The Midfielder
Heartland Soccer Association Newsletter
September 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 participating this season! We are so excited and grateful to have you be a part of Heartland Soccer Association!
registration
REGISTER TODAY!

2019 ALDI HIT - Girls
SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex
Wyandotte Sporting Fields

Nov. 1st - 3rd, 2019

2019 ALDI HIT - Boys
SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex
Wyandotte Sporting Fields
November 8th - 10th, 2019


The ALDI Heartland Invitational continues its reputation as the biggest and best tournament in the Kansas City area. Split over two weekends (Girls weekend and Boys weekend) to accommodate the number of teams wanting a chance to compete one last time. Last year (2018), over 800 teams from throughout the central United States traveled to compete in this end-of-the-year showdown. Our access to additional fields allows us to accommodate the many teams looking for a competitive season finale.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Oct. 4th - 6th, 2019
Registration Deadline: Sept. 2nd, 2019
REGISTRATION CLOSED
This long-time classic tournament brings together thousands of girls with more than 300 teams from throughout the Midwest, presenting a great opportunity for your team to test itself against compatible skilled level teams from many different states. The tournament will be hosted at the  SCHEELS  Overland Park Soccer Complex and the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex. You can expect opponents matched to your level of play with multiple brackets.

Sep. 27th - 29th, 2019
Registration Deadline: Aug. 26th, 2019
REGISTRATION CLOSED
MidwestAllBoysPROMO

Fall 2019 marks the inaugural Midwest All Boys Tournament. This new tournament is the companion to our long-time Midwest All Girls tournament which brings together thousands of girls with more than 300 teams from throughout the Midwest. The Midwest All Boys presents a great opportunity for your team to test itself against compatible skilled level teams from many different states. The tournament will be hosted at the new Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex featuring all turf soccer fields.


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

Share a picture of you and/or your coach and a lesson you have learned from them #HEARTLANDSOCCER

My daughter is goalie for her team and she says Coach Justin taught her that sometimes you have to take risks to come out ahead, in life and in soccer.

Her coach taught her to relax on corners and not tense up - she's now soaring them to the far post with ease! 

Work hard no matter the conditions! Play hard, but have fun!

 
HEARTLAND FUTSAL LEAGUE 2019-2020
New to Futsal?  Got Questions?  We are happy to help.
Call Shannon at 913-940-2551


Divisions:  U8-U19 (Boys and Girls)
Number of Games:  8
Cost:  Registration fee per team $725
Deadline:  October 1, 2019

Note that registration will close once we reach 420 teams.  Last year we turned away 20 teams. Register early to guarantee your spot!!
Additional information can be found on our futsal website 
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
Sep 13-15 League Play
Sep 20-22 League Play
Sep 27-Sep 29 League Play/Midwest All Boys Tournament
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
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:

Congrats to our SCHEELS gift card winners!

Margot Tuttle, Jared Williams, Ian LaSalle, Rehan Malek, Todd Laytham, Stevie Ledgerwood, Brenan Kuzmick, Luke Haskins, Yaseen El-Demerdash

Thank you to everyone who participated and a big 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 September winner of our Academy Sports 
'Social Media Giveaway'  
Congratulations Cindy Wirtz 
Your photo was selected 
as the winner of the $50 Academy Gift Card.

"Stop being afraid of the ball & passing it off... take the shot!!!" Hat Trick for the Tournament Win!! #Academy #heartlandsoccer




This Month in History: September
September 9th: Happy Birthday Luka Modrić

Luka Modrić is a professional Croatian footballer whom was born on September 9 th , 1985 in the city of Zadar Croatia. He started his career young by signing with Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16. He made his debut for Dinamo in 2005 and subsequently won three consecutive league titles with them and received the league player of the year award in 2007. In 2008 he moved to Tottenham Hot Spurs and quickly led them to their first Champions League appearance in almost 50 years. In 2012 Luka made the move to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of €30 Million. He helped lead Real Madrid to three consecutive Champion League titles while winning individual awards along the way. Modrić became the first Croatian player to win the Best FIFA Men's Player and Ballon d'Or. 

Luka has had a great international career with the Croatian national team as well. He helped guide them to the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup while also winning the Golden Ball, the award given to the best player of the tournament. Finally he has been named Croatian Footballer of the year a record seven times. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation and possibly the greatest Croatian footballer ever.
First time checking out The Midfielder?
Executive Director Shane Hackett explains why this is a 
great tool for players, coaches and parents. 
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
The Referee Blog
The Thrill of Victory:  
How to make youth soccer a win for all the players.... 

