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KC Champions Cup Tournament
April 14-16, 2023
Registration Deadline:
March 6, 2023
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Referee Availability for League & Tournaments
As our local soccer community grows, the need for new and experienced referes continues. Join America’s Largest Soccer League. More details on referee meeting schedules, training, and education can be found on the Referee Classes page. Games are available at SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, Swope Soccer Village, Compass Mineral Sporting Youth Fields, and new GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex.
Sign Up to Become a Referee.
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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.
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Let Triffic Shirts & More provide all your custom apparel needs including Uniforms and Spirit Wear for your school, clubs, sports teams, family gatherings, and much more. We provide:
* Screen printing from 1 to 6 colors
* Custom art and design work
*Personalized names/numbers for your team spirit wear
*Embroidery
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This Month in History:
February
16 February 1931
America's Other New York Yankees
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On 16 February 1931, the American Soccer League's Fall River Marksmen merged with the New York Soccer Club to form a new team--the New York Yankees.
The Marksmen were one of the ASL's most successful clubs, with seven league titles and three National Challenge Cup trophies from 1922 through 1930. But by the time they won their last league title in 1930 (despite playing only 27 of 30 matches), the Great Depression had lowered attendances across the league. In an effort to revive the team's flagging revenues, owner Sam Mark moved them from Fall River, Massachusetts to New York.
The team competed in the Spring 1931 league season as the New York Yankees but had already registered for that year's National Challenge Cup under their former name. Accordingly, they participated in the two different competitions under two different names. As the Yankees, they finished third in the league, but as the Marksmen, they won the Cup, defeating the Chicago Bricklayers in a three-leg Final.
After splitting the first two matches of the Final, the Marksmen won the third leg 2-0. It was the last match the team ever played under either name, as the owner moved the team back to Massachusetts as the New Bedford Whalers
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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
or 913-912-7578.
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2022 Tournament Team Numbers
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Border Battle '23 - 160
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 '22 - 171
Midwest All Boys '22- 209
Midwest All Girls '22 - 291
Heartland Invitational Girls '22 - 391
Heartland Invitational Boys '22 - 427
*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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2022-2023 Heartland Numbers
Spring league teams '23 1,300
Fall league teams '22- 1,322
League players - 42,000
Tournament teams - 3,011
Tournament players - 46,000+
Referees - 2,000+
Coaches - 4,000
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Come ESCAPE with us!
Exercise your MIND
at one of KC’s most exciting
escape room adventures.
Lots of fun!
Soccer weekends sell out quickly
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KC Champions Cup Tournament
April 14-16, 2023
Registration Deadline:
March 6, 2023
Registration is now open for The KC Champions Cup tournament, April 14-16. Registration will end on March 6th!
The KC Champions Cup tournament is in its 14th year and is established as a top spring event and attracts teams from throughout the Midwest. This tournament will be open to teams of all levels of play within the following age divisions – Boys U8-U19 and Girls U8-U15. Seeding of teams ensures that everyone can compete against opponents of their own ability level.
The KC Champions Cup tournament will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex and GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex.
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Congratulations to our 2022 Heartland Soccer Award Recipients |
Should You Work Out Twice a Day?
When it comes to exercise, it can be hard enough to get to the gym once a day, let alone twice, but sometimes multiple workouts (also known as doubles) make sense. Wondering if working out twice a day might be for you? Consider the following.
If you're an experienced endurance athlete, it might be beneficial to log the occasional second workout. If you're training for an event like a marathon or triathlon, sometimes doubles are necessary. Logging two workouts a day will allow you to increase training volume and aerobic endurance, meaning you'll be able to run, ride or swim longer before you get tired. And if you have a triathlon on your calendar, you'll want to experiment with "brick workouts," which are training sessions that include two back-to-back disciplines, like a swim-bike or a bike-run. Two-a-day workouts are especially important if you have a half or full IRONMAN on your calendar—you need to prepare your body for the rigors of a multi-hour, multisport race.
When to Double Up
Interval or speed workout days are another time when you might want to fit in a second session. If you log a tough interval workout in the morning (i.e. mile repeats on the track), consider going for an easy swim or slow jog later in the day. This can help flush waste products from your muscles, as well as speed the delivery of blood and nutrients, leading to faster recovery—essential when you have a goal race or event on the calendar.
