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.
Reserve your seats today for the
Heartland Soccer Association 
ROCK THE RUNWAY 2017
Fashion Show
  Heartland Soccer Association's First Annual Fashion Show to benefit youth soccer and promoting healthy athletes.


*Scroll down to see a list of all of our fabulous models that will be participating in this great event!
ROCK THE RUNWAY 2017 FASHION SHOW
 MODEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to the individuals below who will be walking in Heartland Soccer Association's First Annual Fashion Show.  The interest to participate in this show was astounding and we are happy to say that we maxed out our registration.   A very exciting way to kick off this event!  Again, congratulations to you all and we can't wait to see you Rock the Runway!
Cami
Abendroth
Avery
Albin
Azalyha
Alcantar
Nicholas
Atherton
Lucas
Atherton
Blake
Atherton
Aidan
Barnes
Philip
B eitzinger
Sophia
Beitzinger
Harrison
Bensouda
Savannah
Berry
Sydney
Berry
Sariah
Berry
Brynlee
Best
Aubrielle
Best
Christina 
Booth
Katelynn
Bricker
Tori
Brown
Jada
Cadwell
Clayton
Calvert
Katie
Campbell
Steven
Carr-Metzger
Sean
Carr-Metzger
Dalton
Cates
Kiley
Cato
Darcy
Cato
Osman
Celik
Italia
Chavez-Arellano
Avery
Clark
Kendall
Clark
Brennan
Coffey
Evelyn
Curless
Paul
Czaszewicz
Brian
Dahl
Heather
Dahl
Kierstin
Darr
Aurora
Dericotte
Avyn
Dill
Stella
Duker
Johnny
Duker
Regan
Dunn
CJ
Elrichs
Avery
Flinn
Haley
Garbowski
Creed
Haarhuis
Kylar
Haarhuis
Colman
Haarhuis
Hudson
Hackett
Sydney
Hackett
Grace
Hall
Charlotte
Hartweger
Makenzie
Hood
Nate
Houser
Carter
Hughes
Bryce
Jackson
Travis
Johnston
Tristan
Johnston
Meredith
Johnston
Brody
Jordan
Natalia
Joseph
Madison
Koller
Samantha
Kopecky
Piper
Land
Sarah
Land
Jack
Lucas
Brady
Mandelbaum
Audri
Minshall
Stella
Minshall
Fletcher
Minshall
Pat 
Monaghen
Charlotte
OKeefe
Paul
Parres
Bailey
Passanisi
Kennady
Passanisi
Carley
Passanisi
Emma
Pesek
Austin
Portillo
Joshua
Profaizer
Madison
Randall
Emerson
Randall
Amber
Randall
Carlos
Rodriguez
Paul
Rodriguez
Ramon
Rodriguez
Zach
Russell
Leif
Sanford
Zoran
Savic
Emma
Schieber
Chase
Schieber
James
Schneider
Talis
Sics
Saadia
Siddiqua
Delaney
Stanley
Lainey
Starcevich
Karlie
Starcevich
Kendall
Starcevich
George
Thornton
Delaney
Wahoff
Leighton
Wheeler
Karen
Wilson
Caroline
Zacharias
Mary Claire
Zacharias

Join an anticipated 300+ girls teams at the 2017 Midwest All Girls Tournament to be played at World Class All Turf Soccer complexes: Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and Wyandotte Sporting Fields
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
 
Concussion ImPACT Testing
 Heartland Futsal  Registration
will close October 2, 2017.  

Calling All Rec Soccer Players & Coaches for the 
Target United Cup...

Join us this October  at the 
Target United Cup Tournament and Festival! 

When : October 6th - 8th, 2017
Where : Stump Park: 4751 Woodland Dr, Shawnee, KS 
What : Metro United Soccer Club's Target United Cup, a strictly recreational soccer national tournament designed to celebrate players, parents, coaches, referees and volunteers invested in youth soccer.

Details: This isn't your average soccer tournament! This festival weekend includes inflatables, music, and fun for the whole family. Competition will be offered for U7 - U15 boys and girls, with U9 & up teams vying to play in the championship game for their age group during the festival.

We look forward to playing some soccer with you 
October 6th - 8th, 2017!  

Learn More & Register Online by September 24, 2017.   @  http://muscrecsoccer.com/tournaments/

Try a Class for Free. Blue Valley Crossfit   


"Goalkeeper at Puma FC, Emery Mounce found herself on our anniversary poster!"
Haley Garbowski strikes a pose next to her pic on the
Heartland Soccer 40th Anniversary banner.

