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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. |  |  |  | |
There are plenty of ways to keep your soccer-loving kiddos active and entertained this month. Here are a few fun things you can do at home or practice:
Soccer Trick-or-Treat Relay: Set up markers in the yard or practice field, and have players dribble the soccer ball from one station to the next, collecting treats or small Halloween-themed prizes.
Halloween-Themed Soccer Drills: Incorporate the spirit of Halloween by adding spooky twists to soccer drills.
Attend a Fall Soccer Event: Even if you’re not signed up for one of our tournaments, come check one out! It’s a great opportunity for your kids to see other players in action and support their local community. Check our website to learn about some of our upcoming tourneys!
Soccer-Themed Halloween Costumes: Help your kiddo create a fun, soccer-inspired Halloween costume!
Fall Soccer Picnic: Host a family picnic at a local soccer field. Bring some snacks, a soccer ball, and enjoy a relaxed game together.
As always, if you do any of these activities, share some pics on social media and tag us!
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On 31 October 2002, AS Adema won a match by the world record scoreline of 149-0. Adema, however, didn't score any of those goals.
The match came in the final round of Madagascar's THB Champions League tournament, played among three teams in a round robin format. The reigning champions, Stade Olympique de L'Emyrne Antananarivo (SOE), had been eliminated in their previous match by a controversial last-minute penalty decision, making Adema the new champions with one match to spare--against SOE.
With nothing at stake, SOE decided to use the match against Adema as a stage to protest their elimination. They kicked off and proceeded to put the ball directly into their own net. As Adema's players watched in astonishment, SOE continued to score an own goal from each successive kickoff, resulting in the final scoreline of 149-0, a margin recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ever.
Afterward, the Fédération Malagasy de Football suspended SOE's manager for three years. Four of SOE's players also received suspensions.
This article was taken from - https://tdifh.blogspot.com/2010/10/31-october-2002-i-think-they-made-their.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 '24 - 377
Heartland Invitational Boys '24 - 480
*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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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.
| For more information on VIDSPORT email: Lisa.Lindsay@Heartlandsoccer.net | |  |
As we enter the second half of the season here at Heartland Soccer Association, we're thrilled with the progress and energy on the field! From close matches to incredible teamwork, every player and coach has brought their best game to the Fall League. Remember, it’s not just about winning, but about learning, improving, and enjoying the game. With just a few weeks left, let’s keep that momentum going and finish the season strong. A huge thank you to our dedicated parents, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors for your continued support — your hard work and passion make this all possible. Don’t forget to check out the spring calendar at https://www.heartlandsoccer.net/about-us/calendar/ | 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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NUMBER 10’S GAME
Set up
Use the full width of the pitch and play from penalty area to penalty area in length.
Each team has eight players - a goalkeeper, four defenders, two midfielders and a forward.
The three neutral players (white) play as number tens and can rotate / exchange positions from right. Left and center.
It is important to encourage these players to look for spaces and to not all arrive in the same area of the field.
The number tens play for the team in possession of the ball.
The aim for the three players is to create overload situations in the game via their positioning to receive the ball between or outside the lines.
Rules
Normal football rules apply
The neutral players create an 11v8 overload for the team in possession and are free to score goals.
You can encourage specific ways of scoring by adding “double” goals for one of the following:
1. Overlap or underlap runs.
2. One touch combination play.
Session credited to www.michaelbealecoaching.com
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As we all know, Kansas City has become a major hub for soccer in the United States, with the sport's popularity growing year after year. At the heart of this growth is Heartland Soccer Association – the largest youth soccer league in America.
From recreational to competitive play, the development of players in KC is helping shape the future of soccer in this sports-loving city. The passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship learned on our fields are preparing the next generation of athletes to take the game to the highest levels. As soccer continues to expand in KC, we are proud to be at the forefront.
As a nonprofit organization, Heartland Soccer relies heavily on the support of our sponsors and volunteers. Your contributions go a long way in helping us continue to provide a positive, safe environment for our teams. We are grateful for your dedication to our mission, and we couldn’t do it without you! If you would like to learn more about how you can be a part of this incredible community, please reach out to us!
Thank you for your ongoing support and we are beyond excited to see how the next generation of players will continue to shape the future of this sport we love.
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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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The American Lung Association of Kansas & Greater Kansas City is excited to team up with Heartland Soccer Association and The Rub Bar-B-Que & Catering to support anti-vaping efforts, asthma education, and clean air initiatives. Join us at our interactive tent during the Heartland Invitational Girls Tournament on November 2-3 and the Heartland Boys Invitational Tournament on November 9-10 at the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex. For more information, visit https://kickinglungdisease.funraise.org/. | |
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Referee Corner: Use your experience watching
matches to become and effective new Referees…
For many, the question of effective Refereeing is based on the answer to the following question: “Is it my kid that is being fouled or is my kid that is fouling?” Making effective Refereeing decisions requires a knowledge of the Laws of the Game, neutrality, and experience.
