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Referee Availability for
League & Tournaments
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referees continues. Join America’s Largest Soccer League. Additional information on referee meeting schedules, training, and education can be found on the Referee Classes page. Games are available at SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, Swope Soccer Village, Compass Minerals Sporting Fields, and GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex. Sign Up to Become a Referee.
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We have moved Office locations......
Heartland Soccer Association is now located at The Aspiria Complex
(previously Sprint Campus)
6450 Spring Parkway, Suite A, Overland Park, KS 66211
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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Indoor and Outdoor Signs, Flags and Window Decals
913-706-7352
levinead@sbcglobal.net
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As our newsletter serves as a platform to celebrate achievements, share information, and highlight the soccer community, we are continuously trying to improve and stay at the forefront of communication and innovation. We have a fun opportunity for you to volunteer to contribute to our newsletter as well. Here is what we’re looking for:
- Player / Team stories and achievements
- Expertise and Insights: Share your knowledge! This doesn’t need to be soccer-related. Are you a pro-Gardner? Send us some tips! A chef? Send us some recipes! A hiker? Send us your favorite Midwest trails!
- Photos! If you captured any cool photos or videos this past season, send them or way and we will be sure to include them in our upcoming newsletters.
- Inspiration and encouragement. Calling all our poets, artists, and creatives!
- Community spotlights: Shine a spotlight on someone in our community making a difference. We would love to share their story and bring them the recognition they deserve.
At Heartland Soccer Association, we strive to have the newsletter be a collaborative, welcoming space for all. So please do not hesitate to let your voice be heard, showcase your talents, and share your expertise.
To contribute to the newsletter or for any further questions, you can email Katie at katie@falcocreativemedia.com. Thank you all for your continued support!
|  | The game of soccer, or football as it's called worldwide, is over 2,000 years old! Its earliest origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Greeks, and Romans, who all played different versions of the game. |  | |
Here are some healthy, easy snack options for your favorite soccer player this season:
- Orange slices – A classic halftime favorite for quick hydration and energy.
- Bananas – Easy to digest and packed with potassium to prevent cramps.
- Granola bars – A healthy, portable snack that provides long-lasting energy.
- Apple slices with peanut butter – A mix of carbs, fiber, and protein for a balanced boost.
- Trail mix – A good combo of nuts, dried fruit, and a little chocolate for energy.
- String cheese – Portable protein to help with muscle recovery.
- Whole grain crackers – Light, quick fuel to keep energy levels steady.
- Yogurt pouches – A cool, refreshing snack that’s high in protein and calcium.
- Grapes – Bite-sized and hydrating, great for hot game days.
- Carrot sticks with hummus – A nutritious snack with a crunch!
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This Month in History:
September
24 September 1922 –
Crossing The Pond
(And The Gender Gap)
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On 24 September 1922, English women's side Dick, Kerr's Ladies opened their North American tour with a 6-3 loss to Paterson FC.
The Ladies began in 1917 as the works team for the Dick, Kerr & Co. munitions factory, located in Preston, Lancashire. They and other women's clubs soon grew so popular that the FA saw them as a threat to the men's game and issued a 1921 ban preventing the women from using league grounds. Nevertheless, they continued to play on non-league grounds and in 1922, were invited on their 1922 overseas tour.
The tour was scheduled to start in Canada, but upon their arrival on 22 September, they were informed that they were no longer welcome in Canada. They crossed the border to the US and made their way to New Jersey, where they faced Paterson FC. Paterson, a men's club, had won the 1917 National Association Foot Ball League title.
Paterson won that opening match 6-3, but it was one of only two losses Dick, Kerr's Ladies suffered in the eight matches they played against some of the strongest US men's sides of the time. They also lost to New York Centro-Hispano, won against the New Bedford Whalers, the New York Football Club, and the Baltimore Soccer Club, and drew with J&P Coats, Washington Stars, and the Fall River Marksmen. After the match against Fall River, a local paper reported "The score in no way explains how well these English lassies can play the national game of their homeland. Nor could the fans at the game tell just exactly how expert are the women tourists for the opposition was from a team of the best men kickers in the country."
