The Midfielder
Heartland Soccer Association Newsletter
July 2019



Heartland Soccer Association 
Celebrates 40 Years of Soccer!
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.
Thank you to all of the teams that registered for the 2019 Fall Season! We are so excited and grateful to have you be a part of Heartland Soccer Association!
registration

Kick off your summer fun with the Heartland Soccer Association's 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, July 27th! This event promises to be a great morning of fun so bring the entire family to run, walk or push a stroller to be a part of this exciting day while giving back to our youth. There will be music, free Kona Ice, a Molle Toyota vehicle display, Dave & Buster's, Raising Cane's as well as other vendors, an awards ceremony and more! All participants get a participation medal and a swag bag - top finisher, age based and top team prizes will be awarded as well.

 
August 9th - 11th, 2019
SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex 
& Olathe Soccer Complex
Registration is Closed!
2019FKOpromo

This tournament is one of your first opportunities to get early games in and tune up for league play. The Fall Kick Off features multiple levels of play ensuring that every team finds itself matched against similar competition. 
The tournament will be hosted at the  SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex and Olathe Soccer Complex, where siblings can enjoy the multiple playgrounds, the skate park, or the tennis courts. All games will be played on turf.
2018/19 Heartland Numbers

Fall league teams '19
1,281
Spring league teams '19
1,314
League players 
42,000
Tournament teams
2,634
Tournament players 
44,000+
Referees
2,000+
Coaches
4,000

Concussion ImPACT Testing
Order New Apparel Today!
HSA apparel
Dave & Buster's, Overland Park is now open! Be our guest and get $20 in FREE Game Play! Eat. Drink. Play. Watch Sports

Fall 2019
Jul 02 Recreational seeding
Jul 03
Premier pre-seed & Recreational Final seed posted after 5pm
Jul 03 Heartland Awards Night
Jul 03-08
Premier seeding challenges via email deadline noon on July 08
Jul 09
Final premier seeding posted after 5pm
Jul 24 Schedule posted after 5pm
Jul 27
Heartland Soccer Annual 5K at 7:30am
July 26-28
Dick's Sporting Goods Discount Weekend for Heartland
Aug 02-04
First Weekend of League Play
Aug 09-11
Fall Kick Off Challenge Tournament / League Play
Aug 09-11
Dick's Sporting Goods Discount Weekend for Heartland
Aug 16-18
Academy Sports Shop Event Weekend for Heartland
Aug 16-18
League Play
Aug 23-25 League Play
Aug 30-Sep 01 Heartland Midwest Classic Tournament
Sep 06-08 League Play
Sep 13-15 League Play
Sep 20-22 League Play
Sep 27-Sep 29 League Play
Sep 29 Heartland Referee Appreciation Night
Oct 04-06 Midwest All Girls Tournament Fueled by Tohi / League Play
Oct 11-13 League Play
Oct 18-20 League Play
Oct 25-27 Rainout Weekend
Nov 01-03 ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament - Girls
Nov 08-10 ALDI Heartland Invitational Tournament - Boys
Nov 15-17 Academy Sports Shop Event Weekend for Heartland
Nov 17
Heartland Soccer Fashion Show at The Overland Park Ballroom



2019 Referee Meeting Dates
 
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.  

2019 Referee Meeting Dates
Mon Aug 5
Mon Sept 9
Wed Oct 2
Thur Nov 7

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 to all our sponsors for the gift cards.
We appreciate your continued support of 
Heartland Soccer and our Referee Mentor Program!

Announcing the Winner of our Academy Sports 
'Social Media Giveaway'
"July America's Birthday, Patriotic outfit and Fireworks" 
Congratulations Jennifer Borgstadt 
Your photo was selected 
as the winner of the $50 Academy Gift Card.





This Month in History: July

On July 10 th , 1999, the U.S. Women's Soccer team went on to beat China in overtime after 120 scoreless minutes. As the final minutes ended, the China team had a chance to win it as they had a corner kick on the U.S. end of the field. As the corner kick came across the middle, a China forward headed it right towards the goal. As the ball had passed the U.S. goalie, a U.S. defender was standing on the goal line and headed it out for the save. This eventually sent the game into overtime for the shootout. 
It was a 4-4 tie, after the U.S. goalie had made an amazing save. The last U.S. women to shoot was Brandi Chastain. As Brandi took her steps back, she had her eyes on the prize, which came so surreal after she netted the shot. She aimed for the upper right corner and took the shot. As it passed the Chinese goalie and sank into the net, she fell to her knees with great excitement. After a few seconds she got up to celebrate with the rest of the U.S. team as they won their second World Cup.

