HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
                                                                                            from Heartland Soccer Association
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.


REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 
FOR THE SPRING SEASON
*registration closes January 8th!


Click here  to reserve  you seat

Concussion ImPACT Testing


What's your favorite soccer memory from 2017?

Sporting Blue Valley U13 girls Espanyol played in the Presidents Cup. They made it to round 2!!!  
WTG Ladies!!!

I just love to watch my son play!

All the countless hours, outdoors!

"Red Royals" Team

My daughter's PK shot that she scored on!

My oldest son centering my middle son's game


Thank you the amazing State Referee Crew! Hard working and dedicated, Kansas Youth Soccer State Tournaments wouldn't be the same without you!

Field Marshals got new gear!

Watching my daughter play in her first State Cup tourney (we took third) which has been on her bucket list for years. Priceless!

JOB OPENING!
Kansas Youth Soccer currently has a job opening for a Director of Membership!  Take a look at our classified section to apply!  Please email:  [email protected] if you are interested or have any questions.

This Month in History: December

On  December 7 th , 2013; Sporting Kansas City won their first MLS Cup in a nail biting penalty shootout with Real Salt Lake after extra time and a 1-1 draw.  Anyone who can remember this remembers the intensity of the game, the roar of the crowd, and the fact it was actually freezing outside (the field was actually frozen on one side).  But all of us Sporting Fans can definitely agree it was worth it! 
 
On December 27 th , 2008; Chippenham Town striker David Pratt set a new world record.  But it wasn't one he really wanted to set. Visiting Bashley for a Southern Premier League game, Chippenham's starting line-up included the 21-year old Pratt, but only for three seconds.  Immediately following the opening whistle, he committed a lunging tackle on Bashley forward Chris Knowles, drawing a straight red card from referee Justin Amey. 

Pratt's red card is the quickest red card ever issued to a starting player, beating the previous world record of 10 seconds set by Bologna's Guiseppe Lorenzo in 1990.  The previous English record was 13 seconds, set by Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman in 2000 for handling the ball outside the box.    Pratt later said "The world record is not a big deal to me. It's not something that I'm proud of."

Source:  http://tdifh.blogspot.com/2016/ 


Congratulations to the 2017 Kansas Youth Soccer Award Winners!
 Winners will be celebrated at the 2018 Awards Gala in February!


Congratulations to the 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees!

The Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame was started in 2009 with eight (8) inductees.  Others have been added, and the Hall of Fame continues to grow.  The Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame was set up to honor the outstanding contributions of individuals whose significant accomplishments and effect upon the sport in Kansas merit the highest recognition. With this Hall of Fame many deserving individuals' legacies will be preserved for their contribution to the soccer community in our state. We look forward to celebrating our 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees at the 2018 Awards Gala in February!

 
Dave & Buster's, Overland Park is now open! Be our guest and get $20 in FREE Game Play! Eat. Drink. Play. Watch Sports

US Youth Futsal has launched a new logo and  website:    www.usyouthfutsal.com

 
U. S. Youth Futsal Central Regional Championships
Kansas City, KS
January 12-15, 2018
U.S. Youth Futsal National Championships
February 16-19, 2018
Kansas City 

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 

Sign Up to Become a Referee for the Spring 2018 Season.



Spring 2018 Calendar
Jan 8 Spring 2018 online registration deadline
Jan 11 Recreational seeding
Jan 12 Premier pre seed & Recreational Final seed posted after 5pm
Jan 12-17 Premier seeding challenges via email deadline noon on 1/17
Jan 19 Final Premier seeding posted after 5pm
Feb 21 Spring 2018 schedule posted after 5pm
Feb 23-25 Border Battle Tournament
Feb 23-25 Dick's Sporting Good Discount Weekend for Heartland
Mar 2-4 First weekend of League play
Mar 9-11 League play
Mar 16-18 League play
Mar 23-25 League Play
Mar 30-31 League Play
April 1 Easter Sunday/No Games
Apr 6-8 League Play
Apr 6-8 Dick's Sporting Good Discount Weekend for Heartland
Apr 13-15 Kansas City Champions Cup /League Play
Apr 20-22 League Play
Apr 27-29 League Play
May 4-6 League Play
May 11-13 Midwest Mother's Day Classic / League Play
May 18-20 Rainout Weekend
May 25-27 Kansas City Invitational Tournament

2016/17 Heartland Numbers


Fall league teams
1260
Spring league teams
1296
League players 
42,000
Tournament teams
2,634
Tournament players 
44,000+
Referees
2,000+
Coaches
4,000
2017 Tournament Numbers
(number of teams)
 
Border Battle '17
181
Sport Shake KC Champions Cup '17 407
Mother's Day Classic '17 407
KC Invitational '17
282
Fall Kick Off Challenge '17
246
Heartland Midwest Classic '17
228
Midwest All Girls '17
289
ALDI Heartland Invitational Girls  '17
311
ALDI Heartland Invitational Boys '17
435

*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams
 from a total of 17 states and Canada.

