Thank You for a Great Season!
Thank you to all the players, parents, coaches, staff, referees, and volunteers who made this Heartland Soccer season so special. Your energy and dedication made it one to remember.
Have a safe and fun summer. See you next season!
Don’t forget to join us for League Awards Night!
It’s a fun way to celebrate the hard work and achievements from the season. More details are below!
Looking ahead?
We’ve got multiple fall tournaments on the horizon—don’t miss your chance to be part of these world-class events! Keep an eye out for registration deadlines and updates.
Heartland Fall 2025 League Registration is Now Open!
Click here to Register
Registration closes at Noon on June 25th - No late registrations will be accepted!
Thanks again for being part of the Heartland family, we couldn’t do it without you!
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Heartland Soccer Association is now located at The Aspiria Complex
(previously Sprint Campus)
6450 Spring Parkway, Suite A, Overland Park, KS 66211
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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Registration Closes at Noon
On June 25th.
No Late Registrations
will be accepted!
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Indoor and Outdoor Signs, Flags and Window Decals
913-706-7352
[email protected]
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Why Sponsorship Matters at Heartland Soccer
At Heartland Soccer, we are more than just a league—we're a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the game and building character through youth soccer. As the largest soccer league in the country, we serve thousands of players and families each season across Kansas, Missouri, and beyond. With that size comes great responsibility, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners.
Sponsorship plays a crucial role in everything we do—from maintaining top-tier facilities to hosting large-scale tournaments and providing development opportunities for coaches and referees. Every banner, ad, and event sponsor directly contribute to creating safe, fun, and competitive experiences for our soccer families.
A Win-Win for Businesses and the Community
When you partner with Heartland Soccer, you're not just putting your brand in front of thousands of families—you’re making a real impact. Sponsorship allows local businesses to connect with a loyal, engaged audience while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. It’s a win-win.
Whether you're a small business, a large brand, or somewhere in between, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available—including digital exposure, field signage, tournament partnerships, and more. We’re happy to tailor a package that aligns with your goals and helps make youth soccer thrive in our region.
Let’s Team Up
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your business can support Heartland Soccer, please reach out to Bridgette at [email protected]. She’d love to connect and help find the right fit for you.
Together, we can keep this incredible sport growing—and continue the beautiful game for future generations.
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Join the Heartland Soccer Association Newsletter!
At Heartland Soccer Association, we’re always looking for ways to enhance communication and stay innovative. We have an exciting opportunity for you to get involved by contributing to our newsletter! Here’s how you can be a part of it:
- Player/Team Stories and Achievements: Share the success stories of players and teams in our community! We’d love to highlight milestones, accomplishments, and special moments.
- Expert Tips & Insights: Whether it’s soccer-related or not, if you’ve got expertise to share, we want to hear from you! Are you a gardening expert? A culinary enthusiast? A nature lover with great hiking trail recommendations? Send us your knowledge!
- Photos & Videos: If you captured any standout moments this season, we’d love to feature them in our newsletter. Send us your best photos or videos, and we’ll make sure they’re shared with the community!
- Inspiration & Encouragement: Calling all poets, artists, and creatives! If you have words or art that inspire others, we’d love to include them in our newsletter to motivate and uplift our community.
- Community Spotlights: Know someone in our community who is making a real difference? We’d love to shine a spotlight on their efforts and share their story.
At Heartland Soccer Association, our goal is to make the newsletter a space where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Your voice, talents, and insights are what make our community strong, so don’t hesitate to share what you’ve got!
To contribute or for any questions, please reach out to Katie at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support!
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The fastest goal in professional soccer history was scored just 2.4 seconds after kickoff!
Nawaf Al-Abed of Saudi Arabia pulled it off in a 2009 match—and yes, the opposing team probably didn’t even know what hit them.
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Parents' Playbook:
Summer edition
1️⃣ Let Them Be Bored
Yes, really! Unstructured time lets kids get creative, rest, and reset. It’s okay if the first few days feel a little chaotic… it’s part of the process.
2️⃣ Create a “Summer Bucket List”
Have your child jot down a few fun goals—learning a new trick move, visiting a splash pad, starting a lemonade stand. Display it on the fridge and check things off as you go!
3️⃣ Keep the Ball Rolling
A light kick-around in the yard or park is all it takes to stay loose. No drills, no pressure, just play for fun.
