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.
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First time checking out The Midfielder?
Executive Director Shane Hackett explains why this is a
great tool for players, coaches and parents.
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Heartland Soccer Fall 2018 Seeding is Now Posted
Schedules will be posted after 5pm on July 27
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Who:
Whether you run or walk, everyone is invited to participate
in this anticipated annual event.
What
: Heartland Soccer's 2018, 2
nd
Annual 5K Run/Walk
When
: Saturday, July 28
th
, 2018 @ 7:30 A.M.
Where
: We will announce the course location in the near future
Why
:
To bring families and individuals together within
the community for a morning of healthy competition and lots
of fun!
This is also the perfect opportunity, after the completion
of club tryouts, to bring soccer teams together for team building
to help
players get to know each other and condition together in
an exciting environment. All net proceeds from this event will
go to benefit youth soccer and creating healthy athletes.
Thank you to all our Sponsors
for supporting
the Heartland Soccer 5K.
For more information on partnering with Heartland Soccer and our 5K please contact
[email protected]t
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Save the Date!
Heartland Midwest Classic
Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex
Aug. 31st - Sept. 2nd, 2018
Want to make sure your team plays a tournament at the world class Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex this season? Sign up now for the Heartland Midwest Classic. The tournament will be completed
on Sunday
evening,
no games will be played on Labor Day
Monday.
Guaranteed Acceptance and all games will be played at the World Class Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex. Teams will be accepted on a first come, first accepted basis. We will close registration when the tournament is at capacity. Register to guarantee your spot now.
*Registration Deadline:
August 6th, 2018
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2017/18 Heartland Numbers
Fall league teams '18
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1,264
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| Spring league teams '18 |
1,296
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League players
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42,000
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Tournament teams
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2,634
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| Tournament players |
44,000+
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Referees
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2,000+
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Coaches
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4,000
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Dave & Buster's, Overland Park is now open! Be our guest and get $20 in FREE Game Play! Eat. Drink. Play. Watch Sports
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Upload your favorite picture from the Heartland Spring 2018 season with
#Heartlandsoccer
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This Month in History: July
July 1930, First World Cup
On July 13, 1930, France defeats
Mexico
4-1 and the United States defeats Belgium 3-0 in the first-ever World Cup football matches, played simultaneously in host city Montevideo, Uruguay. The World Cup has since become the world's most watched sporting event. After football (soccer, to Americans) was dropped from the program for the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, FIFA President Jules Rimet helped to organize an international tournament in 1930. Much to the dismay of European footballers, Uruguay, winner of back-to-back gold medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics and 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, was chosen to host the inaugural World Cup.
During the depression in Europe, many European players, afraid their day jobs would not exist when they returned and were either unable or unwilling to attend the tournament. As a result, some of the most accomplished European teams, including three-time Olympic gold medalist England and football enthusiasts Italy, Spain, Germany and Holland did not make an appearance at the first World Cup. However, when Uruguay agreed to help pay traveling expenses, Rimet was able to convince Belgium, France, Romania and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In Romania, King Carol selected the team members himself, gave them a three-month vacation from their jobs and guaranteed the players would be employed when they returned.
In the first World Cup final, held on July 30, 1930, 93,000 spectators looked on as Uruguay defeated Argentina 4-2 in a rematch of the 1928 Olympic gold medal game. Uruguay went on to win its second World Cup in 1950 with a 2-1 win over Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.
(France vs Mexico, 1930 World Cup)
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Concussion ImPACT Testing
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| 2018 Kansas State Cup/National Championship Series
2018 Presidents Cup Who will be #TEAMKANSAS and on the #RoadtoOH
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Dear All,
The new season is almost upon us!
The seeding saga is over and the schedule is being set. In multiple age groups we had many teams all requesting the same division. We tried to accommodate everyone but with those numbers it was impossible. I'm sure we have made a few errors but they will be worked out between Fall and Spring seasons. We appreciate your patience and we assure you every decision is based on trying to make competitive divisions.
Hopefully everyone enjoyed the World Cup, obviously a pity the US were not taking part but there were some phenomenal games and surprises along the way. It is so cool that the World Cup will be here in the US in 2026.