The KSYSA 2018 Annual General Meeting will be Saturday, February 3rd.   
 
KSYSA Board Positions up for Election are also on the website with the application link. Applications must be submitted by  January 3, 2018 .  
 
CLICK HERE for additional AGM information.  
 
Email Sydney Currier at [email protected] with any questions.  
 
Thank you,  
Kansas State Youth Soccer Association 





The Spring 2018 State Cup, Presidents Cup, & Jr. State Cup will be held at the Wyandotte Sporting Fields, 
May 29th through June 6th!

Upcoming KSYSA Coaching Courses in 2017:

E License - Overland Park, KS - December 15-17th
E License - Wichita, KS - December 15-17th

Information for locations, assignments and registration can be found by clicking HERE

Reimaging How the World
Manages Youth Sports
We Want your Photos!

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.
Please send all photo submissions to Amy Kimball at [email protected]
 

US Youth Futsal Central Regional Championships 
more info and logos HERE 
 
FCFA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Powered by Fountain City Futsal Academy

FCFA is excited to announce Fountain City Futsal Academy Development Program. This is a six week, training only program focusing on the technical aspects of futsal.  
It will be offered to players of all ages, all play levels.

Session 2: 
Fridays - January 5, 19, 26 and February 2, 9, 23

Cost:
$150 per session ($275 for 2 sessions)
Cost includes uniform kit - t-shirt, shorts and futsal ball

 All sessions will be held at SportPlex in Olathe.   Additional information can be found on at: www.fountaincityfutsalacademy.com



Congratulations to Kansas Youth Soccer's
December Players of the Month!
Patsy from Puma FC & Ranjan from Sporting Blue Valley  


CLICK HERE to learn more about Patsy & Ranjan! 

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. 
NATIONAL "F" LICENSE
 
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
 
 
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS  
3 Women and an Oven
4 Wheel Parts
7 Eleven
AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
Advocare
ALDI
All Star Video
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
Chipotle
Cinzetti's
Columbia College
Commercial Capital
Costco
Cycle Bar
Dave and Buster's
Dick's Sporting Goods
Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel
Dunkin' Donuts
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
Heritage Tractor Supply
Huntington Learning Center
J&K Soccer
JF Consulting
Jimmy John's
Jon Russell's BBQ
KC Comets
KC Motor Company
KC Steak Company
Krusich Dental
Kumon
Land of Paws
Legoland/Sea Life
Lenny's Subs
Levine Advertising
Market Leverage
Menorah Medical Center
Minsky's Pizza
Kansas City Comets

Molle Toyota
Momo Bands
Moneytalks Financial Foundation
Morrill & Janes Bank
Museum at Prairiefire
NAIA
 Nerium
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Oxford Animal Hospital
Pacific Dental Services
Papa John's
PB&J
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
Spin Pizza
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
Twisted Fresh
University of Missouri Kansas City
Urban Air
Wendy's
Which Wich
Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Zaxby's 
Zip KC

 

Heartland wants to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their efforts throughout the year.  The success of our organization is built on the efforts of our players, coaches, referees, administration, staff, volunteers and sponsors. This past year, we have enjoyed many successes;  including our biggest season to date and some of our largest tournaments yet. Thank you for your commitment that each one of you has shown us.  

We've come through a year that was filled with challenges and victories, losses and wins, sunshine and rain.  How reassuring its been to know that we can count on all of you regardless of what faces us on and off the field.  We appreciate your dedication to the soccer community here in Kansas City.

Because of all of you, Heartland Soccer Association is the largest youth soccer league in the country with more than 1,300 league teams per season, 21,000 league youth players, 2,600 tournament teams each year, 44,000 tournament players each year, 4,000 coaches and 2,000 active referees. How incredible is that?  Thanks for making it happen!
 
We offer our best wishes and happiness to you and your families as we all look forward to a another New Year and great soccer season!

A message from our executive director
A message from our executive director.
 