Not Just for Elite Athletes
Even if you don't consider yourself an athlete, doubles might have some health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, adults should get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (or 75 minutes of intense aerobic exercise) each week, plus a few strength-training sessions. Depending on your schedule, you might want to double up on workouts some days and take complete rest days on others. And while you may feel hardcore, logging multiple workouts in a day doesn't have to be extreme: It can be as simple as bodyweight exercises in the morning and a power walk after work.
Sleep and Nutrition Are Even More Important
If you want to test the waters with multiple workouts, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. You should give yourself a minimum of four hours between workouts (although eight-plus is more ideal). With extra workouts, you'll also need to be more mindful of your sleep and nutrition. On days when you log multiple sweat sessions, make sure you're eating, drinking and sleeping enough. If you ignore the essentials, double workouts could lead to injury, overtraining or burnout.
Don't Overdo It
You've probably heard the saying "listen to your body," but when it comes to working out twice a day, it's more important than ever. If you've never done doubles before, ease in slowly (think once a week, not every day), and if you experience pain or find yourself struggling to get through workouts, it might be time to cut back.
Why?
The final thing to ask yourself before you log a second workout is "why?" You want to make sure every run, ride, yoga class or weight lifting session has its purpose. If it works better for your schedule to squeeze in shorter sessions or you're going through an intense training block, doubles might make sense. But conversely, working out twice a day can be a bit of a hassle (double showers, more laundry), and it may make you more prone to injury. Finding a schedule that works for you might take some trial and error, so be flexible if you decide to dive in.
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
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3RD MAN BUILD UP
This practice develops team understanding of:
- Positioning in relation to the ball
- Moving as a team unit
- Reactions
- Constructing attacks
- Relationships within the team
- 3rd man runs
Set up
2 Goalkeepers
10 Field Players
The coach begins with the balls inside the center circle of the field. The team is set up in your normal formation. The defense, midfield and forwards wear different color bibs.
To start, the coach passes a ball anywhere on the field. The team run to receive the ball and then build up to score. Immediately after one ball leaves the pitch, the coach passes the next ball into the game and the players must run to collect and again build up to score. The coach counts the passes loudly and the aim is to complete 100 passes as quickly as possible.
With each ball, the coach must ensure that the team build ups from different areas of the pitch. This can be from the GK, from the center defenders, from a direct pass into the forwards etc. The team must quickly move as a unit to take up positions in relation to the ball.
Rules
1. You cannot pass to your own unit (color) before entering the final 3rd zone. This rule encourages 3rd man combinations.
2. Allow units to pass to each other, but only with first time passes (1 touch).
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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 coming Fall soccer season and be a part of the Beautiful Game!
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The Referee Corner:
Laws of the Game Review… (LOTG)
The KSYSA Director of Referee Development started a new education tool in 2023 to help our referees understand the complexities of some of the Law changes. The goal is to drive the officials and of course the fans and coaches and players to the Laws of the Game to understand how FIFA is asking everyone to enforce the Law.
Let’s look at the LOTG Review Questions from Weeks 1 and 2.
Week 1: Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or creating a goal scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offense.
True or False? What is your answer?
Let's look at the LOTG. Law 12 talks about Fouls and specifically about handball. So, Law 12 Section 1 - Handling the ball. This is what the LOTG says:
"It is an offence if a player scores in the opponents’ goal immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental."
As the question says it is an accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or creating a goal scoring opportunity, then this does not apply to this question. The ball accidentally touches the player, then goes to the team-mate, then creates a goal or a goal scoring opportunity. This is not considered an offense.
FIFA is highlighting that in order for a handling offense to occur, the offense must be deliberate (not accidental). At the same time they are enforcing the fact that goals cannot be scored directly from the hand. Yes, another judgement call on whether the action was deliberate or accidental.
Question 2 - During the taking of a penalty kick, the goalkeeper commits an offense that does NOT impact the attacker and the kick is missed and the ball leaves the field over the goal line without the ball touching the goalkeeper. What is the decision by the referee?
- Award a goal
- Allow the Penalty Kick to be retaken
- Award a goal kick
- None of the above
Let's look at the LOTG. Law 14 which is about penalty kicks. Law 14 Section 2 This is what the LOTG says:
"The goalkeeper offends:
• if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded
• if the ball misses the goal or rebounds from the crossbar or goalpost(s), the kick is only retaken if the goalkeeper’s offence clearly impacted on the kicker"
Again, the logic is clear by FIFA. If the goalkeeper offends (cheats) and the kicker still manages to score the goal, it should stand. The kicker scored the goal. However, if the strike is way off the mark and the referee determines that the kicker was NOT impacted by the goalkeeper, we are not going to give the kicker another bite of the apple. Again, this is a judgement call by the Referee.