First time checking out The Midfielder?
Executive Director Shane Hackett explains why this is a 
great tool for players, coaches and parents. 
Register Now for a Grassroots In Person License

Kansas Youth Soccer is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a US Soccer Grassroots In Person Licenses throughout the summer!

Click Here for more information & to register for a course in your area.
The Referee Blog
Laws of the Game versus Emotion:  The Referee's Conundrum ...
  
In Kansas State Cup matches earlier this month, the Referee coaches had the opportunity to review some calls with coaches, players, fans and the Referees.  In every case the conundrum was the Referee making a decision on the Laws of the Game versus the emotion of the other people. Let's look at a couple of examples:
  • The Defender made a dangerous, studs up tackle to the leg of the Attacker.  The Referee's interpretation of the Law was that this tackle endangered the safety of the opponent.  Their decision was a Red Card and Send Off.
    • The coach immediately became very animated.  His stance was that since the game was only in the 2 nd minute and this was the first foul in the match that it shouldn't be a Red Card.
  • The player (an Attacker) was going after the ball.  The Defender positioned himself between the Attacker and the ball.  The Attacker grabbed the Defender's shoulder and pulled him down to the ground.  The Referee blew the whistle to indicate the foul. The Attacker then stepped on the Defender's chest.  The Referee's decision moved from a "reckless" foul to violent conduct. The Red Card was shown
    • The coach said the card was unfair to his team because the player being sent off was his best player.  That was his reason for appealing the Referee's decision.
Reviews of the incidents and conversations with the Referees confirmed that the decisions were consistent with the Laws of the Game.

Should emotion influence the way a Referee enforces the Laws of the Game?  The answer is an emphatic NO! There is a reason why Assignors work hard to select and assign "neutral" officials to a match.  You really see this at work during the World Cup. You don't see officials who are citizens of a country working matches where their country is playing.  The fans - that is a different story.

Was Spain guilty of committing fouls that resulted in Penalty Kicks when the played the United States in the Round of 16?  If you were cheering for Spain, the fouls weren't worthy of the Penalty Kick decision. If you were cheering for the United States, then a foul is a foul, and these were the right calls.  The Referee, applying the Laws of the Game, decided for the Penalty Kick. Did she have an effective position to see the contact and to make the call? Look at the picture from this match.  You can she was definitely in an effective position to see the play, in fact in the best position you could want.

As we get ready for the Fall season, understand the conundrum your Referees face on each call.  If they are working hard and are in a good position to see the play, don't yell at them. Referees don't always make the call the way the fans (or some of the fans) want, but we do train them and assign them to take away emotion and keep their focus on the Laws of the Game.

See you at the fields this Fall!  Thank you in advance for adding logic to your emotion.

THE FIFA WORLD CUP IS COMING! #KC2026
   
Sign the petition and show the world that Kansas City deserves to be a host city for the WORLD CUP!!!

Sign the Petition
Donate
Volunteer

Kansas City - In The Heart of It All


#KC2026 #United2026
Go behind the scenes at Children's Mercy Park! Learn about the history of Sporting KC and take a look at the Pitch, Press Box, Broadcast Booth, Locker Room & more! For more information contact Kylie Perkins at
[email protected]  or 913-912-7578.
Congratulations from Heartland Soccer and KSYSA!
Congrats to these Kansas teams that qualified for the 2019 Midwest Presidents Cup in Overland Park, KS from June 13 th - 17 th .  

Congrats to these Kansas teams that qualified for the 2019 Midwest Regional Championships in Saginaw, Michigan from June 20th - 26th.

Welcome to the Brand New US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer launches new rebrand that represents the future 

of youth soccer in the United States.  Read more: Click Here
 

How do you celebrate America's Birthday? Show us your best Patriotic outfit or Fireworks picture
 



Get Your Kickin' Chicken at a Kansas or Missouri Restaurant Near You! 8 Local Locations Raisingcanes.com/locations
@raisingcaneschickenfingers

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 2019 Season.