This article was taken from - https://tdifh.blogspot.com/2010/09/24-september-1922-crossing-pond-and.html
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2023 -2024
Tournament Team Numbers
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Border Battle '24 - 160
Midwest College Showcase '24 - 85
Heartland Spring Cup '24 - 148
KC Champions Cup '24 - 410
Mother's Day Classic '24 - 371
Kansas City Invitational '24 - 334
KC 3v3 '24 - 65
Heartland Open Cup '24 - 61
Fall Kick Off Challenge '24- 170
Heartland Midwest Classic '24 - 129
Midwest All Boys '24 - 230
Midwest All Girls '24 - 301
Heartland Invitational Girls '23 - 432
Heartland Invitational Boys '23 - 450
*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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Come ESCAPE with us!
Exercise your MIND
at one of KC’s most exciting
escape room adventures.
Lots of fun!
Soccer weekends sell out quickly
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2023-2024
Heartland Numbers
Spring league teams '24 1,386
Fall league teams '24- 1,388
League players - 48,000
Tournament teams - 3,500
Tournament players - 56,000
Referees - 2,000+
Coaches - 4,000
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MYSA NEWS
Under MYSA's sanctioning agreement and guidelines, ALL Missouri based teams (all ages and divisions) registering for the Heartland Soccer Fall 2024 League season must be registered through MYSA.
Heartland Soccer is a qualifying league for Missouri State Cup.
| Before Thomas Edison invented the electric light in 1879, most people slept 10 hours each night. | the above taken from post on Instagram @how.vintage | For more information on VIDSPORT email: Lisa.Lindsay@Heartlandsoccer.net | |  |
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The start of a new soccer season is an exciting time for youth players and their parents. For the kids, it’s a fresh opportunity to improve their skills, reconnect with teammates, and experience the thrill of competition. The excitement in the air is contagious—everyone’s eager to hit the field and start chasing new goals.
For parents, it’s a chance to watch their children grow, not just as athletes but as teammates and leaders. The start of the season brings new routines, opportunities to bond over practices and games, and the joy of watching your child’s confidence and passion for the game blossom.
This early season energy is unbeatable! It sets the tone for months of development, teamwork, and unforgettable moments both on and off the field. So lace up those cleats and grab the team snacks—it’s going to be a great season! Thank you for choosing Heartland Soccer Assocation!
| Guest Player- Double Rostering | |
Dear All,
Please know that if you are utilizing guest players for Heartland league, you must submit the physical guest player forms to the referee when checking in.
The guest player card must be present and they have to be added to the line-up card.
Here are the rules…..
3.4 GUEST, MULTIPLE ROSTER PLAYERS & CLUB PASSES A maximum of three guest players are allowed per team per game, except for U15 Divisions. Those divisions will have a 5-guest player limit during their gender specific high school seasons. Boys will have a 5-player limit in the Fall only and girls in the Spring only. Teams may not exceed the maximum number of players allowed on the game day roster by adding guest players. Players may only play for one team within a subdivision, i.e., they may not dual roster or guest play with another team in the same sub division. Players may guest play or dual roster “up”, but not “down” within their age group. For example, a U14 Division 2 primary rostered player may guest play with a Division 1 team, but not with a Division 3 team. That player may NOT play in any division lower than Division 2 in his/her own age group. A player primary rostered to a team that is older than his/her actual age group may guest or dual roster with a team playing in highest division of his/her actual age group. For example, an actual U14 player who is primary rostered to a U15 team may play as a guest or dual roster player with a U14 Division 1 team. Once a player has played a game for their primary roster team, they are not permitted to change their primary status and play for a lower division team within the league for that season. They are also not permitted to play for a second team within that division during that season.
Players can only double roster or guest play up to 2 divisions within an age group. E.G. A U10 D4 primary rostered player, can only guest play or be secondary rostered to a U10 D2 team and no higher. Players can guest play or be secondary rostered up to the next age group without limitations. All guest player forms must be taken to the game and submitted to the referee. Failure to do so will result in the player being excluded from the game and possibly a forfeit.
Thanks,
Heartland Staff
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Learning Leadership
Through Youth Soccer
Youth soccer is about more than just learning how to play the game—it's also a powerful tool for developing leadership skills. On the field, players learn to communicate, make decisions under pressure, and support their teammates. Whether they're captaining the team or simply setting an example with their work ethic, every player has the chance to lead in some way.
Leadership in soccer isn’t just about being the loudest voice. It's about showing responsibility, staying positive during tough moments, and encouraging others to do their best. These skills carry over into life off the field, helping young athletes build confidence, take initiative, and become role models among their peers.
