MIDWEST ALL GIRLS
Powered by GameChanger

Oct 7 - 9, 2022
Registration Deadline:
September 5, 2022
MIDWEST ALL BOYS
Powered by The Merchant Fitness

Sep 23 - 25, 2022
Registration Deadline:
August 29, 2022



HEARTLAND INVITATIONAL GIRLS
Nov 4 - 6, 2022
Registration Deadline:
October 3, 2022


HEARTLAND INVITATIONAL BOYS
Nov 11 - 13, 2022
Registration Deadline:
October 10, 2022
Heartland Soccer Association 
Celebrates 45 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. 
Introducing our
National Champions!
13U Girls National Champion – KC Legends Academy Red 09
Head Coach: Matt Iverson
Highlight Video of National Final:
14U Boys National Champion – Toca FC 08 MLS
Head Coach: Matt Gow
Highlight Video of National Final: CLICK HERE
19U Boys National Champion – Sporting Blue Valley
Academy 03
Head Coach: Shawn Forcellini
Highlight Video of National Final: CLICK HERE

More information on each teams magical run will be posted at www.kansasyouthsoccer.org.
9v9 to 11v11 is a big transition. Goals are bigger. The field is bigger. The team is bigger. That physical shift transforms the game, away from the slapstick action of smaller-sided youth games and toward a more balanced, patient pattern of play.

This Month in History: August

August 15, 1992
Deane for a Day
On 15 August 1992, the first ever Premier League goal was scored by Sheffield United striker Brian Deane, who netted in the 5th minute of the Blades' opening day match against Manchester United. He also scored with a penalty kick in the 50th minute, propelling the Blades to a 2-1 win.
 
Manchester United recovered from their poor start, however, claiming the inaugural Premier League title. Sheffield United finished in 14th position.
 
Here’s what you can expect from the high-quality replacement windows of Renewal by Andersen®. Visit www.RenewalbyAndersen.com for more information!
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.
2022 Tournament Team Numbers
Border Battle '22 - 155
Midwest College Showcase '22 - 68
Heartland Spring Cup '22 - 139
KC Champions Cup '22 - 439
Mother's Day Classic '22 - 422
Kansas City Invitational '22 - 361
Heartland Open Cup '22 - 61
Fall Kick Off Challenge '22 - 252
Heartland Midwest Classic '21 - 172
Midwest All Boys '21 - 215
Midwest All Girls '21 - 289
Heartland Invitational Girls '21 - 383
Heartland Invitational Boys '21 - 411
*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams from a total of 17 states and Canada.
Heartland
Rainout Line:
(913) 307-3684

Click here for weather alerts.
CONGRATULATIONS!
KANSAS TEAMS BRING HOME
3 NATIONAL TITLES!
Orlando, Florida (July 24, 2022) – Three Kansas Youth Soccer teams return home to the Sunflower State with US Youth Soccer NCS National Championship titles! These are the most National Championships won by the state of Kansas in a single year and first title since 2015. It is the first girls NCS National Championship since 2001! So congratulate these 3 National Champion teams.
Show up KC for your KC Current to break their attendance record when the team hosts Angel City FC on Friday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at Children’s Mercy Park! The team is on a 9-game unbeaten streak – don’t miss it!
Pinstripes offers an end of summer special that families with kids 12 and younger will love. You can get complimentary kids games of bowling or bocce when you purchase gaming for an adult. This offer is valid Monday through Thursday through August 31.
 
Mention “Summer Family Gaming” to redeem in-venue when you visit Pinstripes located in Prairiefire. Kids must be 12 or under to be valid for this promotion, with a limit of two hours of complimentary gaming per kid per visit.

Make a reservation at Pinstripes: Click Here
Are You Drinking Enough Water?

You've probably heard the long-standing wisdom that you should drink 64 ounces—that's eight, eight-ounce glasses—every day, no matter what. But the truth might be a little more complicated.

Since hydration needs can vary tremendously based on your body type or your physical activity level, just to name a few, many nutritionists believe it is better advice to drink half of your bodyweight—in pounds—in ounces of water. Though it sounds complicated, we promise the math is easy!

An Individualized Approach 
Let's break down a simple example. Say you weigh 200 pounds. Simply divide that number by half, and you'll see that you should be drinking 100 ounces of water a day—significantly more than the recommended 64-ounce amount.  

