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.

Don't forget to order your League Championship Apparel Today!

Heartland Soccer Alum Kyle Atkins Earns MLS Assistant Referee of the Year Accolades

We’re proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of Kyle Atkins, a former Heartland Soccer referee who has recently been honored as MLS Assistant Referee of the Year! This prestigious award recognizes Kyle’s exceptional skills and commitment to the game as he continues to rise in the world of professional soccer officiating.

Kyle’s journey began right here at Heartland Soccer, where he honed his skills and learned the fundamentals of the game that would propel him to the next level. His success story is a true testament to the development opportunities that Heartland provides for referees, and it’s inspiring to see one of our own reach the pinnacle of officiating in Major League Soccer.

To learn more about Kyle’s achievement and what’s next for him, read the full article on the PRO Referees website: Kyle Atkins MLS Assistant Referee of the Year.

Congratulations, Kyle, and thank you for continuing to represent Heartland Soccer at the highest level of the game! #PRO | #MLS | #LeadingTheWay

Indoor and Outdoor Signs, Flags and Window Decals

913-706-7352

levinead@sbcglobal.net

Join the Heartland Soccer Association Newsletter!

At Heartland Soccer Association, we’re always looking for ways to enhance communication and stay innovative. We have an exciting opportunity for you to get involved by contributing to our newsletter! Here’s how you can be a part of it:

• Player/Team Stories and Achievements: Share the success stories of players and teams in our community! We’d love to highlight milestones, accomplishments, and special moments.
• Expert Tips & Insights: Whether it’s soccer-related or not, if you’ve got expertise to share, we want to hear from you! Are you a gardening expert? A culinary enthusiast? A nature lover with great hiking trail recommendations? Send us your knowledge!
• Photos & Videos: If you captured any standout moments this season, we’d love to feature them in our newsletter. Send us your best photos or videos, and we’ll make sure they’re shared with the community!
• Inspiration & Encouragement: Calling all poets, artists, and creatives! If you have words or art that inspire others, we’d love to include them in our newsletter to motivate and uplift our community.
• Community Spotlights: Know someone in our community who is making a real difference? We’d love to shine a spotlight on their efforts and share their story.
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At Heartland Soccer Association, our goal is to make the newsletter a space where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Your voice, talents, and insights are what make our community strong, so don’t hesitate to share what you’ve got!

To contribute or for any questions, please reach out to Katie at katie@falcocreativemedia.com. Thank you for your continued support!

Did you know? Soccer, or football as it’s known around the world, is the most popular sport on the planet, with over

4 billion fans! Originating more than 2,000 years ago, the game evolved from ancient ball games played in China, Japan, Greece, and Rome. Today, it unites people across cultures, languages, and continents.

Fun Thanksgiving-Themed Soccer Activities for Your Family!

1. Turkey Tag: Create a fun game of tag where the "turkey" (the player who is "it") has to chase the other players while dribbling a soccer ball. Add a twist by making players switch roles after a set time or when they’re tagged. A great way to work on speed and dribbling!
2. Grateful Goals: Have players take turns kicking soccer balls into a goal, but before they do, they must say one thing they are grateful for this Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect way to mix gratitude with soccer fun!
3. Stuff the Turkey: In this relay race, players take turns running to a spot, "stuffing" a basket (or box) with soccer balls, and then dribbling the ball back to the team. The team that fills their basket first wins!
4. Soccer Cornhole: Set up a cornhole-style game where players must kick soccer balls through a series of targets or goals placed at varying distances. For a fun challenge, adjust the distance for different skill levels!
5. Pumpkin Dribble: Have players dribble a soccer ball while navigating around small "pumpkins" (orange cones or objects). You can add a race element to make it competitive, or turn it into a skill-building exercise.
6. Thankful Team Challenge: Create a series of mini-games (like passing, dribbling, or shooting) where kids earn "thankful tokens" for completing each task. At the end, they can exchange their tokens for a small prize or treat!
7. Thanksgiving Soccer Parade: Have the kids “march” through the field with their soccer balls, dribbling in a straight line and occasionally performing skills like juggling, weaving, or changing direction. It’s a fun and silly way to work on ball control!

This Month in History:

30 November 1872 - The First Official International

On 30 November 1872, England and Scotland played the first ever official international, which ended in a scoreless draw.

The two countries had actually played five earlier matches, with England winning three of those and the other two ending in draws, but FIFA does not consider them full internationals, as the Scottish sides were mainly limited to players based in the area surrounding London, where the matches were played.

In October 1972, the FA decided to play a match against Scotland in Glasgow "to further the interests of the Association in Scotland." There was no Scottish FA at the time, so the Scotland's oldest club, Queen's Park FC, stood in for the national team, with all players coming from that club. Nine different clubs were represented in the English side, with Oxford University having the most players at three.

Played at Hamilton Crescent in Partick, the match started after a 20-minute delay for fog. 4,000 people were there to watch, paying a ticket price of one shilling each. Scotland had the best chances of the day, with two shots hitting the crossbar (actually, a strip of tape hung between the top of the posts), but neither side managed to find he back of the net and the match ended 0-0.