The season has started!  Yes, it was a wild weekend with the lightning and the torrential rains.  The fields got a little soggy, but many teams got the chance to do what they were looking forward to - play the game that we all love. 
I am sure that the scenario in this picture took place more than once during the past three weeks.  It gives us an opportunity to think about the thrills and chills that take place on the field and to contemplate how we would respond if our kids were involved.  That is the subject of this month's article from the Referee group.
Let's set the stage.  Imagine that the score is 0 - 0.  The game is in the last 5 minutes.  Imagine your kids in the various roles in this Penalty Kick situation and think about how you would respond to your kid on the way home.
  • The player who committed the foul that led to the Penalty Kick:  They are going to feel terrible about the situation they put their team in.  What would your response be if?
    • The player taking the Penalty Kick scores.  We have several choices here:
      • Blame the Referee for a bad decision:   How could the Referee make a decision like this to decide the outcome of a game?   This means we are not helping our players take responsibility for their actions on the field.  I don't know of many Referees who make up fouls. Usually there is contact. Remember, a foul is a foul.  If it is done by the defenders in the Penalty Area, the Law requires that the restart is a Penalty Kick.
      • Blame the player for losing the game:   I am confident that most players don't want to foul.  They are trying hard to do their jobs. Soccer is a basic game.  When you don't have the ball, you are playing defense with the intent to get the ball back so your team can score.  The player was trying to do their job. They didn't just stand and watch. They took action and it didn't work the way they thought it would.
      • Blame the goalkeeper for not making the save:   The odds of scoring on a Penalty Kick are around 95%.  It is a special play when the goalkeeper is able to make a PK save.
    • The player taking the Penalty Kick misses or the PK is saved by the goalkeeper:
      • Thank the soccer gods for erasing a bad call:  There are times when it appears that there are strange external forces protecting the game.  We can't explain it. We see the player hit the crossbar or totally miss the goal. Is it fate or is it a failure to execute on this specific play?  We can say we dodged a bullet, but should we focus on the Referee or on the players?
      • Blame the player for losing the game:   This is tough one if you are the parent of the player who did not score.  What is the frame of mind of the player? They are blaming themselves. Don't add to their frustration and if you do, you can expect they won't be happy to talk with you.
Several years ago, I saw a girl miss a Penalty Shot during a shoot out to determine which team would go on to play in the finals of a tournament.  I was amazed at the support she got from her teammates. They appreciated that she came close and let her know she would have another opportunity in the future.  This is how we have to deal with the player who misses an opportunity. The league is learning. It is not life or death.
  • Praise the goalkeeper for making the save:  This is the proper response and should be the way that both teams look at the play.  If someone makes an impressive play, let them know that you appreciate it. Again, we are here because we love the "beautiful game of soccer".
Your responses to the various player scenarios highlights what we talked about in last month's article.  
  1. Avoid coaching from the sidelines.   
  2. Don't criticize the Referee.   
  3. Focus on the benefits of the game rather than the score.  Respect the efforts of the players .
  4. Don't stress out over one game .
I was the father of a 10-year-old who had a Penalty Kick saved by a goalie in a tournament final in the early 1990's.  We did not win the championship that day. I don't know what the goalkeeper (he made a great save) is doing today. I do know that the young man whose PK got saved went on to play many more soccer matches.  He is now the father of 2 boys, has been successful in business and has made me a very proud grandpa.  
Isn't that what it is really about?  Thank you for being a part of the Heartland Soccer experience.  See you at the fields.


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

2019 Kansas Youth Soccer Awards of the Year & Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame Nominations Open!


2019 Awards of the Year Categories: Administrator of the Year,  Volunteer of the Year, TopSoccer Buddy of the Year,  TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Coach of the Year (Recreational & Competitive), Save of the Year, Goal of the Year.  

Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame Nominations in four categories.
Founder, Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Achievement & Merit Award

Winners will be featured at the 2020 KSYSA Awards Gala and AGM which will be February 8, 2020 in Overland Park, KS at the Museum at Prairiefire from 7pm-10pm!

To nominate someone for a 2019 Kansas Youth Soccer Award or the Kansas Soccer Hall of Fame then please  CLICK HERE !