2018-19 Tournament Numbers
(number of teams)
 


Border Battle '19
180
KC Champions Cup '19 483
Mother's Day Classic '19 449
KC Invitational '19
282
Fall Kick Off Challenge '18
207
Heartland Midwest Classic '18
194
Midwest All Girls '18
332
ALDI Heartland Invitational Girls  '18
303
ALDI Heartland Invitational Boys '18
498

*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams
 from a total of 17 states and Canada.
Referee Corner:  
Changes to the process of becoming a certified US Soccer Referee...

 
U.S. Soccer has been investing in our Referee Development program.  They have recently announced some major changes to Referee Grades, to the way we run the instructional part of becoming a new referee, and to the way Referee licenses are granted.  These changes will happen on July 1, 2019. I wanted to highlight some of these changes in this month's Referee Corner.  

Referee Grades:  To be more consistent with the advancement path in the rest of the world, U.S. Soccer will be renaming the path for US soccer Referees.  Here is the new path:

For those who want to join the ranks of Heartland Certified Referees, you will now start at the Grassroots level.  Another major change by U.S. Soccer is that Referee Candidates must be 13 years old to certify.  This change takes place on July 1, 2019. If you are over 13 (and parents will fit this demographic) you are good to go as a Referee candidate.

Another change is the introduction of a new online US Soccer "Grassroots" Referee Course for new Referees.  For those who have been wondering when the new classes will be announced, we are letting you know that we have delayed announcing the dates for the "new referee" classes due to the changes to the educational system.  The process of becoming a new Referee will be highlighted on the Kansas Referee website in the next week or so.

Under the new offering you will only have to attend a classroom session for only one day because the new referee will do much of the learning online.  For those registering in Kansas, the other benefit is that the cost will be reduced by $10.  
So continue to watch this space and sign up as soon as the dates are posted.

Mark Alford is the Preferred Realtor of Heartland Soccer 

Mark Alford has been coming into your home as morning news anchor for 21 years. The trusted face and voice of Kansas City is a strong supporter of youth soccer and has donated his time and talents to Heartland Soccer Association over the years.

"Mark Alford has been an enthusiastic supporter of our youth soccer  community and we are excited to have Mark Alford, the team leader of  Vortexkc/Chartwell as the "Preferred Realtor of Heartland Soccer."  explained Shane Hackett, Executive Director.  "Mark continues to emcee  many of soccer events throughout the year and has a passion for kids and  families.  That's a great trait for helping families find their next  home."

Mark is a multimillion dollar producer, marketing and selling homes from  $2.5 million dollars, down to $67,000. 

"It's NOT the price, it's the EXPERIENCE that makes the difference" says  Alford. "It's about changing lives and helping people make memories." 

And it's because of Mark Alford's dedication, experience, passion and  CONNECTION with youth soccer and the Kansas City Metro that Heartland  Soccer Association is proud to name Vortexkc as our "Preferred Realtor." 

"I'm deeply honored to take on this role", says Alford. "Heartland Soccer  is about promoting family, building memories and developing talents, many  of the SAME things VORTEXKC is about. I'm so excited to get to know the  families involved on a much deeper level."
Vortex



Heartland Soccer Association is excited to announce the addition of another fall tournament to the lineup. The inaugural Midwest All Boys Tournament will be held at the new Olathe Soccer Complex September 27-29, 2019. 

This new tournament is a companion to Heartland Soccer's Midwest All Girls Tournament, which brings in more than 300 teams each fall. The Midwest All Boys Tournament will be one of six tournaments this upcoming season; namely, The Fall Kick Off Challenge, Heartland Midwest Classic, Midwest All Girls, ALDI Heartland Girls Invitational and ALDI Heartland Boys Invitational. 

"With the success of all our tournaments, it really is no surprise that we added another," said Shane Hackett, Heartland Soccer Executive Director. "It's a great opportunity for teams to compete against compatible skilled level teams from all around the Midwest."

The tournament will feature multiple levels of play and is expected to bring in boys U8-U19 teams from throughout the Midwest.  All games will be played at the Olathe Soccer Complex. 

The Olathe Soccer Complex is one of the nation's newest, finest youth soccer facilities. The complex includes 9 tournament-quality synthetic turf fields in a central location of Olathe, Kansas. 