What's nice about this approach is it's more individualized, which is important for those in higher weight ranges who may have larger hydration needs than someone sitting just slightly above 100 pounds.

However, there are even more factors to consider if you are physically active or live in an extremely hot or dry climate. In these scenarios, it's important to tune into your thirst cues and remember to hydrate both before, during and after any rigorous exercise. Note that the specifics can vary greatly based on type of exercise, length of exercise, height, weight and even gender. 

Another important way to stay in-touch with your hydration needs is to pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be light yellow or almost clear; dark yellow or brown urine can indicate you're not drinking enough water. 

Can You Drink Too Much Water? 
Though it's rare, you can drink too much water. This is known as hyponatremia or when sodium levels in your body become dangerously low. Sodium is an electrolyte and regulates the amount of water that's in and around your cells. If you drink too much water, you can severely dilute the sodium in the same way that adding more water to a soup makes it less salty. As your body's water level rises and sodium diminishes, your cells will begin to swell; this condition can be life-threatening.

Because you lose sodium when you sweat, this is a major concern in the endurance community, where marathoners and triathletes will train for hours under rigorous conditions. This is why hydrating with electrolyte-infused sports drinks, powders or snacks is crucial for maintaining the proper sodium levels in the body. 

If you are concerned about artificial ingredients or sugar found within certain products, you can simply add a teaspoon of sea salt to your water bottle. Whatever your approach, it's important not to forget proper electrolyte replenishment in addition to hydration. 

How to Drink More Water 
For those of us who are simply looking to meet our water needs during our regular day-to-day life, there are plenty of easy ways to up your intake. Start with these simple ideas:
-Remember that other liquids (milk, coffee, tea) and even certain foods (watermelon, tomatoes, oranges) can count toward your hydration needs.
-Invest in a reusable water bottle that you can take on-the-go to continue hydrating. A "smart" bottle or bottle that encourages you to drink around the clock can be especially helpful. 
-Log your hydration until you get used to the amount you should be drinking each day; this can be done on paper or on a mobile app.
-Establish daily routines to remind you to drink. Examples include: Drinking a glass right after you wake up, drinking a glass before and after every meal, taking a few sips after every bathroom break, etc.
-Don't be afraid to infuse or carbonate your water if that encourages you to drink more; however, try to stay away from sugar-heavy ingredients or formulations.

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  
SPLIT PASSING
TECHNICAL WARM UP

Exercise Rules
Set players up in a large circle. Players placed on outside with 3-4 balls. 4 players on inside dribbling around. Players on outside look to split or find pass to other players on outside free without ball

FOCUS TEAM

Objective
Players to be brave and split pass dribblers. Dribblers to be technical, changing speeds and direction and good use of ball manipulation

OPPONENT TEAM

Notes
Scanning the field Weight/timing/texture of pass Receiving touch Ball handling techniques Communication - verbal/non-verbal
Referee Review
Become a Soccer Referee! Give back to the Soccer Community!

Do you enjoy exercise & fitness? Do you enjoy making your own schedule? Are you interested in making some extra money during your soccer weekends? Are you someone wanting to give back to your soccer community?
Become a Soccer Referee! Our soccer community is in search of more Referees so our players can play the beautiful game.
Click the below link 👇🏽 and follow the specific instruction to register for an Entry Level Referee Clinic.

CLINICS AVAILABLE IN OVERLAND PARK, WICHITA & TOPEKA!!!
Join the Referee Team this Spring soccer season and be apart of the Beautiful Game!
All currently certified referees from 2021 looking to certify for 2022 the process is all done ONLINE so visit the Kansas Referee website to get Re-Certified!
The Referee Corner: 
The updated Laws of the Game have been released.  

The governing body of FIFA (IFAB) releases the changes to the Laws of the Game every summer. They just released the new 2022-2023 Laws. These Laws will go into effect for the Fall 2022 Heartland season.

I am currently reviewing these changes. From a cursory look the primary changes for this season include substitutions (adding more for each match and including additional substitutions when matches go into extra time), and a new sanction called the “SIN BIN.”
I will begin our investigations into the Laws after a more thorough review and after the Kansas State Referee Committee releases the implementation schedule. You can download the PDF that details the changes for 2022-2023.
The Referee Blog

The Referee Pool. Getting ready for the Fall season …

With the Spring 2022 season in the books, it is an appropriate use of time to reflect on where we are and what we have to do to be ready for the upcoming Fall season. For the Referee community the challenges remain the same – having the right quantity of officials with the experience and quality to provide safe and fair soccer experiences for the Heartland soccer community.