Nominations for both due September 27th, 2019!


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.
Kansas Youth Soccer Welcomes Paul Fabry as the 
New Director of Coaching 

Olathe, KS (Monday August 19, 2019) - Kansas Youth Soccer is proud to announce the hiring of Paul Fabry as the next Director of Coaching.  Paul joins Kansas State Youth Soccer Association from Iowa Rush, where he served as Executive Director & Technical Director, a position he was promoted from within in 2012 after serving as the clubs Director of Coaching in 2009.

For the full article please CLICK HERE. 

September is Youth Soccer Month!



Watch out for multiple promotions during the month of September to celebrate Youth Soccer Month.  US Youth Soccer is doing a Ball-A-Day Giveway every day this month. All you have to do is register now. 

Register to win by clicking here.  

Check the Youth Soccer Month website by clicking here: 

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
 
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


Register Now for 2019-2020 Kansas ODP!

 
Kansas ODP is looking for the very best youth players looking to enhance their technical and tactical ability as a player.  Players born from 2003-2008 are eligible to participate in these player evaluation trainings that take place throughout the year.  Kansas ODP is separate from your club team and you train with players from across Kansas.  

NEED MORE DETAILED INFORMATION? CLICK HERE or contact the Kansas ODP Administrator. 
 
Amy Cramer
Kansas ODP Administrator
KANSAS STATE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
10529 South Warwick St. | Olathe, KS 66061
[email protected]
Direct Line:  913-991-3690

2018-19 Tournament Numbers
(number of teams)
 
Border Battle '19
180
KC Champions Cup '19
483
Mother's Day Classic '19 449
Kansas City Invitational '19 282
Fall Kick Off Challenge '19
189
Heartland Midwest Classic '19
208
Midwest All Boys '19
115
Midwest All Girls '19
330
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.


Congratulations to these Kansas ODP who were selected to represent the Midwest ODP teams after attending the Midwest ID Camp in Saginaw, MI in July. Congrats and way to represent Kansas and the Midwest!

For Kansas ODP News and Announcements: CLICK HERE

  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]  
Announcing the 2019 Heartland Soccer 
Rock the Runway Fashion Show

November 17, 2019 * 3pm & 7pm Shows
Overland Park Ballroom
12170 Blue Valley Pkwy
Overland Park, KS 66213

Heartland Soccer Association's 2019 "Rock the Runway, Soccer + Style" Fashion Show will benefit youth soccer and programs that promote healthy athletes. This event is a great way to bring the soccer community together to have fun and celebrate fashion!

Get Involved: Walk the Runway, Buy a Ticket, Volunteer, Sponsor!

Model
Walk the Runway...Players, Coaches, Referees, Club Administrators, Board Members...become a model in the show! Without the models, this event would not be possible, we appreciate you registering to be considered to walk in this great event!  Click here for more information and to apply to "Rock the Runway"
Deadline to register to be considered is Tuesday, September 20th.

Buy a Ticket!
You don't want to miss out on this year's "Rock the Runway, Soccer + Style" Fashion Show.  Click here to buy your ticket and reserve your spot today!

Volunteer
Volunteer committee members needed! Committee members may help with tasks such as securing SWAG for VIP tickets, ambience, ticket and sponsor sales, securing vendors, helping with fashion selections and script/runway details. Please contact Sara at [email protected] for more information.

Sponsor

Becoming a sponsor, vendor or providing SWAG for VIP bags is a fun way for local companies to support youth in our community while gaining great exposure. For more information please contact Sara at [email protected] 

  
***SARAH CANNON CANCER INSTITUTE ONCOLOGISTS ON
HAND FOR EXPERT INTERVIEWS***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Christine Hamele, Associate Vice President, Public Relations & Community Outreach, HCA Midwest Health, 
(913) 208-5566, [email protected]
Kimberly Winter Stern, HCA Midwest Health News Bureau, (913) 449-4294; [email protected]

SARAH CANNON CANCER INSTITUTE AT HCA MIDWEST HEALTH TURNING 
SCHEELS OVERLAND PARK SOCCER COMPLEX PINK 
DURING HEARTLAND MIDWEST ALL-GIRLS TOURNAMENT FUELED BY TOHI
__________________________________________________________
Oncology staff and breast cancer survivors will be onsite during region's largest all-girls soccer tournament as the complex turns pink for a visual reminder that early screening saves lives.