Soccer is a beautiful game. The goal of FIFA is to see that the Law is applied consistently across the world – on every field, in every league and in every country. Yes, judgement is required, but when the referee shares his/her decision on judgement the final decision should be the same.
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The Soccer Community is celebrating 2022 and getting ready for Spring 2023…
On February 11th Heartland and KSYSA will once again host the “Gala Awards Banquet”. This is our opportunity to recognize the special contributions made by members of the constituencies that make up the Youth Soccer Community in Kansas City. We will recognize coaches, administrators and referees. This will be our appreciation for accomplishments for another successful year at Heartland Soccer.
The Association couldn’t function without administrators. Schedules for matches require the contributions and cooperation of coaches and players and referees who are assisted by the Field Marshals. Players would not develop their skills and understanding of the beautiful game of soccer without committed coaches. How good were our coaches this past year? Kansas had multiple National Champions because of the high quality and commitment of their coaches. Without referees matches are just glorified practices.
We have talked a lot about building the pool of referees to keep up with the growth of the sport. It is a constant challenge of quantity and quality. Every year we have effective referees who leave Kansas City to go away to college. Our challenge is to make sure we have a pipeline of newer talent to deliver FAIR and SAFE matches for the teams at Heartland. We don’t always succeed in building this pipeline, but we always identify new talent that will deliver for your teams.
We are excited about the Award Winners for 2022. The categories we recognize include:
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Rookies of the Year: These are the new officials who have accepted the challenge of giving a full effort on each of their assigned matches. It is a challenge to select this group because of the efforts of each of the referees used by Heartland. This group of Award winners stood out to the Field Marshals. They are key to the future pipeline.
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Most Improved Referees: You will recognize this group as people that are interested in advancing. They work hard and improve every week. Another key group to the future pipeline.
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Assistant Referee Outstanding Performers: A referee team consists of one center and two assistant referees. Anyone who has worked as a center referee understands the critical contributions of the assistant referees. They make decisions on when the ball is out of play and who gets the goal kick, throw-in or corner kick. They are the primary decision makers for the very match critical decision of offside violations. It takes a lot of focus to watch the second to the last defender and to follow the ball all the way to the goal line. Since they are our goal line technology, we appreciate their efforts. Many of the Award Winners in this category also work as center referees. They help build the emphasis on getting better and learning the game.
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Iron Man: This is a unique category. These are the referees and assistant referees who “live” at the complexes. For 2022, the Award Winners needed to complete 150+ matches. Since our weather is not outstanding every weekend, these troopers endured hot, cold, rain and wind with the purpose of allowing your teams the joy of competition. I am sure you will recognize them when you see them at the Awards Gala and on the pitch.
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Referee of the Year: The criteria for this award is to ask the assignors and the field marshals and the mentors who is someone that you would be confident to assign to any match at Heartland and would have the confidence that they would deliver a effective performance. This is the standard we want every referee to strive for. A year of consistent performance earns the candidate this award.
After the recognition for 2022 performances your referees have more work to do to get ready for the Spring 2023 season. Their efforts start with their recertification as US Soccer referees. This means they have to complete an online course and successfully pass a test and pay their fees so they are legal for 2023.
The State Referee Education Committee made some changes for the 2023 recertification process. In order to deliver better officiating they created two courses for the 2023 recertification process.
The first one was the basic recertification course. This course was developed for those newer officials who primarily work the small sided (7v7 and 9v9) matches. The videos were from local leagues and from matches at that age level. The focus was on making sure that fouls can be identified and called based on this level of play.
The second course was the intermediate recertification course. This course was developed for those more experienced officials who work the full sided matches (11v11). The topics included more advanced decision making like SPA (stopping a promising attack) and DOGSO (denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity).
The referees are getting ready. We also updated the Kansas State Youth Soccer Referee Mentoring Action Plan for 2023. We thank you for your continued support of the referees in 2022. We are ready for 2023. Let’s work together to keep youth soccer in Kansas City the powerful force that it is for the players and for the enjoyment of the soccer community. If you are interested in joining us as a part of the referee pool, class availability can be found at https://www.kansasreferee.org/page/show/5763133-new-officials.
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And, if you are interested in becoming a Referee, please check out the Entry Level Clinics that are posted on www.kansasreferee.org. There are many ways to create successful young adults in our game. You can build up players. You can support the coaches. You can congratulate Referees on their efforts. You can thank the assignors on site for their contributions. All of us can enjoy the opportunity that we have to enjoy the beautiful game in the Heartland Soccer Association. Remember, this foundation was not created by accident. A lot of committed people spent a lot of their time making this happen. Thank them.