2017 ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament

Over the first two weekends of November, 2017 a 
combined total of 746 teams came to Kansas City to play in the Girls and Boys ALDI H eartland Invitational Tournaments.  The fact that 310 girls teams registered was made even more remarkable given that nearly 300 teams had just taken part in the Midwest All Girls a mere three weeks earlier.  The 2017 Boys tournament hosted the largest number of teams that we have ever seen on a single weekend, with a total of 435 teams taking part in the event. 

A significant part of the draw for many of the teams playing in our
tournaments is the opportunity to compete against a variety of opponents.  It is always exciting to face teams that they have not played before.  These tournaments brought in participants from locations as far away as Colorado Springs, Springfield Illinois, Andover Minnesota, Sioux Falls South Dakota just to name a few. 

Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex was once again the central facility for the tournament however, many of the teams travelling to Kansas City to play were scheduled for the first time at the equally impressive Wyandotte Sporting fields.  Tournament games were also played on the excellent fields at the Swope Soccer Village.  This meant that the participants played (all 720 games on the November 10 th - 12 th weekend) on the excellent surfaces that are provided by the turf fields at the three facilities.  

We are very grateful to all of the staff members who gave both their time and expertise over both weekends.  It would be absolutely impossible to run an event of this magnitude without the tireless work of our scheduler, assignors, scorekeepers, field  marshals , medical staff and hundreds of match officials.

We also owe a huge thank you to the sponsors whose services provide such great benefits to both the tournament and its participants.  Although there are too many to name, our staff would like to express our gratitude to each of the many sponsors who supported the tournament.  The ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament would certainly not be the same event without them.    
    
We would also like to thank the hundreds of coaches and admi nistrators of the attending teams who give so much of their time in support of their teams.  We always strive to ensure that our events require as little work for the teams as possible, but we  understand that a great tournament weekend relies on both the preparation of the team administrator and management of the coach.   We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing your teams again in 2018.

Dave Morrow
Heartland Soccer
 

A DAY AT THE 2017 ALDI HEARTLAND INVITATIONAL

Tickets are going fast. Call now to reserve your $12 tickets today!
Call: 888.9.COMETS
or 
 
A big shout out and thank you to ALDI for your ongoing support of Heartland Soccer Association and for sponsoring the
 2017 ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament!

About ALDI Inc. 
A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,600 U.S. stores in 35 states.  More than 40 million customers each month save up to 50 percent* on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing.  ALDI sells the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality.  ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee:  If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price.  For the seventh year in a row**, ALDI was recognized as a value leader among U.S. grocery stores by Market Force Information®. For more information about ALDI, visit ALDI.us.


 


Dear All,

The end of the Fall 2017 season has come around so quickly, the saying of "time flies when you are having fun" definitely held true this Fall.  Its seems like we were just starting games.

We hope you all had a fantastic season, we definitely did!  The standard of play seems to be increasing with every given season and we know that part of that reason is the players being able to perform on some of the best surfaces and at the best complexes in the US.

We hear over and over again from teams outside of Kansas City that they love coming here for events as they know they will be getting great competition, on great fields.  Long may it continue!!

Have a great holiday season with your families and we sincerely hope to see you all in the Spring.
To register your team for the Spring 2018 league Click here.

Happy Holidays,

Heartland Staff


Congratulations to Chad and Kai Lynn for being in the
Papa John's Heartland Referee Spotlight!

When did you start reffing?
Kai - 2 years ago when I started doing recreational reffing for Rush.  Then I got certified in July.
Chad - Got certified in July with Kai.

What made you decide to get certified to referee?
Kai - So I could make more money for my future.
Chad - I was going to be out at the fields with Kai anyway, so this way I have a bonding experience with him as refs.

What is your favorite part about reffing?
Kai - Being around soccer.
Chad - Watching Kai be a ref.

What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing?
Kai - To give mercy to the refs instead of yelling.
Chad - Give the refs an easier time when I'm coaching and watching as a parent.

What level of referee to you aspire to be?
Kai - Maybe High School.
Chad - Not sure yet!

Do you play soccer?
Kai - Yes, for Toca 2005 PDL.
Chad - Long time ago!

How long have you played soccer?
Kai - 8th year.

Do you participate in any sports or activities?
Kai - Soccer, Cross Country/Track, Church Youth Group, Bible Quizzing>

Do you have another job in addition to reffing? 
Chad - Yes, I'm a Lead Software Engineer for a company called Data Systems International.  



Health Tip
4 Healthy Food Gift Ideas During The Holiday Party Season     

As we approach the holiday season, parents are bound to be invited to numerous family, work and neighborhood parties.  At HCA Midwest Health, we're giving you a few ideas to spread cheer in a healthy manner.  Here's our list of four healthy food gift ideas that will make everyone happier (including you, because giving is a great feeling).