WHO: Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Menorah Medical Center and Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Overland Park Regional Medical Center-part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City's leading healthcare and cancer care provider-and Official Healthcare Providers for Heartland Soccer Association and SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex
WHAT: The SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex fields will PINK OUT
during Heartland Midwest All-Girls Tournament Fueled by Tohi
WHEN : 9 a.m. - Noon, Saturday, Oct.5, 2019
WHERE: SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, 135 th and Switzer
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Sarah Cannon Cancer Center physicians and staff will be onsite to answer questions about the importance of early screening . HCA Midwest Health partner CareNow will be onsite offering health tips.

WHY: The award-winning SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex will PINK OUT as thousands of girl soccer players representing 300 teams and a RECORD 4,800 players from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and other surrounding states take to the fields for Heartland Midwest All-Girls Tournament fueled by Tohi and hosted by Heartland Soccer Association.  The GO PINK presence is designed to raise awareness for October's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and remind women to get their mammogram because early detection saves lives. The tournament features teams from seven states, drawing thousands of children, parents, grandparents and families from across the region in one of the Kansas City metropolitan area's largest all-girl annual soccer tournaments.  

Field marshals and tournament staff will be dressed in PINK attire and fans and supporters are encouraged to wear PINK to show their support. In addition, Menorah Medical Center and Overland Park Regional Medical Center will have a display booth to teach women how to perform a proper breast self-exam and educating tournament goers about their nationally accredited breast programs, including mammogram and the benefits of their latest technology, 3D mammograms. 

"We value our partnership with Heartland Soccer Association and SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex as we work together to help keep kids safe on and off the fields," says Dr. Anne Kobbermann, M.D. Board-certified and Fellowship-trained Breast Surgical Oncologist at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Overland Park Regional and Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Menorah Medical Center. "We love this community event as it also gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of early detection-and that it helps saves lives when it comes to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. The proceeds of "Go Pink" items sold will be donated to "Verda's Place" making it extra special." 

SARAH CANNON CANCER INSTITUTE AT HCA MIDWEST HEALTH TURNING SCHEELS OVERLAND PARK SOCCER COMPLEX PINK SAT. OCT. 5, 2019, DURING HEARTLAND MIDWEST ALL-GIRLS TOURNAMENT FUELED BY TOHI

"Our partnership with Menorah Medical Center and Overland Park Regional Medical Center is a valuable asset to the community and to our organization as we make a positive impact with athlete's safety on and off the field," says Shane Hackett, Executive Director, Heartland Soccer Association. "This event has always been incredibly energizing.  Saturday's unique partnership will help raise awareness for a disease that affects thousands of women each year- and what better time to do that than during one of the region's most popular all-girls tournaments."
For more information on Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health, visit https://hcamidwest.com/cancer

###

About Menorah Medical Center
Menorah Medical Center (MMC) - part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City's leading healthcare provider - is a full-service, acute-care hospital located on the corner of 119th and Nall in Overland Park and Leawood. The hospital serves the community's healthcare needs by providing compassionate care and some of the most advanced treatment options available in the Kansas City area, including the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Menorah Medical Center. Menorah has a medical staff with more than 600 physicians covering the spectrum of specialties and offers exceptional experiences and extraordinary medicine for adults, newborns, children and teens. The Menorah culture of excellence fuels a commitment to meet and exceed the highest medical standards and to continually search for new and better ways to care for patients. Menorah Medical Center was the first hospital in Johnson County to be dual certified as an accredited chest pain center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers and certified stroke care center by The Joint Commission. Menorah Medical Center's Neuroscience Program is comprised of the best physicians in the region who also have access and relationships with seven hospitals and hundreds of specialists in the HCA Midwest Health system.  Menorah's Bariatric Program is a leader in the region and is recognized as a Center of Excellence through The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The program is also recognized by Aetna Institutes of Quality® (IOQ) for consistently delivering evidence-based, quality care for weight loss surgery. The Commission on Cancer accredits Menorah Medical Center as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program. The Breast Center at Menorah is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Menorah Medical Center is home to the da Vinci® for colorectal, ear, nose and throat, head and neck, gynecology, urology and general surgeries. In addition, Menorah was the first in the region with the da Vinci® Xi Surgical Robot, used for colorectal, gynecology and urology procedures. Menorah also features the area's only CyberKnife, a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. The Women's Center at Menorah includes perinatology, obstetrics, neonatology, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, urology and surgery in a boutique setting that gives our patients top quality personal care. Finally, the orthopedic program at Menorah features many of the area's premier surgeons who perform complex bone and joint replacement and sports medicine procedures. For more information about Menorah Medical Center, visit  menorahmedicalcenter.com .
 
About Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Overland Park Regional Medical Center (OPRMC)-part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City's leading healthcare provider-is a licensed 351-bed facility offering pediatric and adult acute and outpatient medical services, which includes a network of more than 700 physicians offering more than 30 specialties. OPRMC is Johnson County's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital is also an Accredited Stoke and Chest Pain Center. OPRMC is a premier area destination for Women & Children's healthcare services; it includes the region's only Maternal Fetal Health Center, to care for critically ill mothers and their baby under one roof. The hospital includes an antepartum unit, a labor and delivery unit, a Level III NICU and Johnson County's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. OPRMC includes four emergency rooms, including a dedicated Pediatric emergency room and two freestanding ERs in Olathe and Shawnee. Learn more at  oprmc.com . For breaking news follow OPRMC on Facebook and Twitter.

About HCA Midwest Health 
HCA Midwest Health is the Kansas City area¹s leading healthcare provider consisting of seven hospitals, outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other services to meet the healthcare needs of the greater Kansas City area. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area¹s largest private sector employers with more than 9,000 employees, the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care, and annually donates more than $1.2 million to local charities. Since April 2003, HCA Midwest Health has invested more than $845 million to enhance and expand patient services and has paid more than $216 million in taxes to local communities. HCA Midwest Health facilities serving the Kansas City area include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center.  Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.  Midwest Physicians currently represents 344 physicians, including 142 primary care providers and 197 specialists with 80 physician practices providing care in 146 locations to serve the community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas.  For more information, visit hcamidwest.com .

About Heartland Soccer
Heartland Soccer Association is the region's largest youth soccer league with more than 1,300 teams, 30,000 players, 2,000 coaches and 2,200 referees participating each season.  Heartland Soccer Association was formed in 1977 as the Johnson County Soccer League and has grown from an initial 600 players to its current size. Today Heartland Soccer Association is a nonprofit and educational youth soccer association.  Although the base for Heartland Soccer is still Johnson County, it now draws teams to play in the league from throughout the metro area. The Heartland tournaments draw teams from as many as a dozen states every year. For more information, visit heartlandsoccer.net
 
About Tohi Ventures
Tohi Ventures, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a healthy lifestyle brand creating innovative, antioxidant-rich Aronia Berry-based beverages in the Healthier for You consumer category.  Tohi was founded in 2017 by Shari Coulter Ford and Elma Hawkins, PhD, lifelong personal health advocates who share a nutrition first approach to wellness. Tohi sources Aronia Berries directly from Midwestern farmers, supporting their efforts to increase awareness of this specialty crop.  Tohi engages Millennial Brands Consulting for marketing strategy. Jim Tonkin of Healthy Brand Builders is a Tohi Board Member. Tohi is available in select retail stores and on Amazon. For more information, visit DrinkTohi.com. Fans can follow Tohi on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.


Thank you to all the teams that participated and competed in the 2019 Heartland Midwest Classic Presented By Museum at Prairiefire. This Labor Day weekend tournament was a great opportunity for teams to play against competition from throughout the Midwest. We appreciate everyone who participated and are so proud of all of you! 









Visit Heartland's Facebook page to see more photos!
From Heartland Soccer Staff:

As we are sure you aware, there have been some rule changes put in place by FIFA.
 
Heartland will be making the changes for Leagues and tournaments for the 2019 Fall Season.
 
Below is the list of rule changes and the link on how they will be implemented during games.
 
Please be patient with the officials as they are very new to them as well as the players.
 
·        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.  (This one will take a little longer to perfect)
·        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.
·        Finally, players being substituted can leave from any part of the field.  Substitutions still have to enter at the mid line.

New Laws implementation:





1) Heartland has added a new tournament to the lineup, The Midwest All Boys Tournament. Fill us in on it and how this came to fruition?
The Midwest All Girls has become one of the largest girls tournament in country. We've had a lot of requests over the years for boys side but haven't had available fields to add another tournament. With the opening of Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex, it gave us the additional space we needed to play the games. The tournament is sold out so it's off to a good start.  