By learning to balance teamwork and leadership, youth soccer players gain valuable skills that will benefit them long after the final whistle.
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Pressing Game
The game starts with the pass from the goalkeeper to the central defender. Both teams are in the 3-1 Formation. The outnumbering situation forces the defenders to defend ball- and teammate- oriented.
We play with two touches.
The goal counts twice if we score after winning the ball in the opponent’s half.
We play with the offside rule.
Short Game Durations (1 Minute) to provoke more intense pressing.
| The Heartland Invitational has built a strong reputation as the premier tournament in the Kansas City area. Held over two weekends—one for girls and one for boys—it offers teams a final chance to compete in a high-stakes, end-of-season event. Each year, up to 800 teams from across the central United States come together for this exciting showdown. With access to additional fields, we’re able to welcome the many teams eager for a competitive season finale. | |
Heartland Invitational Girls
November 1-3, 2024
Registration Deadline:
September 30, 2024
Register
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Heartland Invitational Boys
November 8-10, 2024
Registration Deadline:
October 7, 2024
Register
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Teaching the Importance of Saving
A savings account is the most basic account, where you can deposit and withdraw money at any time. You can also earn interest- gains or earnings based on a percentage- on the money within your account. This means that your money is constantly growing. What you earn depends on the interest rate that the financial institution establishes. That rate varies based on the account type and competition from other financial institution offering similar accounts.
When talking to kids about saving accounts, it’s important for them to understand that saving is the secret to getting what they want. In order to do that, they need to understand the difference between saving with a purpose and saving for a rainy day. When it comes to the actual act of saving, teach that creating (and sticking to) goals is key. They may choose to save a regular percentage of their income or a certain amount each month.
Saving Activities
Create a Savings Goal: Help your child set a saving goal. Children's goals vary a ton based on their age, but might include toys, sports equipment, electronic devices, special clothes, or other big-ticket items. Let them discover for themselves that not all goals are worth the time and effort it takes to reach them. Once they’ve set a goal, create a clear way for them to track their progress. The more visible, the better. For example, a jar in the living room or a paper chain that you cut pieces off of for each milestone. This will remind them of their goal and give you both the chance to celebrate progress.
Open a Savings Account: Take a trip to your financial institution and help your child open their first savings account. You can even ask an expert at the financial institution to explain how interest works and why it’s wise to store your money in an account. Encourage your child to ask other questions about how financial institutions work. You may even choose to contribute a little to help get their fund started. But remember, the child needs to learn how important it is to regularly add money to the account. Interest won’t be enough on its own to reach their goals.
You can find more tips, tools and valuable banking options at Azura Credit Union. Visit us in person at one of our convenient locations or online at AzuraCU.com.
Source: Banzai Coach for kids
Azura Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.
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NO BS!
Don’t feel like cooking on tournament or practice days? ½ off appetizers at the Burger Shed with the purchase of an entrée. Just mention this ad along with Heartland Soccer.
We offer a full bar and restaurant right across the street from the GARMIN Olathe Soccer
Complex.
The Burger Shed is located inside the Embassy Suites.
Take a look at our menu: https://eatatburgershed.com/olathe/
Please call ahead for parties of 6 or more: 913-353-9335
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Referee Corner:
How to legally put the ball in play…
It was a Friday night, and the tournament was in the first games. I was watching one of the Under 9 games. A parent on the sidelines was certain that the ball had gone across the goal line and should be a goal. The AR responsible for that goal line was not in an effective position to determine whether it was a goal of not and did not signal for the goal. This parent decided that he would provide assistance to the officiating team following this incident.
It did not take long for another opportunity to question the decisions of the officiating team. The defender tripped an attacker in the Penalty Area. The Referee saw this foul and blew their whistle. The decision was for a Penalty Kick.
The Referee gave the ball to the attacker who was going to take the Penalty Kick and instructed him to place the ball on the Penalty Spot (the correct procedure). The Referee then went to the goalkeeper and reminded them that they needed to keep one foot either on or behind the goal line until the ball was kicked (the correct procedure). The Referee then instructed the other players that they had to be outside the Penalty Area and ahead of the ball (again the correct procedure). The next part of the process was for the Referee, when he was sure that everyone was in place, to blow his whistle so the Penalty Kick could be taken. The Referee correctly did this also.