It is also a chance to keep things in perspective with our youth players. The people they just saw on TV making mistakes and missing shots etc. get paid millions of dollars and practice every day. We have youngsters doing the same thing in games, lets give them a chance to make those errors and learn from them.
Enjoy what is left of your summer and get ready to watch the players back on the pitch this Fall.
Thanks.
~Heartland Staff
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Jul 27
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Schedule posted after 5pm
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July 27-29
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Dick's Sporting Goods Discount weekend for Heartland
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July 28
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Heartland Soccer 2nd Annual 5K
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Aug 03-05
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First weekend of League Play
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Aug 10-12
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Fall Kick Off Challenge Tournament / League Play
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Aug 10-12
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Dick's Sporting Goods Discount weekend for Heartland
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Aug 17-19
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League Play
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Aug 24-26
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League Play
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Aug 31-Sept 02
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Heartland Midwest Classic Tournament
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Sep 07-09
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League Play
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Sep 14-16
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League Play
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Sep 21-23
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League play
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Sep 28-Sep 30
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League Play
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| Oct 05-07 |
Midwest All Girls Tournament / League Play |
| Oct 12-14 |
League Play |
| Oct 19-21 |
League Play |
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Oct 26-28
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Rainout Weekend
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| Nov 02-04 |
Heartland Invitational Tournament - Girls |
| Nov 09-11 |
Heartland Invitational Tournament - Boys |
| Nov 18 |
Heartland Soccer Rock the Runway Fashion Show |
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SAVE THE DATE: 2018 Referee Meetings
Referees of all ages and experience levels
are encouraged to attend Heartland's monthly referee meetings!
Join us to learn tips and tricks for ARs and Referees, fun games, vital information, and fabulous prizes!
Parents are always welcome.
September 10
October 15
November 12
Mentors meet 6 - 6:45 pm and Referees meet 7 - 8:30 pm
Meetings will be held at the "Steve D. Scheels" Training Center in the northwest corner of the second floor of the Scheels store located at:
Thank you Scheels for the gift cards. We appreciate your continued support of Heartland Soccer and our Referee Mentor Program.
Thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support of Heartland Soccer.
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Link for league info:
Schedule:
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2017 and 2018 Tournament Numbers
(number of teams)
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Border Battle '18
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191
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| KC Champions Cup '18 |
436
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| Mother's Day Classic '18 sponsored by Holiday Inn Express-Shawnee |
431
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KC Invitational '18
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260 |
Fall Kick Off Challenge '17
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246
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Heartland Midwest Classic '17
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228
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Midwest All Girls '17
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289
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ALDI Heartland Invitational Girls '17
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311
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ALDI Heartland Invitational Boys '17
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435
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*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams
from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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C-License
Kansas Youth Soccer is pleased to announce that we will host a US Soccer "C" License this year along with United Soccer Coaches.
Part II - July 20-22, 2018
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ODP PHASE 1 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
ODP registration is open for the 2018/19 year!
Please visit our
P
hase I page for more details! We look forward to working with the
players next year!
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Coaching Requirements
All premier and recreational coaches that currently have an "F" license are eligible to coach. Any coach without a current license is temporarily eligible to coach until the new US Soccer Grassroots courses are available on line.
All coaches must pass a background check prior to
being eligible to coach in the Heartland League.
Heartland Soccer League is sanctioned by Kansas Youth Soccer.