"We are so incredibly lucky to have such beautiful facilities here in the Kansas City area. Watching the development of the Olathe Soccer Complex come to fruition has been extremely exciting not just for Heartland, but for the entire soccer community. We can't wait to get cleats on the fields this fall."



Congratulations to the 2019 Spring Division Winners!

Final Awards Night at Sporting KC on July 3rd Photo Gallery:
This year, the Awards Nights at Sporting KC brought in   99 teams out of the 176 division winners! Thank you to everyone who attended. We are so proud of all of you!
Congratulations to the U.S. Women's Soccer Team 
on winning their 4th World Cup! 

Over 10,000 fans packed the Power and Light district, as The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team defeated the Netherlands 2-0, claiming its fourth World Cup title. The topic of soccer's popularity in the US has often been discussed in recent years as numbers show a stark increase in both youth participation and viewing interest. Kansas City has been at the forefront of changing public perception of the sport. Proving that fact once again, KC drew in one of the biggest watch parties in the country.

We, at Heartland Soccer, are so incredibly proud of the USWNT and the role models they have become to our youth. As our beloved sport continues to grow, we are beyond honored to be such an integral part of the Kansas City culture. KC is the soccer capital of the USA and we can't wait to watch that passion continue to grow each year!


1) Registration for the 2019 fall season is now closed, how large will this season be and what can teams expect as far as competition goes?  This is the largest fall registration in the 43 year history of Heartland Soccer. The largest growth in league play has been from outside the Kansas City area as teams and clubs continue to join to play our local teams and regional competition. Our world class turf facilities are a draw as well as the vast competition at all levels of play including recreational divisions. This will be our first season where all our games will be played on turf. 

2) There are multiple fall tournaments, which one is your favorite and why?  It's tough to choose a single favorite but I am very partial to the Midwest All Girls. I have four daughters and have lots of great memories as a coach and a dad. The HIT Tournaments to close out the season are tops too.   With a boys and girls weekend, we average 400+ teams a weekend from 16 states and Canada. 

3) Why should someone look into becoming a ref for the fall season?
We have an incredible soccer community here in KC.  I often refer to it as an ecosystem. Players, Coaches, Families, Facilities and Referees. Over the years, we've grown the game. More kids are playing at all ages. We've been fortunate to build more world class turf soccer fields here than anywhere else in the world. Right now, we need more referees. Our typical referee is someone that plays or has played the game here in KC and wants to be involved in another way. The pay is great especially for teenagers which is the bulk of our referee pool. If you are thinking about referring or have a child that would like to learn, we have mentors and classes for certification. Please join us.  

4) What have you and your staff spent the summer doing? 
As a parent, the summer is our only time off for soccer. These few weeks seem to fly by. The Heartland Staff doesn't get a summer break. In addition to registration for league and tournaments, we have seeding and scheduling that is in full swing.  

5) The 5K run is set for the end of July. Why does Heartland host this run and why should someone participate? Will you be running in it this year?  The 5k run was created several years ago as a way for all of us to get together outside of soccer.  Coaches thought it would also give players a chance to do a little preseason conditioning as well. All the proceeds go toward supporting healthy athletes and our youth referee development programs. I don't know if you can call what I will be doing as running. I will participate. I will finish but not sure if you would call in running.  



MINSKY'S HAS TEAMED UP WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS TIGHT END TRAVIS KELCE AND HIS  EIGHTY-SEVEN & RUNNING FOUNDATION  FOR THE 2019 SEASON TO BENEFIT   OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH!

Now through December 1, 2019, Minsky's customers can "Add a buck for Kelce's Kids" with any purchase - with all proceeds going to Travis Kelce's Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation. With every "buck" donated, Minsky's will add a "matching buck" donation.
In addition to raising funds for Eighty-Seven & Running benefiting Operation Breakthrough, each customer donation is an entry to win a  VIP Chiefs Game-day Experience at Arrowhead  including:
  • A tailgate pizza party from Minsky's Pizza
  • A pre-game sideline visit on the field
  • Two VIP seats to a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium
  • An opportunity to meet Travis Kelce in an Arrowhead suite following the game
So, start "Adding a buck for Kelce's Kids" and win big!
Donations are accepted for in-store dining, carry out, delivery and online orders. When dining in or placing an order over the phone, a Minsky's employee will ask you if you want to "Add a buck for Kelce's Kids". For online orders, simply look for the option to "Add a buck for Kelce's Kids" at checkout!
The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to provide a safe, loving and educational environment for children in poverty and to empower their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education.