Congratulations to U-10 Boys Finalist Sporting LS Strikers in the 2017 Heartland Midwest Classic! #HeartlandSoccer

Congratulations to U-14 Girls Finalist Mustangs United FC in the 2017 Heartland Midwest Classic! #HeartlandSoccer

Congratulations to U-10 Girls Finalist WUFC Majestics in the 2017 Heartland Midwest Classic! #HeartlandSoccer

Congratulations to U15 Boys Champion Sporting LS Black in the 2017 Heartland Midwest Classic! #HeartlandSoccer



Registration is now open for 
Fall 2017
 High School Girls 
State Cup & Presidents Cup
- Nov. 4, 5, 11, 12, 2017 - 
Sunflower Soccer Complex: Topeka, KS 

(Groups with Semi-Finals will play November 13th
at Scheels OP Soccer Complex)


Visit the KSYSA website for additional information!    http://www.kansasyouthsoccer.org/events/state_cup1/ 

 The Referee Corner:  
 Investing in Referees to get more decisions RIGHT

  Do you believe in magic?  If you did why would you have to take your kids to soccer practice?  I mean, wouldn't your great athlete just show up during the weekend matches and "be the star"?  This is not the real world.
 
What about the Referees who are assigned to your kid's matches.  People expect Referees to be perfect and then to get better.  In the real world we know they don't get all of their decisions right all of the time.  This is true in the English Premier League and it is true at Heartland matches also.  So, what can we do to get more decisions right?

Let's start with the Referees.  What do they have to do to get assigned to the match your kids are playing in at Swope Soccer Village, Heritage Soccer Park, Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, Legacy or Sporting Wyandotte Fields?  The first thing is getting United States Soccer Federation (USSF) certification.  We call this step one in Referee Job training.  Pre-class assignments, in-class training, passing a test on the Laws of the Game, and field exercises make up step 1.  From the middle of July through the end of September the Kansas Referee Development Program has certified almost 500 new Referees.  They will join our 2,200 already certified Referees to make sure you have officials at your kid's matches.

They have their badge and they are assigned to their first match.  Now what?  Remember when you made your first telephone call or sales call?  Are you better after the first one?  The same thing happens with your Referees.  The first game and the first call is one of the hardest things they will ever do.  It is hard because they want to get it right.  They want to be perfect, and no one is ever perfect.  What can we do to get more decisions to be made right?  I would submit to you there are several things we can and should do:
  • Coach the new Referees in game situations.  This is the Mentor Program that Heartland has invested in.  More experienced Referees observe less experienced Referees and help them develop the skills that will result in more correct calls.  I am sure many of you have seen the Mentors at your matches.
  • Provide on-going education on the right decisions.  Heartland has Monthly Referee Meetings during the year (not just during the season) to bring our Referees together to review decisions and help understand what the correct call should be.  If you are interested in attending one of these meetings, be our guest.  The dates are listed on the Heartland website under the Referee tab.
  • Annual Recertification.  Referees are certified for one year.  At the end of each year they are required to attend a Recertification class where the Laws of the Game and any changes are discussed.  We also work on Referee skills.  The goal is to aid each Referee in getting better each year.
It takes time to make a great soccer player.  It takes time to develop a soccer Referee.  For the player, the future is a more skilled execution of the game.  For the Referee, the future is getting more decisions right.  Thank you for letting us introduce the Referee Development process.  Next month we will look at the results of the season to date and talk about some of the more controversial decisions so that we all get more decisions right.  Enjoy September at Heartland.

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 2017 Season.


Fall 2017 Calendar
Sept 15-17
League Play
Sept 22-24
League play
Sept 29-Oct 01
League Play
Oct 06-08
Midwest All Girls Tournament / League Play
Oct 13-15
League Play
Oct 20-22
League Play
Oct 27-29
Rainout Weekend
Nov 03-05
ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament-Girls
Nov 10-12
ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament-Boys
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
2016/17 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
Sport Shake Midwest All Girls '16
282
ALDI Heartland Invitational Girls  '16
339
ALDI Heartland Invitational Boys '16
431
In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams
 from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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]
 
2017 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.    

Wednesday, September 13 
Wednesday, October 11 
Wednesday, November  8 
Monday,  December 11

*Mentors will meet from 6PM-7PM
*Monthly Referee Meeting from 7PM-8:30PM
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 6503 West 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223


Thank you to Scheels for all you do for the Referees. 


Reimaging How the World
Manages Youth Sports
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 [email protected]
 
 
"Congratulations to all the Kansas ODP Players that made Region II ODP Interregional Rosters!"