Let’s look at quality first:  Our senior Referees are working a number of higher-level leagues during the summer. USL, USK-W, NPSL and the KCKASL are semi-pro and adult leagues which challenge our Referees because they are a higher level of competition with more senior and skilled players to prepare these senior Referees for the college and the high school season. This past weekend Kansas Referees worked USL-W matches in Kansas City, the Adult State Cup Division 1 Final, and the Kansas Adult Soccer League (Divisions 1, 2 and 3).

Our younger top-tier Referees (see the picture above) were in Indianapolis for the Region II tournament. Yes, some of these younger Referees will be going away to college in the fall so we won’t see them at Heartland. Others, however, will be back working matches at Heartland sharing their new knowledge with the younger officials working with them on your matches.

Referees, like players, operate in a pyramid structure. Those at the highest level (FIFA badges) can be assigned to the World Cup (again, only the best). In fact, one of Heartland’s alumnus officials – Kyle Atkins – will be one of the 5 officials from the USA in Qatar. There are 150,000 certified Referees in the US. 5 out of 150,000 shows how selective the top of the Referee pyramid really is, and how Kyle’s performance on the field stands out.

What about quality for the bottom of the pyramid – the Grassroots Referees that will be assigned to your matches at Heartland? In May and June KSYSA re-implemented monthly Referee meetings to improve the quality of these officials. Newer officials discussed the Law, reviewed game clips, and talked about how to apply the Referee thought process to make more correct decisions. These newer Referees were put into groups with more senior Referees (including officials who work the semi-pro and the adult matches and some who represented Kansas at the State Cup and Regional tournament) to help them take their application of the Law to the next level. On-field performance is rewarded with Referees moving up the pyramid (higher aged players, higher levels of competition and more evaluations). The future is made more secure when this advanced knowledge is shared with the Grassroots officials. The foundation for Referee effectiveness is being set. Future mentors are being trained and working relationships among Referees are being formed. This prepares our Referees for the primary training ground for future effectiveness and success – game experience.

We are working on quality between seasons and during the season with the mentoring and education programs. This is how we are getting ready for the fall.

Now, let’s look at quantity: Our goal is to have enough Referees to staff every match and to do this without overworking any individual Referee. To date in 2022 we have certified over 1,000 new Referees. Recertification rates have dropped making the total number of Referees for 2022 at 2,075 which is below the 2019 total Referee numbers (2,139) and our high-water mark of 2,371 in 2018. The increase in the number of players and teams means we need to certify even more new Referees. This is where you can help. We will be posting Entry Level classes on the Kansas Referee page (access the link here become a new Referee).  

What are the benefits of becoming a new Referee?

  1. As a player, knowing the Laws of the Game can help you become even an even better player.
  2. As a player, you understand the player mentality. This can help you better manage matches.
  3. You contribute to SAFE and FAIR soccer in the State of Kansas.
  4. You stay engaged with the game you love.
  5. You control your schedule (work when you want to work)
  6. You get to work outside and get exercise on the job, and
  7. You get paid

Can you be the kind of Referee you would want assigned to your games? If so, check clinic availability and join the Kansas Referee family.

Thank you! We look forward to seeing you on the pitch in the fall….
A Referee’s Taxing Thoughts

Heartland Soccer Association is always looking for more referees…. and Referees make pretty good money. Few, if any, employers pay better than Heartland for employees who are below the age of 18. At the current Heartland rates, an Assistant Referee starts at $17.50 per hour and Center Referees start at $25.00 per hour. The pay rates range from $17.50-$50 per game at the U9 thru U19 level. Most referees start as Assistant Referees, but as soon as you are ready to take your whistle to the center, Heartland will find a spot for you!
 
When you get hired as a referee, you are an independent contractor, just like most of the coaches. Heartland will not issue a W-2 for your compensation earned. Instead, they will issue a 1099. A 1099 is only mailed to referees who made $600 or more in a single calendar year.  This is really only 4 or 5 busy weekends out of a possible 30 weekends each year, so the limit is not hard to top. A 1099 will represent everything that Heartland has paid to you. If you work for Challenger, GSI, Sporting KC, or another organization, your $600 limit is a different counter for each group. This is why you need a new W-9 for each separate entity.   
 