2) League play is underway, on average, how many games are played a week?  When all four complexes (Scheels Overland Park, Garmin Olathe, Sporting Wyandotte and Swope) are all hosting league, we play over 1000 games over a single weekend.  

3) With school finally back in session, kids and adults might be looking for some ways to get involved in the community. What does Heartland offer besides being a coach or player?  We have several volunteer opportunities for individuals that want to be a part of our events.   This fall we have our Fashion Show as well as the Awards Gala. You can contact our Events Director Sara Prigel at  [email protected]net. Also, we are always training referees and it's a great, growing piece of our soccer community.  You can find out more on referee opportunities at  www.heartlandsoccer.net.

4) Registration for the Aldi Heartland Invitational Tournament for girls closes September 30 and for boys October 7th. Why should someone compete in this tourney? The HIT tournaments are very large tournaments and known to be the "end of the season" showcase. Teams from 16 states travel into Kansas City to play so you are almost guaranteed to play new out town teams which is always fun and exciting. All of the games are on turf at our world class soccer complexes. There are Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions to accommodate almost all levels of play.   

5) How is it going with the new Garmin OSC fields? Our Olathe based Garmin has signed on to be the naming rights sponsor. Last month we had the official ribbon cutting and the complex is fully open. Adding nine new Shaw Turf soccer fields has allowed us to have the first season in Heartland's 42 year history where all the soccer games were on turf. Quite frankly, that is an incredible accomplishment for our soccer teams and families.  

6) What is your favorite thing about the Fall? Soccer related and not soccer-related! While I grew up in Kansas City, my career in radio station management and ownership took me out of KC for almost 12 years. It was fun to see other parts of the country but I missed the crisp air in the fall. The fall season here has a magical quality for me. I love going out to watch my kids play on a fall day.  My grandson just turned 4 and is starting with his first soccer team.  I can't wait to get out on the fields and coach him and his friends this season.    

JOB OPPORTUNITY: 
Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex Facility Assistant

Olathe Soccer Complex(OSC) will see upwards of 12,000 people throughout the weeks and weekends during youth soccer seasons.  Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday youth teams from around the Midwest descend on OSC for games bringing with them parents and friends.  As a member of the facilities department it is our responsibility to provide a safe, fun and professional atmosphere for teams and spectators while they enjoy Olathe Soccer Complex.
We are looking for assistance in providing this environment to our clients.  The facilities team is tasked with:
  • Maintaining a clean OSC by picking up trash and emptying trash and recycling receptacles
  • Grounds keeping (leaf clean up, weeding, storm damage, watering, painting of fields, monitoring goal equipment)
  • Maintaining clean and functional restrooms, maintenance and office building throughout shift
  • Soccer field conversions: practices and games
  • Security: Building, Facility, and Parking
  • Parking, Ability to quickly determine when traffic is a danger to patrons, able to alter traffic patterns
  • Providing customer service to clients which could include but is not limited to players, coaches, fans, league personnel, concessionaires and guests
  • Providing customer service to outside properties including but not limited Kansas State Youth Soccer Assoc., WestStar, Thomas Construction
  • Monitoring field usage
  • Open and close facility and assist renters with their events
  • Enforce the rules of Olathe Soccer Complex and able to offer alternatives to guests
  • Monitor tenants of Olathe Soccer Complex and enforce provisions within agreed contracts
  • Housekeeping of synthetic soccer fields, restrooms, parking lots, access roads, offices ensuring that it is to professional standards and free of contagious diseases and infections including but not limited to fieldhouse, equipment room, referee's office, shared foyer, office area, conference room and maintenance building
  • Any other duties not contained here which may arise due to emergency, damage or necessity
For consideration, individuals must meet these minimum requirements:
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Ability to be self-motivated and work independently
  • Reliable and Punctual 
  • Detail oriented
  • Possess strong interpersonal skills 
  • Able to walk and stand for extended periods of time
  • Able to lift 35#
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • 18+ for facility assistant OR High School students: Support positions available on weekends (4-5 hr shifts )
Shifts will predominantly be nights and weekends (all day: split into an AM and PM shift); however, the timings could change based on availability and need.   This is a part-time position that could lead to expanded roles and hours.
Starting Compensation: $10/hour or more based on experience; punctuality and reliability lead to quick raises.                                                                                        

If interested, please contact Scott Frankum at [email protected] with your resume .