Valid for dine-in, carry out, delivery and online orders through
December 1, 2019.

Summer in the Soccer Capital!

Kansas City is a finalist to host up to 6 matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To be selected as one of the final 10 US host cities, KC must show that we support international soccer. We must show FIFA that WE WANT TO HOST THE CUP!  How can you help?
 It's easy. 
Attend the last big event for soccer fans, and fans of Kansas City, to show we love soccer here in the Midwest:

 
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER AT ARROWHEAD
Come enjoy 2 of world's top club teams, Germany's FC Bayern Munich vs. Italy's AC Milan as they square off at Arrowhead Stadium in an International Champions Cup match in Kansas City on July 23.
Tickets begin at only $35 and are available at: www1.ticketmaster.com/event/060056C5FBA5C774


SUPPORT THE KC2026 BID
Last but not least, Don't forget to show your support for Kansas City's 2026 World Cup bid by visiting www.KC2026.com to sign the petition, volunteer, or make a donation to support the KC 2026 Bid's philanthropic efforts to grow the game in Kansas City's underserved urban neighborhoods.



The Coaches Corner:

Blues set up in the bottom square to play a 4x2 rondo. After 5 successful passes, they switch the ball into the top square. The 2 wide players and the 2 defending players all move to either support or defend in the top square where play continues. If the defenders win the ball, they switch with the players that lost possession of the ball.


Kansas ODP Players Selected for Midwest ODP ID Camp in
Saginaw, Michigan!

 
Dear All,

We hope you have all enjoyed the great showings by our National teams in the last couple of weeks. Winning yet another World Cup is phenomenal!!

We have finished seeding for the 2019 Fall season! We tried to accommodate everyone's requests and tried to make every division as competitive as possible.

Scheduling is now underway. Final Schedules posted July 24th, after 5PM.

We do have some new FIFA rules that will be coming into place during this Fall season. Please see below and be patient as the referees will be implementing them in the youth games. The main ones being.....
  • At a goal kick and a free kick for the defending team in their own penalty area, the ball is in play when it is "kicked and moved", i.e., it can be played before it leaves the penalty area.
  • For defensive walls, attacking team players must be at least 1 meter away from the defensive wall
  • On Penalty Kicks, the goal keeper has to have one foot on the line 
  • On dropped balls, the ball will be dropped for one player of the team that last touched the ball at the point of the last touch.  All other players must be at least 4.5 yards away.
  • Deliberate handball remains an offense.  There are some additional instruction when handling, even if accidental, will be a free kick.  
  • On the coin toss at the start of the match, the team that wins the toss can now choose to take the kick off or which goal to attack.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and we hope to see you all on the fields soon

Sincerely,
Heartland Staff


July Health Tip:
Fun Moves for Better Agility
  
Agility, or the ability to react quickly to change without losing your balance, is an important skill not only for playing sports, but also for everyday living.

Strength training helps improve agility, but so do balance and coordination exercises. Simple moves include standing on one foot, standing on tiptoe and walking heel to toe.

Specific activities that boost agility:

Yoga
Tai chi
Ladder and hurdle drills
Jumping rope
A great do-anywhere exercise is controlled marching in place. Lift your right arm overhead as you lift your left leg, bending the knee at a 90-degree angle. Hold for three to five seconds, then switch sides. Continue alternating arms and legs for a total of three to five minutes.

For better agility and coordination, here are three more exercises that will help: First, toss a small, soft ball from one hand to another, keeping your eyes on the ball at all times. For added difficulty do this as you balance on one leg, lifting the other leg by bending the knee at a 90-degree angle. Do 10 tosses, reverse legs and repeat.

Next, bounce a small agility ball against a wall and catch it, first with two hands, then with your dominant hand and finally with your non-dominant hand. The ball will bounce in different directions, requiring quick action. Be sure to do this in an open space to avoid running into any furniture.