Since you receive a 1099 as an independent contractor, you are basically your own business and have to file taxes on a Federal Schedule C. This can really scare your parents. The income reported on your 1099 is the revenue for your small business. So what about expenses? As a small business owner, you also get to deduct your expenses. Here are some typical “referee” expenses that you can deduct:  
Certification and Recertification fees paid to KSYSA.

•Uniforms - You may want more yellows, long-sleeves, or other colors.
•Equipment - This includes things like flags, whistles, cards, a watch, a new bag, etc.  
•Mileage - The IRS standard mileage of $0.625 cents per mile for getting to/from home to the fields.  
•Snacks - Since you can’t leave the field, snacks are deductible. 
•Cell Phone and internet - All the game assignments are made via the internet. This makes your cell phone and your internet at least partially deductible. I leave the exact percentage to use to your accountant.  
•Shoes - I referee a lot. I buy 2 pairs of shoes every year and deduct them.  
•Undergarments - I use Under Armor and Slider Shorts under my uniform.  
•Extra Clothes - for the cold and wet days. A black raincoat, hat, gloves, sweatshirt, sweatpants, etc. 
•Other Supplies - Now really think outside the box…. Do you use sunscreen, a water jug, a hat, bottle water, Gatorade? Just think of everything that goes into getting ready to go work some games. You probably don’t want to pay your parents for doing the laundry, but you can add a container of TIDE as a business expenses for getting those stinky uniforms clean, and the hangers you hang them. 
 
This was a pretty long list. Just save your receipts in an envelope and highlight anything that is soccer related. At the end of the year, pull out those receipts, add them up and categorize them. Then, when that 1099 shows up with $1000 of income (for example), you have some expenses to offset the income… say $440, now you only pay tax on the remaining $560.  
 
Unfortunately, taxes are part of growing up and joining the working world. If you were getting a W-2, and you earned $1000, you get a few pay checks that added up to about $720. The government would just keep the rest for taxes. In the example above, you only pay tax on the $560, not the full $1000.  The calculations are a little more difficult, but the concept is similar.  
 
As with any tax advice, you should rely on your own tax professional, as everyone’s situation is different. This blog was written to let you know what MAY be possible and what questions to ask your tax guy.  
 
Good Luck on the pitch. 
 
-Marlin Wallenburg
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 Referee Classes page.
 Monthly Referee Meetings
 
Are you wanting to improve as a referee? How about get less grief? What about being considered for higher level games and state cup? Attending monthly Kansas Referee Program meetings is a great step to help all of that happen! Don't miss opportunities to hone your craft, win some fun prizes, make new friends and elevate your game as an elite Kansas soccer referee! Referees of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend!
2022 Referee Meeting Dates

  • Sept 12 (Monday) 7-8:30pm
  • Oct 10 (Monday) 7-8:30pm
  • Nov 14 (Monday) 7-8:30pm

Meetings will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex Field House meeting room, 13700 Switzer Rd, Overland Park KS 66213
Congratulations to all the newly certified referees and recertified referees!
Welcome to Heartland! We are looking forward to a fabulous fall season!
When did you start reffing?
I started reffing when I was a youth. However, I recently got certified as an adult and Spring was my first full season with Heartland.

What made you decide to get certified to referee?
I love being involved in the game of soccer. As my coaching career winds down because my boys are getting older, I decided to return to reffing. It's a way to give back to the community (while also earning a little money). Also, I thought it was something that I could do with both of my boys, and it's great exercise.

What is your favorite part about reffing?
Although you are supposed to be controlling the game, you also get an unbelievable view of some spectacular play.

What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing?
Reffing continually reminds me that there is the letter of the law and there is the spirit of the law. They are two different things and should be applied to different situations. I also am reminded that there are different perspectives to everything, and you can learn a lot just by listening to other people.

Do you referee Futsal? When did you start reffing futsal?
Yes, I also referee Futsal. I started this past Winter. It's a lot of fun!

What is your favorite part about reffing futsal?
My favorite part about reffing futsal was being able to do Nationals in July. Again, it was great to just be able to see the level of play and being so close to the action.

What level of referee to you aspire to be?
I am content right now at the level I'm at at the moment. However, I might like to do high school games at some point in the future.