“Referees say we are only as good as our last call. But I like to say we are only as good as our next call. It’s very simple, get my next call correct. When you are working regularly, you are better prepared for the next decision. Sometimes as officials we see the game more clearly and this comes with repetition. When we are not seeing clearly it is because we are out of practice.”
Many of you have been watching your kids’ soccer matches for years. This translates to the experience and repetition mentioned above. When you see something many times, you are better prepared to make decisions. That is why parents who have seen hundreds of games can make excellent Referees. Let us look at this in more detail.
The new Referee is 13 years old. He or she has been playing soccer since they were 5. While this represents 8 years of “experience”, it is experience based on the way 5 – 12-year-olds play the game. That is why our new Referees start on the small-sided fields. There is extreme value in understanding how the game is played if you are going to be responsible for managing the game and the players.
Now, what about you? If you have been watching your kids for many years you have experience watching the Referees and the players at the higher levels. For many of us we have fallen in love with the game, and the thought of not being at the fields is not a happy thought. So, don’t give up the game. Instead find another way to stay involved – become a Referee.
When you are out at the fields, look at the adults who are officiating games. Many of them made the decision to become a Referee because of their love of the game and their passion for helping young kids develop to their fullest as players and Referees.
We have posted our next group of Entry Level Clinics at http://www.KansasReferee.org . Check out the schedule and we look forward to having some of you join the Kansas Referee family. It will keep you close to the game we all love, and I promise will extend your youth. Go to the app store (Google Play Store or Apple Play) and download the IFAB Laws of the Game. Consider this the first step in better watching the matches and getting on the road to being a certified Referee.
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The Heartland fans versus fans from out of state. Observations from the early tournaments …
Referee attrition is a continuing problem across the country. Kansas is not immune from this problem either. How are you, the Heartland fans, doing in terms of supporting our Kansas Referee?
In early September there were several tournaments that included teams from out of state which gave us the opportunity to see if there is a difference in the way Heartland fans react to the young officials versus how teams from out of state reacted. There is a caveat that needs to be considered as a part of any comparison, and that is that when out of state teams come to tournaments in Overland Park, they are making extra investments in travel, meals, and hotels. Could this affect their understanding and support of the Referees? After all, a tournament trip investment anticipates winning some medals.
Let us start with the Referees. We have certified over 200 new Referees in Entry Level Clinics since July. In each of these clinics we ask the students what their greatest concern is about becoming a soccer Referee. The top two responses are making a mistake and getting yelled at by the sidelines. They want to do a respectable job. They articulate that one of the keys to success is confidence. How do they develop confidence in performing this new job? There may be many answers, but I would propose that experience is the key to developing confidence. Experience means doing more matches. In Kansas, these new Referees have the support of peer mentors who observe the Referees and provide them with recommendations on how they are performing. The Referees who worked these fall tournaments included Referees with multiple years of experience and many new Referees who are in their first year. Believe it or not even experienced Referees are affected by the comments from the sidelines. National surveys show that this is one of the primary reasons why Referees quit (both new and experienced Referees).
With this background (the tournament investment for traveling teams and the effects of the sidelines on retention), let’s look at what we observed during these tournaments. The positive news is that the local teams were much better in supporting the decisions of the Referees as measured by sideline comments. We congratulate you for this behavior.
The following picture came from a program that was implemented in St. Louis a couple of years ago. It accurately summarizes the issues that are being faced across the country that are creating the Referee shortage. We do not have the scale of the retention problem that is referenced in the picture, but our 40% rate of Referees quitting after their first year is still a major problem.
You, the Heartland fans, showed that you are more willing to support the young Referees in your matches (and we know that you want to win as bad as any other team). Our challenge to you is to keep your focus on this positive behavior no matter if you are playing in a local tournament or are paying the extra tournament investment for out-of-town tournaments. Represent Kansas well as ambassadors of the beautiful game. This will make you part of the solution instead of part of the problem.
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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 Tristan
When did you start reffing? Last season around the end of the spring.
What made you decide to get certified to referee? To make money and to make the game better.
What is your favorite part about reffing? Giving yellow and red cards out and watching the players do their best.
Do you play soccer? I play for TOCA FC Elite64.
Do you participate in any sports/activities? I do student council right now for my school.
Do you have any hobbies? Golf.
What was the last book you read? Front desk. My favorite part was when Mr. Yao wants to sell the motel, and Mia organizes all her new friends to band together to buy it from him.
What types of movies do you like? Scary and drama/funny.
What was the last movie you saw? Dante’s peak. My favorite part was when the volcano erupted.
What is your favorite sports team? Chelsea FC.
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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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