The Coaches Corner:
Dribbling Part Six
  
 
Half Size Field
Purpose- Encourage players to dribble and take on defenders.
Organization- Set up field 6v6 plus goalkeepers and team plays a normal scrimmage against each other with restricted conditions. The restriction on the players are that they are only allowed to pass the ball backwards. This forces the players to dribble the ball and take on players to attack the opposition goal. 

Coaching Points:
Communication between players is essential. Encourage players to take players on and use their dribbling skills and moves. This is something they should have to do as all players should be marked up. 

Dear All,

We hope you are having a great Fall 2019 season so far. We have seen some great games already and know that it will continue through the next couple of months.

Coaches and team administrators, please remember to go and grab your player cards after each game. Often the referees will bring them back to you, but there are times when they are running to other games when they won't have time to return them. The cards are kept in the plastic tubs at the corner of the field where the referees congregate. Please ensure you have them before you leave the complex.

Please also remember to fill out your roster cards before the game and have them ready for check in. There were 8 in the league packet that you received at the start of the season. If you do happen to forget one, please go to the referee check in area as they will have a spare.

Behavior from parents on the sideline often dictates the behavior by the players. Please remember to be role models for these young athletes, they definitely pick up on our comments and actions.

Thanks as always for your support of the league.

Sincerely,
Heartland Staff
September Health Tip:
Kids Who Specialize in One Sport Too Early Are Likely to Get Hurt

For young athletes, focusing on only one sport at an early age ups their odds for injury, a new study warns.

Sixty million kids play organized sports. By age 14, a growing number of them specialize in one sport with the goal of a college scholarship or professional career.

Researchers analyzed surveys completed by 202 athletes at one institution.

The surveys showed that players who had specialized early on were more likely to have a history of injury than those involved in multiple sports, (almost 87 percent vs. 74 percent); and were more likely to have had multiple injuries (64.6 percent vs. 49.4 percent). They also had to sit out more time due to injury (average of just over 15 weeks vs. seven weeks).

The payoff was mixed: Young specialists were more likely to get a college scholarship (almost 93 percent vs. 83 percent), but full-scholarship athletes were more likely to report multiple surgical injuries (11.7 percent vs. 3.5 percent).

The study also found that athletes who trained more than 28 hours per week in their varsity sport before high school were more likely to report multiple injuries (90 percent vs. 56.7 percent). But they were no more likely to be recruited or receive a scholarship.

"Sports participation is an excellent way for kids to maintain their health and possibly even receive a college scholarship," said study author Dr. Brian Cash in a news release from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

"However, our research further highlights that avoiding sports specialization before the age of 14 and minimizing training time to less than 28 hours per week may significantly minimize a child's injury chances and promote long-term, athletic college, or even elite, success," he added.

Cash is a resident in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The findings were presented at a recent meeting of the AOSSM and the Arthroscopy Association of North America in Las Vegas. Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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 

Source: Health Daily News, March 2019
 

Kansas Referee Program Highlights

Kansas Referee Program HighlighCongrats to these referees who attended US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup and US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships this summer.  They were selected after performing well in their local leagues to represent Kansas at the regional level. 




   Papa J ohn's Heartland Referee Spotlight:

Q& A with Kyle and Ryan Seager:
 
When did you start reffing? Ryan started reffing in 1984, and resumed in 2016, Kyle started in 2010.
 
What made you decide to get certified to referee?  We both started as a way to make money as a youth, and continue to ref as a way to give back to the game.
What is your favorite part about reffing? Ryan loves giving back to the game, working as a referee is different than playing or coaching, but still feels good to give back to the game. Kyle enjoys seeing high quality soccer develop. Seeing the skill and talent that the kids possess is enjoyable to be a part of.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? We both like the fact that as a ref, you have 1,000s of split second decisions, and have to always be ready as a decision can affect the outcome of a game. Kyle has also learned the discipline to show up, work (run hard), and help ensure the kids have a safe and structured game. 
What level of referee to you aspire to be? Kyle would like to work hard and see what the future could hold, Regional, National, or Professional Referee. Ryan would like to be a Regional referee.
Do you play soccer? Kyle played through his junior year in high school, while Ryan was an All-american at Baker University
Do you participate in any sports/activities?  Kyle is a Rock Climber!
What was the last book you read? The last book Ryan read was the Go-Giver by Bob Burg, a book about the importance of helping others, even when you don't think it will help yourself, it often does. The last book Kyle read was the Rock Warrior's Way by Arno Ilgner. The Rock Warrior's Way is a mentality training book geared towards having a calm mind while rock climbing, although the lessons within apply to other areas of life as well. 
What types of movies do you like? Ryan likes action movies and comedies. Kyle prefers horror movies. The last movie Ryan saw was Molly's game (on a flight home), a movie about Molly Bloom and a High Stakes Poker game that she created amongst some of the most powerful men in LA and NYC, and Kyle's was Free Solo, the story of Alex Honnold's free climb up El Capitan in CA.
What is your favorite sports team? Kyle's favorite team is Chelsea Football Club, while Ryan's is the Kansas City Chiefs. Go Chiefs!!!