Do you play soccer?
I don't play soccer any more. I played as a youth for 10 years.

Do you participate in any sports/activities?
I am currently a soccer coach for OP Soccer Club. I have coached at both the recreational and competitive levels for over 10 years. I have enjoyed watching all of the boys I coach get better, enjoy the game of soccer and learn life lessons along the way.

Do you have another job in addition to reffing?
For my day job, I work as an Executive VP for a market research company. 

What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was Near Dark by Brad Thor. This is his 19th book about Scot Harvath, an ex-Secret Service agent, and Scot's adventures as an operator. 

What types of movies do you like?
I usually like Science Fiction and Action/Adventure movies. The last movie that I saw was Top Gun: Maverick. I absolutely loved it. It was just pure fun and brought back so many memories of the original Top Gun. 

What is your favorite sports team?
For soccer, I'm a bit embarrassed to say this because they haven't been very good lately, but I'm a big Everton fan. I've been one ever since Tim Howard played for them. For American football, it's the 49ers because that's my hometown.

Do you have any hobbies?
Lately, I have really been fascinated by breadmaking. It takes a little bit of work, but having fresh bread not only tastes great and is healthy for you, but it makes the kitchen smell awesome! My family certainly appreciates it.
Kansas Youth Soccer Partners
with Fearless & Capable!

Olathe, KS January 14, 2022 – We are proud to announce that Kansas State Youth Soccer Association (KSYSA) has partnered with Fearless & Capable as its newest organization partner. The partnership between Fearless & Capable and Kansas Youth Soccer will focus on supporting female coaches, referees, and administrators across the state by providing the opportunity for meaningful mentorship from women across the country to the females working in Kansas. 

Female coaches, referees and administrators will be able to join the growing Fearless & Capable membership program, and explore one-on-one mentoring sessions with a trained mentor to grow their skill sets in a holistic and supportive environment.

Read more by CLICKING HERE



US Mens National Team Qualifies
for the World Cup!

It's official! The US Soccer Men's National team have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar! Kansas Youth Soccer wishes to Congratulate them on this amazing achievement! #OlnyForward #KSYouthSoccer


Kansas Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department is offering multiple coaching courses this winter for soccer coaches to get more education to better their players on the field. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to expand your soccer knowledge during the off season and be a better coach come the Spring season. 


August 19, 2022 – 11v11 In Person Grassroots – Kansas City
August 20, 2022 – 9v9 In Person Grassroots – Kansas City
August 21, 2022 – 9v9 & 11v11 In Person Grassroots – Wichita

US Soccer National D License – Kansas City
Registration Deadline: August 21, 2022

Virtual Start – August 28, 2022
In Person Weekend 1 – September 30-October 2, 2022
In Person Weekend 2 – November 4-6, 2022

To see what coaching courses are coming up please CLICK HERE.
Questions on Coaching Education please contact Kansas Youth Soccer Director of Coaching Paul Fabry at [email protected].
AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
AC Print
Barley's Kitchen and Tap
BFAME KC Entertainment
Burger Shed
Capelli Sport
Chick-fil-A 7500 W 135th St
Chick-Fil-A 15919 W 87th St Pkwy
Chicken N Pickle
CH Roofing And Exteriors
City Thrift
Commercial Capital
Dick's Sporting Goods
Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel
Easton Roofing
Fajita Pete's
Fearless & Capable
GameChanger
Goodcents
Grimaldi's
Hasty Awards
HCA Midwest Health
Hy-Vee
Jimmy John's
KC Current
Kansas City Comets
K.C. Hopps
Krusich Dental
Land of Paws
Levine Advertising
McShane & Brady Law
Menorah Medical Center
Molle Automotive Group
Museum at Prairiefire
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Papa John's
PinStripes
Pittcraft Printing
Raising Cane's
Rob Ellerman and 
Reece Nichols Real Estate
Reece Nichols Real Estate
Renewal by Andersen
Research Medical Center
Salty Iguana
Security Bank
Soccer Master
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City II
Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
State Farm-Harlan Parker
The Merchant Fitness
The Rub Bar-B-Que
Tick Tock Escape Rooms KC
Trace (Alpine Replay, Inc.)
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
TW Sportswear + Print, Ship & Signs
Urban Air
US Awards
Xfinity
Yokohama
Zaxby's
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]