The kicker took his shot. The ball rebounded off the crossbar and went back to the kicker without touching another player. The kicker then struck the ball again. The first parent remarked that this was totally within the Laws of the Game. Another parent, whose son is a goalkeeper, remarked that the kicker could not play the ball legally since it had not touched another player. The two parents had different opinions on whether this was legal or not.
I want to review what the Laws of the Game say about this kind of situation so we understand what the correct decision should be. Let’s look at Law 14, the Penalty Kick, first. The Law states, “After the players have taken positions in accordance with this Law, the Referee signals for the Penalty Kick to be taken.
The player taking the Penalty Kick must kick the ball forward; backheeling is permitted provided the ball moves forward.
When the ball is kicked, the defender goalkeeper must have at least a part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind the goal line.
The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.
The Penalty Kicki is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play or the Referee stops play for any offense.
The cross bar or goal post is a part of the field, not another player. The correct decision by the Referee should have been to blow the whistle to stop play and then award an Indirect Free Kick to the defending team for the “double touch.”
Law 13, which governs Free Kicks states the following:
The ball:
- Must be stationary and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
- Is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
To summarize, on any free kick including Direct Free Kicks, Indirect Free Kicks, Penalty K's, Goal Kicks, Corner Kicks and Kick Offs, the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves. However, the player who kicked the ball cannot touch it again legally until another player has touched it.
The question for you to consider, is there any restart where the player may legally double touch the ball? You won’t find the answer to this question in Law 13 or 14. Have fun searching for the answer, and if you see me at the fields let me know what you found out.
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The season has started. Observations from the first 3 weekends …
A couple of tournaments and a couple of weekends of league play are in the books as we enjoy August soccer in Kansas City. How are we doing as a soccer community for the Fall? Are the teams experiencing competitive matches? Are the fans supporting their teams? Are the Referees contributing to SAFE and FAIR play?
Let us start with the teams. In last weekend’s tournament several of the Championship matches were determined by Penalty Kick Shootouts. This means that there was good competition. Neither team was able to gain an advantage during regulation time, so the winner was determined with the stressful but definitive Penalty Kick Shootout.
In one of the age groups, the format was pool play. The top 2 teams met in a morning match. The morning result was a tie (an acceptable outcome in a pool play match). Both teams were eager to play each other so they could have the bragging rights earned by winning. The afternoon match followed the same script as the morning match, ending in a draw. The players on the pitch lined up at the halfway line and started the process for determining the winner. As each girl went to the Penalty Spot their teammates cheered them on. The other team gave encouragement to their goalkeeper. Some players were successful. The goalkeeper thwarted others. As they moved through the lineups, the pressure built. The Shootout went from the best out of 5 to sudden death. Multiple shooters gave their best effort, but in the end, a single strike that got by the goalkeeper was the difference between winning and losing.
The Referee team administered the Penalty Kick Shootout as outlined in the Laws of the Game. One of the AR’s was in his first PK Shootout. More learning and more experience for this AR which will no doubt be applied again during the Fall season.
The same thing happened in one of the boy’s games. The Championship game ended in a draw, so the winner would be determined by the Penalty Kick Shootout. Again, the players took their positions at the halfway line. The goalkeepers were behind the AR who was on the goal line. Again, there was encouragement by the players for each other and for the goalkeepers. Again, the first 5 were unable to determine who would win the match. Sudden death was the next step. Yes, it finally ended with a winner. What stuck with me was what happened when the goalkeeper who needed to make the save for his team to win could not stop the shot. The goalkeeper was dejected and showed his disappointment. The Assistant Referee who was on the goal line went over to the goalkeeper and gave him words of encouragement for the future. When I talked to this AR afterward, the AR told me that he knew just how the goalkeeper felt because he had been in the same situation as a player in the past.
Most of our Referees are players. They understand the pressures and the highs and lows that come with a situation like the Penalty Kick Shootout. Taking time to provide encouragement for the future is not a part of Referee training, but it is a part of our beautiful game. I could only praise this young player and AR for his contributions to a successful weekend.
A final incident occurred during an under 9 pool play match. The Referee and the ARs were young and new. There was a call made during the match that was not accepted very well by one of the coaches. The decision by the AR was that the player was not offside and the player that received the ball went on to score.