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THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2018 SPONSORS
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3 Women and an Oven
4 Wheel Parts
7 Eleven
AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
ALDI
All Star Video
Anthony's Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Boy Scouts of America
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
Holiday Inn Express Shawnee
Huntington Learning Center
Hy-Vee
JF Consulting
Jimmy John's
Jon Russell's BBQ
Kansas City Comets
KC Motor Company
KC Steak Company
Krusich Dental
Kumon
Land of Paws
Legoland/Sea Life
Lenexa Public Market
Lenny's Subs
Levine Advertising
Market Leverage
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Menorah Medical Center
Minsky's Pizza
Molle Toyota
Momo Bands
Moneytalks Financial Foundation
Morrill & Janes Bank
Museum at Prairiefire
NAIA
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Oxford Animal Hospital
Pacific Dental Services
Papa John's
PB&J
Pickleman's
Pizza Hut
Presto-X
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 Fuel
Simplified Team Management
Slim Chickens
Smoothie King
Soccer Master
Spin Pizza
Sport Shake
Sporting Kansas City
Sprouts Farmers Market
Stinkboss
Storage Mart
Stroud's
SubZero
Sunflower Bank
Swope Park Rangers
The Foot Spot
The KC Steak Company
The Roasterie
The Storage Place
Tick Tock
Timber Challenge
T-riffic T-shirts
Urban Air
Wendy's
Which Wich
Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Ya Ya's
Zaxby's
Z
ip KC
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2018 Fall Season Registration is Now Closed!
Overland Park, Kansas.
Heartland Soccer Association's
Fall
League registration has officially closed and we are pleased to announce that we have 1,264 teams set to play this season.
League play kicks off August 3rd and will run through the end of October with the Rain out weekend 26-28 October being the final weekend of League play. The full schedule will be posted after 5:00 p.m. on July 27th.
On top of the astonishing league numbers, we will host 4 tournaments (5 weekends) this Fall; starting with the Fall Kick Off Challenge August 10-12th.
This is the newest tournament to the Heartland tournament series and will feature three levels of play (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) to ensure that every team finds itself matched against similar competition. In addition to providing excellent competition, this newest addition to the Heartland tournament series is formatted to be particularly family friendly. The tournament will be hosted at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, where siblings can enjoy the multiple playgrounds, the skate park, or the tennis courts. All games will be played on turf.
The registration deadline for this tournament is July 16th.
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referees continues. Join America's Largest Soccer League. Scroll down to find more information on how to get involved!
As if league and tournament play wasn't enough, the biggest news expected to come out of the Fall 2018 season will be the opening of the Olathe Soccer Complex in Olathe, Kansas. We will share more about this world class facility in our August newsletter.
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Congratulations to all of the Spring 2018 Division Champions!
Heartland Soccer Association's Photo Gallery:
2018 Division Champions presentation during the half time of Sporting Kansas City vs. Toronto FC Match.
2018 Division champions presentation during the half time of Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo Match.
If you have any team pictures from this event, please send them our way. We would love to see them!
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Thanks to Our Amazing Tournament and League Sponsors
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Hear from Shane Hackett:
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Health Tip:
How Do I Know Whether to Use Ice or Heat for Pain?
Knowing when to use ice and heat for pain is knowing what type of injury you have.
If you have an acute injury or an injury that just happened - ankle sprain or ankle swelling. First, make sure that it is nothing more serious like a broken bone, and then apply ice. You never want to apply heat to an area that is swollen.
Heat can help an injury once swelling has gone down or if the injury is a chronic injury - runner's knee or chronic low back pain. Heat the area for about 20 minutes. If you plan to exercise, then you can ice the area after physical activity. You never want to apply ice to a muscle that has never been exercised or worked before; you only want to apply ice straight to acutely inflamed or swollen joint or area.
For more information on comprehensive sports medicine care from HCA Midwest, the official healthcare provider for Heartland Soccer Association, visit
To learn more about HCA Midwest Health visit us online at
hcamidwest.com
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Papa J
ohn's Heartland Referee Spotlight:
Q&A with the Ryan and Brayden Souter:
When did you start referring?
Ryan: Spring 2018
Brayden: Fall 2017
What made you decide to get certified to referee?
Ryan: My son started referring last year and the extra cash doesn't hurt either!
Brayden: Teammates from my club became certified and it sounded fun.
What is your favorite part about reffing?
Ryan: Being part of the game. It is a blast being able to help youth work through frustrations on the pitch in other ways besides fouling. It's an honor being able to talk to them as the play is happening and being able to see them change and adapt to that certain game at that certain time.
Brayden: Seeing the different types of teams and watching the game of soccer.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing?
Ryan: As a father of three, I realized that I am "one of those" parents who thought they knew the game better than the ref. As I get more and more games under my belt, I realize that every game is different and has to be managed that way. What may have been an easy call last weekend is not such an obvious or easy call today.