This article was taken from - https://tdifh.blogspot.com/2010/11/30-november-1872-first-official.html

2024

Tournament Team Numbers

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.

Heartland Soccer's Tournament Reach: A National and International Stage

In the past 12 months alone, Heartland has welcomed teams from 17 states and Canada, demonstrating the league’s reach and influence across North America. These numbers reflect the growth, diversity, and prestige of Heartland’s tournaments, making them key fixtures in the youth soccer landscape.

With each tournament, Heartland continues to provide players with incredible opportunities to showcase their skills while bringing together teams from near and far. We’re proud to be a part of such a dynamic and thriving soccer community!

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

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

Why These Numbers Matter

The numbers behind Heartland Soccer Association are impressive not just for their size but for the way they reflect the league’s commitment to quality, inclusivity, and community. With nearly 50,000 players, thousands of coaches and referees, and a robust tournament structure, Heartland is setting the stage for future soccer stars while providing a place for everyone to enjoy the beautiful game.

These incredible figures also show just how deeply rooted soccer is in the Kansas City area. Heartland Soccer Association is more than just a league; it’s a cornerstone of youth sports, bringing together families, communities, and passionate individuals who all share a love for soccer.

As Heartland continues to grow, one thing is clear: this league is not just the largest in America—it's a leader in shaping the future of youth soccer, one game at a time.

MYSA NEWS

Under MYSA's sanctioning agreement and guidelines, ALL Missouri based teams (all ages and divisions) registering for the Heartland Soccer Spring 2025 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

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our

Heartland Soccer Community

We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the many dedicated individuals who make our league run smoothly and ensure that every player, coach, parent, and fan has an outstanding experience.

We are especially thankful for the Referees, Assignors, Field Marshals, and Mentors who show up weekend after weekend, rain or shine, to support the game we all love. Your time, patience, and unwavering dedication do not go unnoticed. You provide players with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game, and for that, we are incredibly grateful. You are the heart of our community, and we can’t say it enough: YOU ARE AWESOME SAUCE!

Another aspect that truly sets Heartland Soccer apart is the incredible depth of competition we have at every age group. From the youngest players to the most seasoned athletes, the large number of teams in our league allows for matches that are closely matched in skill level. This gives all players, no matter their experience, a chance to grow, improve, and enjoy the game. We are fortunate to have so many kids playing soccer here in Kansas City, and it's thanks to the growth of the league that players have the chance to continue pursuing the sport as long as they choose.

We also want to recognize the exceptional office, league and tournament staff that makes up the backbone of Heartland Soccer. Our team has grown to become like family, and it’s a privilege to work alongside such talented, passionate individuals who share in our mission. Together, we continue to build a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.

A big thank you is also in order for the outstanding leadership at Heartland Soccer. It’s through their guidance and vision that Heartland Soccer has become a powerful force in youth soccer in the Midwest. The leadership here has allowed us to not only maintain high standards but to continually evolve and improve the experience for all.

We are beyond grateful to the Coaches, Players, and Parents who made it a record-breaking year. Your participation in the Heartland Soccer League and our tournaments helped us reach new heights, and we are excited to continue the momentum into 2025 and beyond.

We also want to highlight the incredible growth of our Referee program. The increased level of competition within the league provides a solid foundation for developing our referees, allowing them to gain experience and improve their skills over time. The support we’ve received from Heartland Soccer in growing our mentoring program has been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing even more success in the years ahead.

In conclusion, Heartland Soccer Association wouldn’t be what it is without each and every one of you. Whether you’re on the field, on the sidelines, or behind the scenes, your contributions make a difference. Thank you for being part of our community and for making Heartland Soccer a place where youth soccer thrives.

We’re proud to have you as part of the team!

The Kansas City Comets will host awards ceremonies prior to their game on

December 1st, December 15th and December 28th.

Teams attending the awards night will receive their medals from Comets players during the ceremonies.

To order tickets, please contact Mike Rodriguez at 816-739-2274 or email questions to mrodriguez@kccomets.com or Brian Roth at 573-768-5769 or email questions to brianroth@kccomets.com. Not sure if you have/need MEdal pick up information, but if so here it is:

Medal Pick-Up

Medals are ready for all players on division-winning teams! If your team is NOT participating in one of the awards ceremonies, medals are available for pickup at the Heartland Soccer office located at:

6450 Sprint Parkway, Suite A, Overland Park, KS 66211

Hours: Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm

*please check the website for holiday hours

We ask that one representative pick up medals for the entire team.

U9 Recreational Teams:

All U9 players will receive participation medals for the fall league season as a welcome to the Heartland League. All U9 recreational teams are invited to join the Heartland KC Comets awards ceremonies as well!

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

A Community of 48,000 Players

At the heart of Heartland Soccer Association are the 48,000 players who take to the field each season. This large player base reflects the league’s ability to provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and love for the game. With players from all walks of life, Heartland is helping shape the future of soccer in America, creating a diverse and passionate community.

NO BS!