When I talked to the AR who made the decision that the play was onside, I asked him to explain what he saw and how he made the decision. This young AR (again a player) thought that the player who received the pass from his teammate was in his own half of the field when the pass was made. There cannot be offside in your defensive half of the field which is why he did not raise his flag. According to the Laws of the Game he made the correct decision.
The Referee then asked what he should do if the coach was upset with the no call. He wondered if he should explain the decision to the coach, ignore the coach, or discipline the coach for challenging the decision. I considered this to be a very mature question by the young Referee. We have a 12-year-old first year Referee asking about how he could best deal with an adult in a pressure situation. What do you think he wanted to do? If you said to talk to his AR, to understand why they made the decision they did and then to explain it to the coach, then you are in line with the Referee. Again, a new season. Again, challenging decisions are being made by young Referees who are applying what they learned in class to dynamic situations on the field of play.
Everyone is growing. The coach respected the logic for the decision (I did not say he was happy about it) and there was no need for any discipline. The soccer community respected the beautiful game and even though the decision did not go the way that some of them wanted, everyone knows that there will be more games and more decisions. Players will grow. Coaches will coach. Referees will make decisions applying their knowledge of the Laws of Game. And everyone will be better off because we worked together as a community.
Are you a part of the problem or a part of the solution to officiating at Heartland? If you want to be a part of the soccer solution as a decision maker on the field, please join us, and become a certified Referee. Information on clinics can be found at the Kansas Referee website.
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Monthly Referee Meetings
Are you wanting to improve as a referee? How about get less grief? What about being considered for higher level games and state cup? Attending monthly Kansas Referee Program meetings is a great step to help all of that happen! Don't miss opportunities to hone your craft, win some fun prizes, make new friends and elevate your game as an elite Kansas soccer referee! Referees of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend!
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2024 Fall Referee Meeting Dates
· Oct 14
· Nov 11
6:30pm — Entry Level via Zoom
7:00-8:30pm — Intermediate In-Person
All In-person meetings will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
Field House meeting room, 13700 Switzer Rd, Overland Park KS 66213
Information will be sent out via email to referees for the “Zoom” meetings.
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If you are interested in becoming a Referee, please check out the Entry Level Clinics are posted at www.kansasreferee.org. There are many ways to create successful young adults in our game. You can build up players. You can support the coaches. You can congratulate Referees on their efforts. You can thank the assignors on site for their contributions. All of us can enjoy the opportunity that we have to enjoy the beautiful game in the Heartland Soccer Association. Remember, this foundation was not created by accident. A lot of committed people spent a lot of their time making this happen. Thank them.
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Q & A with Nick
When did you start reffing? Spring 2023.
What made you decide to get certified to referee? I decided to get certified to have a job and something to do on the weekends.
What is your favorite part about reffing? Making new friends.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? I have learned to be patient and that everyone makes mistakes and working on not doing it again.
What level of referee do you aspire to be? I want to be the best ref that I can be.
Do you play soccer? I played soccer for about 7 years.
Do you participate in any sports/activities? I am part of the AFROTC program at my high school which teaches military value. We help the community by doing community service.
Do you have any hobbies? I play video games and participate in ROTC events.
What was the last book you read? Romeo and Juliet. My favorite part was the fight scene.
What types of movies do you like? I like Star Wars.
What is your favorite sports team? Arsenal.
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Heartland Soccer Association is seeking action photo shots of kids of all ages and abilities playing soccer in Heartland League Games or Tournaments. Submitted photos may be included in Heartland Tournament, League and other promotional materials as well as social media posts.
Instructions for submitting photos:
All submitted photo files must be .jpg format, must be a minimum of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels, and no larger than 2 MB in size. Submitting a photo doesn't guarantee that it will be used.
By submitting a photo for consideration for use in Heartland Soccer Association promotional materials, you agree that:
1. You are the sole author of the photograph and control all rights for its use. The photograph is original. You have the rights to grant usage of the photograph as stated below. There has been no prior sale, publication or transfer of rights to the photograph. The photograph shall not contain any libelous or scandalous matter. To the best of your knowledge, the photograph's creation, publication and use shall not infringe any copyright, right of privacy or right of publicity, or infringe or violate any right of any third party.
2. You grant to Heartland Soccer Association all rights to use the photograph in any and all forms of media, including but not limited to electronic, digital media and print.
3. You allow Heartland Soccer Association the right to edit, revise, adapt and crop the photo as necessary.
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