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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!
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2023 Referee Meeting Dates
Feb 13 **
March 13
April 10
May 8
**Please make note the February referee meeting is at KC Athletics Meeting Room - 9001 W 67th St. Merriam, KS 66202.
All other Meetings will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex Field House meeting room, 13700 Switzer Rd, Overland Park KS 66213
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Q & A with Caleb
When did you start reffing? August 2019
What made you decide to get certified to referee? My love for soccer. It gave me another excuse to get on the soccer field. As a player, I often did not agree with the referee in my own games so I started reffing because I wanted to know the rules and be a better refferee. It was also a great first job.
What is your favorite part about reffing? There are many reasons I enjoy reffing. First, my knowledge of the game has greatly improved. Through reffing, I see the game from a different perspective. This has helped me learn and see the game of soccer better as a player and referee. I also love refereeing because my work translates into more opportunities and higher level games and this drives me everytime I step on the pitch. Last but not least, I enjoy the relationships I get to make with referees, assingors, mentors, and field marshals of a like mind as I work alongside them, share meals with them, and learn with them.
What is a life lesson you feel you have learned from reffing? Confidence and comunication. I am learning to make quick, decisive decisions under pressure and then communicating those decisions clearly to those on and off the field.
Do you referee Futsal? Yes, I started reffing futsal in November 2020.
What is your favorite part about reffing futsal? The speed of the game.
What level of referee to you aspire to be? I aspire to continue to learn and move to the highest level I can achieve depending on where life takes me.
Do you play soccer? My club team is Union FC and my HS team is Christ Prep.
How long have you played soccer? 13 years
Do you participate in any other activities? Besides soccer, I have played the violin for 10 years. I play in the Kansas City Youth Symphony, Olathe Youth Symphony, and my church worship team. I play the violin because I love music and playing in the orchestras allows me to make music with others. I am a part of Reach Church DeSoto’s youth group.
Do you have another job in addition to reffing? I teach violin lessons. I love to share my love of the violin with others who are younger than me so I can give them the same opportunities I have had and enjoy.
Do you have any hobbies? I love the outdoors. Fly fishing and hiking are my favorite outdoor activities.
What was the last book you read? Operation Columbia was the last book I read. It was about a resistance operation in Europe during WWII.
What types of movies do you like? I enjoy movies based on true stories whether historical or sports.
What is your favorite sports team? Any professional soccer team and the Chiefs.
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AB May
Academy Sports and Outdoors
AC Print
Barley's Kitchen and Tap
BRKTHROUGH
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
Connelly Plumbing Solutions
Dick's Sporting Goods
Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel
Easton Roofing
Fearless & Capable
GameChanger
Goodcents
Grimaldi's
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Hasty Awards
Hawaiian Bros
HCA Midwest Health
Hy-Vee
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
Nautical Bowls
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Papa John's
PinStripes
Pittcraft Printing
Raising Cane's
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Rob Ellerman and
Reece Nichols Real Estate
Research Medical Center
Rock and Brews
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 (Julah)
The Rub Bar-B-Que
Tick Tock Escape Rooms KC
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
T-riffic Shirts & More
Urban Air
Xfinity
Yokohama
Zaxby's
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Heartland Soccer Association is seeking action photo shots of kids of all ages and abilities playing soccer in Heartland League Games or Tournaments. Submitted photos may be included in Heartland Tournament, League and other promotional materials as well as social media posts.
Instructions for submitting photos:
All submitted photo files must be .jpg format, must be a minimum of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels, and no larger than 2 MB in size. Submitting a photo doesn't guarantee that it will be used.
By submitting a photo for consideration for use in Heartland Soccer Association promotional materials, you agree that:
1. You are the sole author of the photograph and control all rights for its use. The photograph is original. You have the rights to grant usage of the photograph as stated below. There has been no prior sale, publication or transfer of rights to the photograph. The photograph shall not contain any libelous or scandalous matter. To the best of your knowledge, the photograph's creation, publication and use shall not infringe any copyright, right of privacy or right of publicity, or infringe or violate any right of any third party.
2. You grant to Heartland Soccer Association all rights to use the photograph in any and all forms of media, including but not limited to electronic, digital media and print.
3. You allow Heartland Soccer Association the right to edit, revise, adapt and crop the photo as necessary.
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