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
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
Missouri Comets

Molle Toyota
Momo Bands
Moneytalks Financial Foundation
Morrill & Janes Bank
Museum at Prairiefire
NAIA
 Nerium
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
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 Midwest Classic Tournament Wrap Up









228 teams spent the Labor Day weekend at one of our most popular tournaments, the Heartland Midwest Classic! This was the second tournament of the fall season for Heartland and the weekend showcased competition from across the Midwest, U8-U19.
 
In 2015, Heartland welcomed 202 teams which was a jump of 42 teams from the 2014 season. In 2016, it grew even more and this year it continued to be a huge success with 228 teams traveling in from 7 states including Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.  As well as teams from Manitoba, Canada.

 
Check out pictures from the 2017 Fall Kick Off Challenge last month! It was the largest crowd this tournament has had to date as it welcomed in 246 teams from 5 states; Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.














Dear All,

We all sincerely hope that you are all enjoying the start of the 2017 Fall season. It is exciting on the field and also watching the US National team try and qualify for the World Cup in Russia! What a great time to be a Kansas City soccer player, where we see the likes of our own Matt Besler on the World Cup trail, giving our players the belief that hard work and perseverance can definitely make their dreams a reality.

One thing that is really exciting this Fall, is that we have the use of another 'State of the Art' turf soccer complex for our games. That is the Sporting Fields up in Wyandotte County. We have received nothing but positive feedback about the complex and hopefully you have all visited. The use of these fantastic turf locations should also give our grass fields the opportunity they greatly need to being rested and rehabilitated.

The early season Heartland tournaments have been great. At the Heartland Midwest Classic we even had three teams join us from Canada. Please check out the website at www.heartlandsoccer.net for the remaining events we are hosting this Fall,

We have had significantly less complaints so far from our game day officials about parent and coach behavior on the sidelines. However, one complaint is too many. As adults, we must remember the game is for the kids and we are their prime role models. They emulate and copy our behavior and that includes our "non perfect" moments. Please just sit back and enjoy watching your children play and grow within the spirit of the game.

Thanks again and we hope to see you all at the fields.

Sincerely

Heartland Soccer Staff

Take $2 Off Large Gluten-Free Pizza at Minsky's! 

Minsky's cares about your health!
We take great pride in serving delicious gourmet menu items that include special dietary ingredients, including gluten-free products! We make our crusts from scratch, several times each day, with our own time-tested recipe. And we make them even tastier (and healthier), with sea salt and olive oil. Then we carefully layer on generous portions of lean, choice meats and fresh-cut vegetables. And we've got a special discount just for our Heartland Soccer fans! 

 
Use Online Order Code HSAGF for $2 Off a Large Gluten-Free Pizza! 

Minsky's management team members have completed gluten-free training through the GREAT Kitchens program, an educational initiative created and run by Beyond Celiac. Managers and staff have been instructed on how to read ingredient labels, avoid cross-contact with gluten-containing foods, and answer your questions about Minsky's gluten-free options. 

Not only do we offer gluten-free items, but did you know that Minsky's also offers Daiya Deliciously Dairy Free™ cheese and salad dressings for our vegan and lactose intolerant patrons? Daiya products are free of dairy (casein, whey and lactose), soy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts (except coconut). Daiya operates their own production facility which eliminates the chance of cross-contamination with other allergens, making Daiya products 100% vegan.

After a long day at the soccer fields, we invite you to enjoy a Minsky's Gluten-Free or Daiya Cheese, or any of our Gourmet Pizzas at one of our 17 locations throughout the KC metro area and Lawrence. Or, order online and have Minsky's delivered hot and fresh - direct to your hotel - or if you're from KC, direct to your front door!
  

October 1st & 8th 2017
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community- based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by Youth Soccer Association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability.

We have two clinics this year and you can register for one or both sessions! On October 1st we have an indoor clinic at the Metro United Training Center. On October 8th, we have an outdoor clinic in a festival environment with the Topeka program at the Target United Cup.

Indoor Clinic:
  • October 1st
  • Location: The Metro United Training Center (15440 S. Keeler Street, Olathe KS 66062)
  • 2-3 PM
Outdoor Clinic:
  • October 8th
  • Location: 4751 Woodland Dr, Shawnee, KS 66218
  • 2-3 PM
Enabling young athletes with disabilities to become valued & successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.

Questions?
[email protected]
913-441-9295




A WORD FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR:
Erik Palmer-Brown to leave Sporting KC for English Premier League

BY SAM MCDOWELL

Palmer-Brown, a Sporting Kansas City homegrown defender from Lee's Summit, has decided to sign a multiyear contract with Manchester City.
He will finish out the MLS season with Sporting KC, and his new deal in England will take effect in 2018. But because his MLS contract is within six months of expiration, he is allowed to sign a pre-contract to secure his future.