Finally, blow up two balloons in different colors. Tap them in the color order of your choice to keep them in the air. For added difficulty, tap one, do a squat and then tap the other -- you'll need to move fast to keep them afloat. Remember to always tap in the same color order, not whichever one is closest to you.

HCA Midwest Health is the official healthcare provider for Heartland Soccer Association and we work with parents and coaches to keep athletes safe and on the field of play year round, learn more about our services at www.hcamidwest.com 

The American Council on Exercise has more detail on these and other exercises to improve agility.

Source: HealthDay
 


   Papa J ohn's Heartland Referee Spotlight:

Q&A with Daron and Duncan:

When did you start reffing?
Spring 2018

What made you decide to get certified to referee?  
Daron: For 10 years, I had been volunteering for our club and coaching my boys in their early years. With both playing competitive now (and with better coaches than I), it was time for a new place to help out and was blown away at the demand for referees, even in the Soccer Capital. I thought it might be a good place to pitch in to help keep the game safe and fair while spending some more time with my oldest as he was about to start high school.
Duncan: I decided to start reffing because I complain about the refs a lot and I wanted to try to be a good referee that people don't have to complain about.

What is your favorite part about reffing?
Daron: The challenge. Passing the test isn't hard. Really getting good is where it takes some work and I have a lot of respect for the really good ones. I won't say I'm there yet, as I always want to be better, but it's gratifying to learn from each game and apply it in the next to make that game better for the kids on the field.
Duncan: My favorite part about reffing is being in control of the game and being responsible for making the calls myself.

What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing?
Daron: Work hard, give it all you have and don't worry too much about anything else you hear from the peanut gallery.
Duncan: I learned you have to speak up for yourself when anyone is behaving inappropriately, including parents.

What level of referee to you aspire to be?
Daron: I'd like to referee at State Cup in the next couple of years.

Do you play soccer? 
Daron: I never did, but competed in several other sports. I fell into coaching my son's kindergarten team when there weren't enough coaches for all the kids and dove into learning all I could about how to turn a squirrely group of five-year-olds into soccer players. I think most of them had a good experience in the process. All their parents still speak to me, at least.
Duncan: I play for OPSC during the club season and SME during the high school season. I have played soccer for 10 years.

Do you participate in any sports/activities/clubs/ youth groups/ community service? 
Daron: I've volunteered for our club for 10 years now, half as a rec coach and half as a board member. Our club is one of the lowest cost options around and I hope I'm contributing to kids getting to play high-level soccer at a price their parents can afford. That's certainly not meant to knock any other club or sport. There's just a need for that option, even in Johnson County.
Duncan: I participate in the youth group at Country Club Christian Church. We serve meals at a church in northeast KC once a month and I just got back from Ecuador where we helped fix up a daycare center.

Do you have another job in addition to reffing? 
Daron: I'm the SVP of Marketing for a pharmacogenomics services company (subset of genetic testing related to pharmacy).

What was the last book you read? 
Daron: IAFB Laws of the Game (the soccer bible). It's a page-turner and should be required reading for anyone who likes to coach the yellow team from the sidelines.

What types of movies do you like? 
Daron: I run the range from indie dialogue-driven flicks to aliens blowing stuff up. I'll admit the last two were X-Men: Dark Phoenix and Detective Pikachu with the kids. Don't judge. They prefer aliens blowing stuff up and the best part is them still wanting to hang out with me.
Duncan: Action and Marvel movies

What is your favorite sports team?
Sporting KC. Easy.

 

2019 US Youth Soccer National Championships 
coming to Overland Park, KS!

 

The 2019 US Youth Soccer National Championships are at Overland Park Soccer Complex this year and Kansas Youth Soccer would like to invite all soccer fans and enthusiast to come out and attend this amazing event.  The countries best 96 youth soccer teams will be competing to be crowned National Champions! If you wish to volunteer at the event please contact Phil Gomez at [email protected] .    

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.
Send Photo submissions to: [email protected]
  Attention!
 
If you have a referee, coach, club, team or player accomplishment or a  photo that you would like to share please email:
 Katie Falco at  [email protected]  
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
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Spin Pizza
Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Sporting Kansas City
Storage Mart
Swope Park Rangers
The KC Steak Company
The Storage Place
The Rub Bar-B-Que
Tohi
T-riffic T-shirts
Urban Air
Yokohama
Zaxby's