1. Walnuts
It may sound like a boring gift, but did you know that eating 12 halves of walnuts daily could increase your lifespan up to 20 percent?! Munching on this healthy snack 30 minutes before mealtime is an effective way to control appetite and keep your arteries clear! Pair a half  pound bag of walnuts with some of the below gifts, or give them to family members as a stocking stuffer!

2. Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read that right! Gift a half pound of dark, 70 percent cacao chocolate as a healthy present this holiday season! One ounce daily can reduce heart attack and stroke risk by 30 percent, while preventing some cancers.  This gift also pairs well with some of the other gift suggestions like walnuts, coffee and wine.

3. Coffee
Coffee has many health benefits, so consider adding some java to your gift list this year! Your daily dose of coffee (three cups) can cut stroke risk by 30 percent and may help prevent some cancers, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. This makes a great gift on its own, or paired with dark chocolate.

4. Garlic goodness
Garlic-infused olive oil delivers an immune-boosting, heart-healthy flavor and keeps your joints healthy! This is a great gift for the cook in the family, or any foodie friends, and is easy to find.  This is also a great gift to pair with some fresh bread and maybe even a bottle of wine.

To learn more about HCA Midwest Health visit us online at hcamidwest.com 
 

Article from SportingKC.com
November 20, 2017

Sporting KC Academy's Cameron Duke called in to
 U.S. Under-18 National Team!


Sporting KC Academy midfielder Cameron Duke has been called in to the U.S. Under-18 National Team for a training camp at the U.S.  Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California from November 19 to November 26.

Duke is one of 24 players selected for the camp by head coach Omid Namazi.  All 24 players are making their first appearance on the U-18s roster, with 19 having taken part in U.S. Youth Natio nal Teams in younger age groups.

Duke, the younger brother of Swope Park Rangers captain Christian Duke, has previously participated in three camps with the U.S. Under-16 National Team. He first joined the side in September 2016 in Davis, California before featuring at the 2016 Val-de-Marne Tournament in France a month later, playing two matches and guiding the U-16s to a third-place finish.

Most recently, Duke took part in a 10-day international training camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina in February 2017.  The Olathe, Kansas native has been selected for 10 training camps at the U-14, U-15 and U-16 levels.

He joined the Sporting KC Academy in 2012 and helped the Sporting KC U-16s reach the 2015-16 and 2016-17 USSDA playoffs over the last two seasons.  Duke has made eight appearances for Sporting KC's Under-17 side this season, contributing two goals.  The U-17 side is in third in the Frontier Division with a
5-3-0 record.



  The Referee Corner
Helping Referees become productive adults - The Referee Coaches at Heartland:
What is the "job" of a soccer Referee?  If we asked 25 people that question, we would get a few different responses.  The Laws of the Game say the following:
The Decisions of the Referee:
  • Decisions will be made to the best of the Referee's ability according to the Laws of the Game and the 'spirit of the game' and will be based on the opinion of the Referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game.
The "Powers and Duties" of the Referee:
  • Enforces the Laws of the Game
  • Controls the match in cooperation with the other match officials
  • Acts as timekeeper, keeps a record of the match and provides the appropriate authorities with a match report ...
  • Supervises and/or indicates the restart of play
  Most of the Referees at Heartland are soccer players who love the game and want to be more involved with the game they do love.  They start with passion, but don't have a total understanding of what this job entails.

When you see young Referees on a cold and windy and rainy day you know they are developing life skills that will help them be an even better adult.  I mean, staying home in the warmth is an option that they elected not to take that day.  Instead they made the decision to persist, to build their work ethic, to improve their leadership skills and honor their commitments.  

Each one of us has a part in their development because we are the examples of what being an adult really means.  As we celebrate the end of the Fall 2017 season and start getting ready for the Spring 2018 season let's look at how each of us (members of the Referee Development program, coaches, players and fans) can contribute to the development of our Referees.  
  • Appreciate their efforts
  • Encourage their decision-making skills
  • Provide feedback to them through the coaches and the Field Marshalls and the Referee Feedback forms
    • Many of you would like to talk to the Referees after the matches; however, this doesn't get the desired results in most cases if you are questioning their decisions.
Remember success means being respected by the players, coaches and by you, the fans.  Thank you for your cooperation.  Players and Referees are keys to the future.  Your actions  make a big difference.  


