
Do you participate in any sports/activities/clubs/ youth groups/ community service?
I go to St. Michael's church and I am in a youth group there. I also qualified for the Kansas State Spelling Bee.
What was the last book you read?
The Outsiders. Two gangs in Oklahoma called the Greasers and Socs. My favorite part was when two Greasers Johnny and Pony ran away from the police and lived by themselves for a week.
What types of movies do you like?
I like comedy best. The last movie I watched was Daddy's Home. My favorite part of the movie is when Dusty and Brad go to Brad's radio station and hangout with the boss.
What is your favorite sports team?
Sporting KC is my favorite soccer team and my favorite non-soccer team is the Arizona Cardinals.
Thank you to Rocco for his commitment to Heartland Soccer Association!
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Getting Ahead of the Demand before it
becomes a bigger issue:
The Spring 2017 season continued our growth in the number of teams, the number of matches and the number of tournaments at Heartland. In the Fall season, it took 1,220 different Referees to cover the matches. During the Spring season, we had a single weekend where 641 different Referees were assigned. And, we still had fields where Club Assistant Referees were needed.
The demand for soccer at Heartland and in Kansas City continues to grow. This is a good thing for all of us. More teams mean more opportunities to play against teams with similar skills and abilities. And more opportunities mean more player and skill development and days of fun at the complexes for the fans.
It also means that we need more people to become Referees. Becoming a Referee has many benefits:
- The ability to develop management skills that will be with you forever
- Where else can you be the manager of a team of 3, responsible for 14 - 22 players
- Have the responsibility of communicating with Adult coaches who are experts in their field
- An opportunity to have a job and make money doing something you love to do (soccer)
- A chance to learn more about the game (anyone who has become a Referee will tell you that it helps them become an even better player because they understand the game better)
- Maintaining fitness and building friends
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Referee, or know someone who would like to become a Referee, you can check out the opportunity on the Kansas Referee web page at http://www.kansasreferee.org/instruction/newreferee . Kansas will be posting the Entry Level Clinics for the Fall Season in the very near future. The Entry Level Clinics that will start in July will give you certification through December 2018. If you want to register in Missouri https://www.mrdp.org/node/8 Certification in either state will allow you to accept Heartland assignments.
If your interest is in being a fan and spectator (a very important part of the ecosystem) then you can contribute also. A key to successful Referee development is experience. When we assign someone to your match we want them to provide a SAFE and FAIR management of the match. They won't get every call right, but we want them to come back again next week and the next and the next so they do get better. This is how we can help your Referees develop the skills to be better as the games get better. Your role is to accept this fact. If there are problems, let the coach take the lead in sharing the problems with us. You should know that we do follow up on coach comments. Let's make the following cartoon NOT something that happens at Heartland. Thank you!
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Sport Shake is a delicious, creamy milk shake that is made with real dairy and with no added growth hormones. It provides 9 grams of protein to help muscles recover, and an excellent source of calcium to build strong bones. Sport Shake has more potassium in one serving than an entire banana to help replace what's lost in sweat during a strenuous practice or game. This nutritional profile helps soccer players recover quickly to show their power on the field the next day.
Sport Shake is a great tasting REAL DAIRY POWER SHAKE in both a
chocolate and vanilla flavor available at Price Chopper, Hy-Vee, Hen House, CVS and Amazon.com. Visit
SportShake.com or follow them on
Facebook,
Instagram and
Twitter for more information.
Sport Shake is manufactured in the Midwest, where milk from surrounding Kansas and Missouri farms goes into the product. The brand is owned by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. ("DFA"), a dairy cooperative headquartered in Kansas City. Each time Sport Shake is purchased, the profits go back to nearly 15,000 dairy farmers that own the company.
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