"He came to us and said there might be an opportunity. I said to him, 'Look, if that's what you want to do, then we'll support you,' " Sporting KC coach and technical director Peter Vermes said. "He's played out his contract. It's happened with other guys. It's just one of those situations."

Palmer-Brown, 20, inked his first professional deal with Sporting KC in 2013 after spending time with the club's academy. At the time, he was the youngest signing in club history, though that has since been surpassed by Gianluca Busio. Palmer-Brown graduated from O'Hara High School.

In past years, Sporting KC has turned down significant transfer offers for Palmer-Brown. Sporting KC will not receive a transfer fee when Palmer-Brown departs Kansas City, but the club will retain his MLS rights if he chooses to return to the league at a later date.

Palmer-Brown has been weighing potential overseas options for more than a month and had multiple clubs interested in him, a source said. He approached Sporting KC about those opportunities this summer.

Sporting KC countered with an offer, but it did not approach what he will likely receive from Manchester City, which presumably will loan him elsewhere in Europe for the immediate term.

"We believed we made him a very good offer in MLS," Vermes said.
Palmer-Brown was on the bench for Sporting KC in its 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew on Sunday afternoon. With Matt Besler and Ike Opara locked into the starting spots at center back, Palmer-Brown has been limited to four starts in MLS play this season, though he has drawn consistent compliments from the coaching staff after those appearances. Besler and Opara are both under contract for next season, as well.

In total, Palmer-Brown has made 18 appearances - 10 of them starts - since his MLS debut in 2014 made him the youngest player in league history to start a match at defender.

He spent the 2016 season on loan to FC Porto in Portugal before returning to Kansas City in 2017. He has been a regular fixture in the United States men's national team system and captained the U-20 team to the CONCACAF U-20 championship in Costa Rica earlier this year.
 
Homegrown Erik Palmer-Brown back with Sporting Kansas City as a champion
As captain of the U.S. U-20 Men's National Team, Sporting Kansas City's Erik Palmer-Brown led the U.S. to become the CONCACAF U-20 champion. Palmer-Brown talks about that experience. Video by Jill Toyoshiba.

Congratulations from all of us at Heartland Soccer Association. We are so proud of you, Erik. You have been such a wonderful role model for all of our current and future athletes. 


Q&A with Rhiannon and K.C. Maynes:

When did you start reffing? 
Rhiannon and I started refereeing Fall of 2015. 

What made you decide to get certified to referee? 
Rhiannon: I've always loved soccer and thought it would be fun to officiate matches. Plus I liked that I would get to referee with my dad.
K.C.: Refereeing was one part of the game I'd never gotten into and when Rhiannon showed interest I thought it would be fun.  I was already at the fields so often that fitting a few more games into a weekend really wasn't a big burden.  

What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? 
Rhiannon: I learned how to be more assertive and take charge and how to be more confident in myself.  
K.C.: Refereeing reminded me that the first step to being kind of good at something is being completely terrible.  It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to be any good at this job, and when you think you have it figured out, stepping up to harder games can remind you that you still have a lot to learn.

Do you play soccer? 
Rhiannon: This fall I am playing with an Emerald SC team. In the spring I will be playing on the Smithville High School girls soccer team. 
K.C.: I play pick up soccer at work once a week and I also coach two teams with Emerald SC.  

How long have you been playing? 
Rhiannon: I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. 
K.C.: I played soccer from 4 years old through high school.  I started coaching soccer six years ago.

What else do you participate in?
Rhiannon: I participate in cross country for Smithville high school. We practice everyday and run anywhere from 3-6 miles a day. When we race we run 5k's. I also participate in student council. It is a leadership group that plans and conducts activities for the school, such as Homecoming. Also, I am in the band. For the fall season we will be marching, but as football season ends we will transition into concert band. I play alto saxophone for marching and concert band and bari saxophone for jazz band. I also have been taking lessons on the guitar for 6 years. 
K.C.: I coach for Emerald SC in Smithville, MO and am also the current president of the club.  

Rhiannon and K.C. aren't reffing much this season because Rhiannon's little sister, Éowyn, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in June. Éowyn is currently undergoing experimental chemotherapy and immunotherapy in Monterrey, Mexico. If you're interested in following her progress or in donating to her medical treatment, you can visit "Facebook.com/EowynFight."