Brayden: Always be prepared.
What level of referee do you aspire to be?
Ryan: As high as my abilities will take me. FIFA would be incredible.
Brayden: As high as you can go.
Do you play soccer?
Ryan: I currently play men's league - outdoor and indoor. I have played for 27 years.
Brayden: I play for TOCA FC. I've been playing since I was 3 years old. I have played for TOCA FC for 8 years.
Do you participate in any sports/activities?
Brayden: Aside from playing for TOCA, I run Cross Country and track for my middle school team - Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Gardner, KS. I love playing soccer the most.
Do you have another job in addition to reffing?
Ryan:
I sell and install aftermarket car and truck accessories for a company called Cover Up.
What was the last book you read?
Ryan: Where the Red Fern Grows. It was a long time ago so if I remember correctly it's about a boy and his dogs and their relationship with one another. Kind of like Old Yeller but the dogs pass from natural causes. :(
Brayden: The Outsiders - it's about two rival gangs.
What types of movies do you like?
Ryan: Action and Sci Fi. The new Avengers movie. I liked everything about it
Brayden: The Martian
What is your favorite sports team?
Ryan: Manchester United . . . . Go Red Devils!!!
Brayden: Manchester United
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E
at Fresh at Minsky's - and Save 20%
Take a break from the heat this summer at Minsky's Pizza! Being outside in the heat of summer can take a toll on your body, so eat at Minsky's and fill your body with the fresh fuel you need. Lighten things up with one of our three seasonal summer salads!
Summer Salad
: Summer-fresh strawberries, 
juicy mandarin oranges and red onion on a bed
of crisp romaine. Topped with candied walnuts
and our soon-to-be-famous raspberry walnut
dressing.
Quinoa Salad
: Salad mix, mandarin oranges, roma tomato, cucumber and kalamata olives. Topped with our lite Italian cilantro vinaigrette.
Chicken Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, Romano, red onions and pimentos. *try it blackened if you like!
Salads not your first choice? From pizza and pasta options, hot sandwiches and calzones, to our gluten-free and dairy free selections, we have delicious alternatives to satisfy most every taste! At Minsky's, we choose only the freshest ingredients - the quality of our hand-cut veggies, finest meats and hand-crafted dough speak for themselves. Just one bite and you'll taste exactly why we've been voted the best in Kansas City time and time again!
Order online
at
Minskys.com
and enjoy 20% off your purchase - just for Heartland Soccer families! At checkout, enter code:
HSA20
.
Offer valid at all participating Kansas City area and Lawrence Minsky's location. Not valid with other offers, discounts or package deals
.
Eat Well, Live Better - with Minsky's!
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The Referee Corner
The World Cup 2018 and Heartland Soccer - Getting Ready for the Fall Season
 The first match was on June 14
th.
The final will be on July 15
th
. Yes, we are disappointed that Team USA is not in the tournament, but I bet that many of us are still watching the World Cup, cheering for one or more teams and watching the star players. While there is no soccer at Heartland until August, we are all getting ready for the fall season. New teams have been formed. Practices are underway. Our anticipation is building. And, we are watching the World Cup on TV.
Yes, we are waiting for the opportunity to cheer for the most important players we know, our kids. But while we are waiting for our season to begin, we can still enjoy the beautiful game of soccer on TV or at Children's Mercy Park. We cheer for the "magnificent" goals that are scored. We feel the "agony" of a misplayed ball that results in an own goal. We wonder if Ronaldo can score on the Direct Free Kick at the end of the match to draw even with Spain. We cheer the goal line technology that gave France the win over Australia (or complain if we were cheering for Australia). We listen to the commentators who give us their view of the match and the decisions of the Referees. And, we are getting to know the role of the "VAR".