"Why be a critic when YOU can be THE REFEREE!"


Register Now to become a referee! New Entry Level Referee Courses Available Now! Just click the link below to find one near you! 

http://www.kansasreferee.org/instruction/newreferee

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]
Referee Corner:  
When will a hand ball be penalized according to 
the Laws of the Game... 

FIFA and the IFAB continue to work on the definitions of when a han dball infraction should be penalized.  This is one of the most difficult calls for a Referee to make. I have been officiating and assessing for over 35 years and I can say without hesitation that there isn't a single match that goes by without at least one appeal for a handball call.  Let's look at what we shared with the Referees about this foul.  A deliberate handling violation (hand ball) remains against the Laws of the Game. 

The following 'handball' situations, even if accidental, will be a free kick: 
  • the ball goes into the goal after touching an attacking player's hand/arm 
  • player gains control/possession of the ball after it has touched their hand/arm and then scores, or creates a goal-scoring 
    opportunity 
  • the ball touches a player's hand/arm which has made their body unnaturally bigger 
  • the ball touches a player's hand/arm when it is above their shoulder (unless the player has deliberately played the ball which then touches their hand/arm
The following will not usually be a free kick, unless they are one of the above situations: 
  • the ball touches a player's hand/arm directly from their own head/body/foot or the head/body/foot of another player who is close/near  
  • the ball touches a player's hand/arm which is close to their body and has not made their body unnaturally bigger 
  • if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand/arm when it is between their body and the ground to support the body (but not extended to make the body bigger) 
  • If the goalkeeper attempts to 'clear' (release into play) a throw-in or deliberate kick from a team-mate but the 'clearance' fails, the goalkeeper can then handle the ball.  This 
    is one that IFAB continues to work on.
The re-wording follows a few principles: 
  • soccer does not accept a goal being scored by a hand/arm (even if accidental) 
  • soccer expects a player to be penalized for handball if they gain possession/control of the ball from their hand/arm and gain a major advantage e.g. score or create a goal-scoring opportunity 
  • it is natural for a player to put their arm between their body and the ground for support when falling. 
  • having the hand/arm above shoulder height is rarely a 'natural' position and a player is 'taking a risk' by having the hand/arm in that position, including when sliding 
  • if the ball comes off the player's body, or off another player (of either team) who is close by, onto the hands/arms it is often impossible to avoid contact with the ball 
It doesn't make hand balls a black and white decision for the Referee.  It does show that everyone responsible for the Laws of the Game is working hard to make this a more predictable decision that the players, coaches, fans and Referees will make.
See you on the field this Fall.
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
AB May
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BFAME KC Entertainment
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Dave and Buster's
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Dunkin' Donuts
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Grimaldi's
Hasty Awards
HCA Midwest Health
Heritage Tractor Supply
Homelight
Hy-Vee
Jason's Deli
JBAR
Jimmy John's
Kansas City Comets
KC Motor Company
KC Steak Company
Krusich Dental
Lenny's Subs
Levine Advertising

Menorah Medical Center
Minsky's Pizza
Molle Toyota
Momo Bands
Museum at Prairiefire
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Overland Park Ballroom
Oxford Animal Hospital
Pacific Dental Services
Papa John's
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Pickleman's
Raising Cane's
Research Medical Center
Rock and Brews
Rosati's of Overland Park
Salty Iguana
SCHEELS
Scott the Electrican
Security Bank
Scooter's Coffee
Shred-It
Soccer Master
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
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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 2019 Season.