Health Tip
4 Tips for Raising Heart-Healthy Kids

Teaching heart-healthy habits to your children at a young age creates a foundation for how they will eat and exercise for the rest of their lives. Here are four tips to raising a heart-healthy child:

  1. Be a model for your kids. Your kids will follow your example and learn the importance of good health, if they see you eating right and exercising regularly.
  2. Do activities as a family. Encourage your family to get moving by being active together. Going to the pool, riding bikes and playing tag are easy and fun ways to exercise as a family.
  3. Reduce the screens. Video games, computers and TVs are all very relaxing, but they encourage sedentary behavior and snacking. These habits can increase your child's risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease.
  4. Eat as a family. Eating together as a family at mealtimes lessens the chance of children eating the wrong foods or snacking too much. Give your children the opportunity to help plan and cook meals to help develop healthy eating habits they can carry into adulthood.

Getting your child involved in sports and organizations like Heartland Soccer Association, and participating in activities as a family play a major role in their physical and emotional growth. For more information on HCA Midwest and our pediatric services at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, click  oprmc.com/pediatric  
 


KSYSA September Players of the Month 

Brooklyn from KC Athletico 

Position: Center Defender 
Player Experience: 10 Years 
Soccer Achievements:  Winning tournament in Memphis with team, against top ranked teams from Arkansas and Tennessee.
Academic Achievements: All Honors courses, French 3, Orchestra
Community Service: Junior Board, SHARE, Braves Helping Hands
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Movie: Spirit 
Favorite Book: Each Little Bird that Sings 
Memorable Soccer Experience:  Training with Colorado Rapids Coach for an afternoon 

Thomas from Sunflower Soccer- Rangers
 
Position: Defender 
Player Experience:  10 Years 
Academic Achievements: Selected Member of the School Math Team 
Favorite Food: Mexican 
Favorite Movie:  Avengers 
Favorite Book: Hunger Games 
Memorable Soccer Experience:  Defending and getting the ball down the field efficiently. 



Developing Referees: The options - Bake in the oven or microwave: 
Last weekend several of us Referee Mentors were talking with a coach of an out of town team who chose to travel to play in the Heartland league (They wanted to have good competition and were tired of playing the same 2 or 3 teams each week at home).  The coach wanted to share his thoughts on the Referee (a young kid is how he described him to us) in his last match.  Two major points he wanted us to know:
  • The Referee had control of the match.  He called fouls and was working hard to be close to play.
  • Even more important was the decision the Referee made when one of this coach's players was fouled (immediate call) and then fell on the turf and hit her head.  The Referee immediately called the coach onto the field and then summoned the Field Marshall to get Medical to the field ASAP.  Everything worked as expected.  The young lady had been knocked unconscious and because of the investments by Heartland (Field Marshalls and on-site Medical Staff) she will be back on the pitch.
  We knew the field and the game time and found out who the young Referee was.  I mean, his quick decision making made a difference on this day for that player, that team and that family.  We found out that the Referee was a high school student (17 years old) who has been certified for five years.  He is also a soccer player.  He has been mentored and has attended the Referee Development Academy.  He is like many of the other Referees you see on your fields every weekend.  They are serious about doing the job of being a Referee as good as they can.  His dedication to the game paid off again last weekend.

Did experience make a difference?  What can you do, as contributing members of the Heartland Soccer ecosystem to create more of these Referees who can provide SAFE and FAIR matches for your players? 

 Let's learn more about this Referee.  Here is his picture on his first day of officiating.  You can see he is eager to start his first "real" job.  He just finished his Entry Level education and passed his test.  His parents invested money in the course and in getting him his Referee uniform and equipment.  How do you think he felt inside as he took the flag and went to the sidelines, surrounded by the parents of players?  If you said scared or nervous, you are correct.  This is where you come in.  When a new Referee makes their first decision they are doing their best to get it right.  However, sometimes they get it wrong.  What do they hear from the sidelines and the coaches when they get it right?  
Many times they hear nothing, which is OK with the new Referees.  What do they hear from the sidelines and coaches when they don't get it right?  Sometimes in our enthusiasm for our players our response is a loud complaint.  In fact, sometimes we complain even when they get the call right.   

Now, we are not suggesting that getting calls wrong is acceptable.  The question is how do we, the Heartland Soccer ecosystem, respond to create the environment where the Referees get a majority of calls right?  Players who make mistakes have coaches to point out the right way to play the game of soccer.  Referees have a team to get the same result.  And, your Board of Directors has made investments in programs to provide Referees with coaches (this is the Mentor Program).  

The next time you have a young Referee, think of these pictures.  We can't make a good Referee in the microwave in minutes.  We make/develop them in the oven - multiple hours at a low temperature.  We have the same goal - better Referees.  Thank you for your patience and for your help.

Coaches Corner