The commentators we listen to at the World Cup are experienced soccer players and coaches.  They are not Referees (except I read that Alexi Lalas has become a USSF Grade 8 Referee - he admits it is giving him a whole new perspective on the game he has been playing all his life. You can hear his experience here: Becoming a Certified Referee). IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING ALEXI AS A REFEREE AND GETTING CERTIFIED, NEW REFEREE CLASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE here
When we watch the World Cup we learn. For example, when the Latin American commentators say "hand ball" they mean a throw-in. And, how many fouls and cards do they point out that end up not being called on the pitch? Yes, we see things differently and that is the focus on this month's article (based on matches through June 22).
Let's consider some of the calls and how we can all learn more about the application of the Laws of the Game in preparation for the Fall season.
- Decision 1: Red Card (Colombia versus Japan). This was a Critical Match incident, that took place early in the match. A Red Card was given for "Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity with the use of the hand". It gave Japan a Penalty Kick (they scored) and meant Colombia would be a player down for the rest of the match. Japan went on to win 2 - 1.
- Decision 2: Goal called back for Offside (Iran versus Spain). Another Critical Match incident (I think we are seeing a trend here). Behind 1 - 0, Iran scores and the celebrations are on. However, the Video Assistant Referee saw that the goal was scored as the result of the player gaining an advantage from being in an offside position. The final decision was "no goal" and Spain went on to win.
- Decision 3: Penalty Kick decision reversed (Brazil versus Costa Rica). Late in the second half and the score is 0 - 0. The Brazilian star Neymar had been fouled a number of times during the match to keep him from creating opportunities. Neymar had the ball in the Penalty Area, was challenged by the defender and fell over backwards. The Referee pointed to the Penalty Spot and the Brazilian fans went wild. On viewing the replay, the Referee reversed his decision and did not award the PK. Brazil scored twice in extended time (something we don't see during the League season at Heartland) to win 2 - 0.
We all know the Laws of the Game, don't we? (If you want to read them in preparation for the Fall Season go here Kansas Referee link to Laws of the Game.) IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING CERTIFIED AS A REFEREE, THE ENTRY LEVEL CLASSES ARE POSTED here
Yet the emotion to win can sometimes affect what we see on the field. This can happen to Referees too. The World Cup appoints the best Referees in the world (theoretically), assigns them to one match with 3 days rest and then supports them with multiple VAR's. We don't have the same luxury with our Referee assignments at Heartland. Is it possible that the young person doing your match this fall could someday be appointed to the World Cup? One of our alumnus officials is now a FIFA Assistant Referee. Another one did the Adult National Championship Final and is on track for MLS assignments. One of our local Referees was also selected for assignments at the President's Cup National Championships. Yes, they are exceptional, but they started like everyone you will see this Fall. Eager, nervous and making mistakes.
When you come to your first matches for the Fall season, remember the lessons from this year's World Cup:
- Decisions can be hard to make
- Decisions don't always come out the way we want them to be
- Players and Referees learn from each decision they make
- And, No One is Perfect
We will have our mentors out in force again in the fall to help speed up the development of our new officials. The Referees will have the opportunity to attend monthly meetings to learn how to get better. We know the players will continue to play hard. Fans will continue to be passionate. We look forward to contributing to another successful season as a part of the Heartland Soccer ecosystem team.
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The Coaches Corner:
This month's session is from Tactical Practices of the Pros
Diagram 61
6 v 6 + 1 Zonal Game to Goal
Use all of the methods from the earlier exercises to create goal scoring opportunities. Each player must stay in their zone so the ball is moved from between each zone with a pass. One midfielder can join the attacking zone after the ball is passed to the forward.
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US Youth Soccer Announces New Leagues Structure -
The USYS National Leagues
Additional conferences announced for new National Leagues Structure:
NATIONAL LEAGUE 2018-2019 TEAM APPLICATION DATES:
2018 FALL SEASON: JUNE 6
TH
- JUNE 27
TH
2019 SPRING SEASON U15-U18: JULY 16
TH
- AUGUST 8
TH
2019 SPRING SEASON U13-U14: OCTOBER 15 - NOVEMBER 11
TH
MORE INFO ON APPLYING AND QUALIFIED TEAMS FOLLOW THE LINK:
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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 Fall 2018 Season.
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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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Attention!
If you have a referee, coach, club, team or player accomplishment or a
photo that you would like to share please email:
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