Estimated economic impact $7.5 this weekend from youth soccer tournament
Olathe, Kansas – May 10, 2023 – Heartland Soccer Association, the largest youth soccer league and tournament host in America, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of one of the region’s most significant tournaments, the Midwest Mother’s Day Classic. Taking place from May 12-14, this prestigious event will showcase over 400 teams competing at two exceptional venues—the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex and the Scheels Overland Park Complex.
Since assuming management of the tournament in 2015, Heartland Soccer has witnessed exponential growth in participation. From an initial turnout of 309 teams, including international teams from Winnipeg, Canada, the Midwest Mother’s Day Classic expanded by nearly 100 teams within the following year. This remarkable achievement has solidified its status as the largest Mother’s Day soccer tournament ever held in Kansas City.
Shane Hackett, Executive Director of Heartland Soccer, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Midwest Mother’s Day Classic consistently attracts over 400 boys and girls teams from all over the Midwest. We are delighted to welcome these teams back to our world-class soccer-specific complexes for this exceptional tournament. Kansas City serves as the perfect backdrop to celebrate this special Mother’s Day weekend while witnessing the finest soccer talent in action.”
The Midwest Mother’s Day Classic offers teams from across the Midwest an unparalleled opportunity to engage in high-level competition against other elite youth soccer teams. Moreover, the economic impact of this event is estimated to reach an impressive $7.5 million over the course of the weekend, reflecting its significant contribution to the local economy.
Heartland Soccer recognizes the vital role of local media in promoting the sport, and cordially invites members of the press to attend and cover this exceptional event. The tournament will commence with the first set of games at 5:30 PM on Friday, followed by a series of matches starting at approximately 8:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the tournament, Heartland Soccer is bringing its esteemed Skills Challenge event to Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex during tournament weekend on Saturday, May 27. This competition is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels, and it promises to test your dribbling, shooting, and passing abilities. Registration for the Skills Challenge is now open on the event website, www.skillschallengeusa.com.
Looking ahead, Heartland Soccer has an exciting event lined up—the Kansas City 3v3 Challenge on June 17. Teams interested in participating can register now at www.heartlandsoccer.net.
About Heartland Soccer Association
As the largest youth soccer league and tournament host in the country, Heartland Soccer serves more than 1,350 league teams per season and 3,300 tournament teams annually, comprising of more than 74,000 youth soccer players and 4,000 coaches. In addition, Heartland Soccer supports over 2,000 active referees each year. Heartland Soccer Association was formed in 1977 and has grown from an initial 600 players to serving teams from 16 states and internationally with league and tournaments. For more information, visit www.heartlandsoccer.net.
Heartland Soccer offers diverse sponsorship opportunities for both league and tournament sponsorship. Heartland seeks partnerships with like-minded businesses who recognize the value of investing in youth development, thereby creating a better community for all in the future. Sponsorship provides businesses with increased brand visibility while making a direct impact on developing Kansas City’s youth through soccer. For more information on sponsorship, please contact Bridgette Samuelson, Director of Partnership Development and Operations at [email protected].