Don’t feel like cooking on tournament or practice days? BOGO burgers at the Burger Shed in November! 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

WINGERS GAME

Using maximum width

Creating overloads in wide areas

Switching of play

Forward running off the ball (underlap or overlap)

Creating opportunities to cross or shoot

Set up

Use the full width of the pitch and play from penalty area to penalty area in length.

Each team has nine players - a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and a forward.

The two neutral players (white) play as wide players and work on the sides of the pitch to create 2v1 overloads for the team in possession of the ball.

Rules

Normal football rules apply

The neutral players create an 11v9 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. Goals by the wide players

2. Goals assisted by the wide players

3. Overlap or underlap runs

4. Crosses

Session credited to www.michaelbealecoaching.com

Kansas City: A Soccer Powerhouse

Kansas City has rapidly become one of the nation’s top soccer destinations, and it’s no surprise given the sport’s explosive growth here. At the center of this movement is Heartland Soccer Association, the largest youth soccer league in the country.

Whether it’s recreational leagues or highly competitive play, Kansas City is nurturing the next generation of soccer stars. The skills, teamwork, and values learned on our fields are helping athletes aim higher and reach new heights in the sport. As the soccer scene continues to evolve in KC, we are proud to lead the charge.

As a nonprofit, Heartland Soccer thrives thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers. Your contributions make it possible for us to maintain a positive, safe environment where young athletes can grow and thrive. We are so grateful for your commitment to our cause. Without you, none of this would be possible!

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get involved and make a difference in this vibrant community, we’d love to hear from you.



Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see how the future of soccer in Kansas City unfolds!

www.heartlandsoccer.net

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.

Place your Referee Kit Order Here Use Password HEARTLAND

The reason for Heartland and our Tournaments is to allow the players to play soccer…

Most of us have seen signs around sports complexes that say:

“Let the players play.”

“Let the fans cheer.”

“Let the officials officiate.”

Sounds reasonable. We love the passion that our sport creates.

At last week’s Heartland Invitational Tournament there were several incidents that give us all the opportunity to reflect on the ideas stated in the above sign. What happens when passion overtakes the goal of the competition? And what responsibilities does the Referee team have in delivering their stated mission, which is a SAFE and FAIR match, and what happens when there is a question on Referee decisions? Yes, these are a part of the game also.

The first situation occurred in an upper-age group match. The players on both sides were playing a physical game. There were pushes and charges that the Referee did not call. As we might expect, the players did not change their tactics. Instead, they “took the laws into their own hands” and the game got even more physical. The final incident included the goalkeeper tackling one of the attackers which resulted in a red card. The reaction from the players and the fans resulted in the game being prematurely terminated.

How do we deal with this?

• The Referee decisions throughout the match contributed to the final incident. After the match, the Referee administration had a meeting with the Referee team to better understand what they thought was the reason for the match being terminated early. They reflected that they should have dealt with the physical play earlier. The Center’s comment was that he realized that it is easier to loosen the reigns when the players demonstrate that they will play hard and fair than it is to pull the game back after allowing players to take the game into their own hands and retaliate.
• Yes, the Referees and the players learn from each match. The challenge is to make sure that they apply what they learned. In a later match, which was completed without incident, this Referee did apply the lessons of the earlier match. The Referee took control early and maintained control throughout the match. The players responded by playing hard but fair.
• The reactions of the fans were the primary reason for the early termination of this match. The lesson is that the only thing that happened because of their behavior was that the match was terminated. Did that benefit anyone? The player got his red card; however, there was no opportunity for the other players to compete to try and score the tying goal. The lesson learned was that this behavior was not going to be tolerated.

The second incident had nothing to do with the players. In a match, one of the coaches became upset at the decisions of the Referee. After the ball went out of play, this coach thought the throw-in should go the other way. He complained to the Referee and then kicked the ball away (again, the passion that soccer creates was at work). The Referee issued a caution to the coach for this dissent. The coach then took another ball and kicked it away. As you might expect, the Referee then issued a red card to the coach and asked him to leave the field. The coach did leave the field as instructed and took a seat on one of the benches at the far end of the field to watch the rest of his team’s game (it was a championship match). Ideally, this would be the end of the story, but like we said, there is a lot of passion in soccer.

One of the parents of the opposing team was upset that the coach was still by the field (even though he was being quiet and not affecting the match). This parent wanted the coach to be removed from the field. One of the Field Marshals was taking care of this decision when the passion boiled over. The coach wanted to know who was demanding that he leave, and the mom said, “It was me”. They started to yell at each other and the husband of the mom came to her defense. These adult fans were threatening to get into a fist fight. Remember, the game was a championship game, and it was the beginning of the second half. Were they watching and cheering for their team? No. Passions had taken over. The game didn’t seem to matter to them at this point in time.

There was a successful conclusion to this incident. The parents and the coach were removed from the field and placed at different ends of the complex. The game successfully concluded without further incident. The players got to do what they came here to do!

The moral of today’s article is to keep our focus on the game, which is the reason we are there. KEEP CALM AND LOVE SOCCER. Let the players play and the Referees referee. Mistakes will be made. But everyone will learn and the future will be better because of the learning. And this is what we want, right?