Coaches Corner
RECEIVING ACTIVITY TO CREATE A THINKING PLAYER
Setup:
2 activities running at the same time
2 Red Gates
2 Gates (2 different colors for receivers)
Line A plays the ball to player B
Player B can use any surface to go through either gate (Blue or Orange)
Once through the gate, quickly play the ball to player C
Line C goes to the back of Line A

Progression:
Player A calls out a color for B to go through (Blue or Orange)
Player A gives a simple math problem (2+1=??) even answers go through Blue gate, odd through Orange gate
Player A yells out a type of food, things good for you go through Blue gate, bad for you through Orange gate.
Lots of variations - be creative, make it fun

Technical Progression:
Player A sprints to defend player B after passing, who must take their 1st touch through either of the gates based on defenders angle of approach.

Coaching Points:
-High Tempo
-Demand technical sharpness from players
-Create a thinking player (don't tell them how to receive...challenge them)
-Make them solve a problem as the ball is traveling
-Create a competition between the two teams, who gets the most answers right in
 1 minute, etc. Be creative.
All players follow their pass.

Developing and identifying creative young
soccer players for the
Kansas Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program
ATTENTION all 2007 to 2009 Boys and Girls!
Registrat ion is now open for the 2017-18 
Centers of Excellence (COE) Training! 
 

L ocations: Kansas City, Salina, Topeka and Wichita

Fee: Winter Session (6) six for $120
{All players will receive a training top to be worn at all COE trainings}

The goal of our  Centers of Excellence Academy Training is to create a fun and challenging environment that helps develop and identify creative young soccer players for the Kansas Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.  We want to help create a passion and love of the game in the players we work with.  We emphasize developing the complete player in all 4 pillars of the game including, technical, tactical, physical and psychological components of the game. 

Our Centers of Excellence Academy Training offers something different because our licensed coaches are innovative in their training techniques and foster playing environments for developing soccer players.  Our goal is to provide a great soccer experience emphasizing learning in a creative, fun and challenging environment where players have the opportunity to develop both as soccer players and as individuals. 

We want our participants to improve, have fun, make friends and look upon their time playing.
Another season is in the books 
- Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your season:

 Congratulations to the teams who played during the just completed Fall 2017 Heartland League.  A record number of teams coming from multiple cities made for a very memorable season.  Counting tournaments, there were 7,450 matches.  1,270 Referees were assigned to cover these matches (a record number of officials).  We at the Heartland Referee Development Program stress that the players and coaches and fans are our customers.  Thank you for the opportunities you provided for the Referees to enforce the Laws of the Game.

 The season started with warm weather and ended with cold and rain.  Even the elements couldn't keep you and your players away.  That is dedication.  I talked with the Referee Assignor and he was impressed with your dedication and with the dedication of those officials that worked your matches at the end of the season.  They came back to the Field House wet and cold, but still reported on the good quality of soccer they had the privilege of officiating.

 Keeping up with the growth of soccer in the Heartland Soccer Association requires a lot of effort.  In 2017 over 500 new Referees certified with the Federation and signed up to work matches at Heartland.  This means that there was a very good chance that some of your Referees were brand new.  It is a compliment to you that this many young people elected to start their working lives providing a needed service to you.  As you have probably heard, most leagues are having a problem finding enough officials to work their matches and the number one reason for officials quitting is the "abuse" they feel they get from the fans.  Thank you for keeping your cool!

 It is a fact that Heartland fans are passionate.  In fact, some are more passionate than
others. With the assistance and teamwork of the coaches, the Field Marshalls, and realistic fans the number of negative incidents did not increase.  Instead, the number incidents continue to go down at Heartland.  This is important to Referee retention.  And, we have talked in the past about the importance of retention (along with constant mentoring and training) in providing you with better Referees.  Players get better when they keep playing.  Referees get better when they keep officiating the kind of high quality matches we have at Heartland.

Last month we highlighted the Referee Development cycle in the newsletter.  A major milestone for Referee development is retention.  The process of developing Referees starts over every new season.  It isn't easy to take charge of a match as a neutral party.  In addition to managing the players (14, 18 or 22), Referees get the opportunity to manage adults (coaches and fans).  How will they react when you blow the whistle and make a decision?  As they get more experience they will understand the intricacies of the game and make better decisions to keep a game fair and calm.  

Thank you for your cooperation.  Players and Referees are keys to the future.  Your actions and continued support make a big difference.  Most of our Referees are soccer players.  They know the truth that:

Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of your Fall 2017 season.

Congratulations to the Fall 2017 High School Girls State Tournament Champions!  #TEAMKANSAS will Represent in June 2018 at the Midwest Regional Competitions!