4️⃣ Make a Summer Memory Jar
Grab a mason jar and some slips of paper. Every time something fun, funny, or memorable happens this summer, write it down and drop it in. Read them all before the new season starts!
5️⃣ Recharge as a Family
Summer is the perfect time to reconnect without the busy schedules. Pick one night a week for a no-devices dinner, game night, or just stargazing in the backyard.
Here’s to a summer of sun, rest, laughs, and maybe a little pickup soccer. You’ve all earned it.
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On 27 June 1977, Raúl González was born in Madrid. He went on to become Real Madrid's all-time leader in goals and appearances.
The striker joined the club's youth squad in 1992 after spells at San Cristobal (1987-90) and Atlético Madrid (1990-92) and made his professional debut with the first team on 29 October 1994. Only 17 years and 124 days old at the time, he set his first club record as the youngest player to appear for the club (though it was broken later that season). He made a total of 30 appearances that season, scoring 10 goals.
It was a sign of things to come; over the next fifteen seasons, Raúl made a total of 741 appearances and scored 323 goals, both club records at the time, though he is now second in goals after Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 406. Along the way, he won six league titles, three Champions League trophies, and two Intercontinental Cups. He also twice won the Pichichi as La Liga's top scorer.
(He was also once Spain's top scorer, with 44 goals in 106 caps between 1996 and 2006, but David Villa has since overtaken him.)
In 2010, with age and injury combining to diminish his role in Madrid, Raúl left for Schalke, where he spent two successful seasons, including winning the German Cup in 2011. He last played for the New York Cosmos in 2014-15.
This article was taken from - https://tdifh.blogspot.com/2017/06/27-june-1977-rise-of-raul.html
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2024/2025
Tournament Team Numbers
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Border Battle '25 - 172
Midwest College Showcase '25 - 65
Heartland Spring Cup '25 - 171
KC Champions Cup '25 - 436
Mother's Day Classic '25 - 391
Kansas City Invitational '25 - 351
KC 3v3 '25 - 67
Heartland Open Cup '24 - 61
Fall Kick Off Challenge '24- 170
Heartland Midwest Classic '24 - 129
Midwest All Boys '24 - 230
Midwest All Girls '24 - 301
Heartland Invitational Girls '24 - 377
Heartland Invitational Boys '24 - 480
*In the last 12 months Heartland welcomed teams from a total of 17 states and Canada.
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Heartland Soccer's Tournament Reach:
A National and International Stage
In the past 12 months alone, Heartland has welcomed teams from 17 states and Canada, demonstrating the league’s reach and influence across North America. These numbers reflect the growth, diversity, and prestige of Heartland’s tournaments, making them key fixtures in the youth soccer landscape.
With each tournament, Heartland continues to provide players with incredible opportunities to showcase their skills while bringing together teams from near and far. We’re proud to be a part of such a dynamic and thriving soccer community!
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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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2024-25
Heartland Numbers
Spring league teams '25- 1,400
Fall league teams '24- 1,388
League players - 48,000
Tournament teams - 3,500
Tournament players - 56,000
Referees - 2,000+
Coaches - 4,000
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As the final whistles blow and the cleats get tucked away (at least for a little while), we want to take a moment to say thank you to all of our amazing players, coaches, parents, staff and volunteers for another unforgettable Heartland Soccer season.
From the early morning kickoffs to the last-minute goals, your dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit made this season one to remember. We saw incredible growth on the fields—not just in skill, but in confidence, teamwork, and love for the game.
As we head into summer, we hope you all find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether you're hitting the pool, traveling with family, or just enjoying some slower days at home, we wish you a fun, safe, and sunny summer.
We can't wait to see you back on the pitch soon. Until then, keep the soccer spirit alive, and don’t forget to stretch once in a while.
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Save the Date:
League Awards Night Coming Soon
We’re also excited to celebrate all of the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship from this season. Be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming League Awards Nights happening in June and July. More details are below!
If you haven’t been contacted yet and want to get a head start, feel free to reach out to Garrett at [email protected] or call 913-387-3400.
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Riddle of the month: June
I shine bright but I’m not a light,
I come out more when the day is right.
You wear shades when I appear,
And I’m strongest mid-year.
*answer is at the bottom of the newsletter*
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Referee Availability for
League & Tournaments
As our local soccer community expands, the demand for both new and experienced referees is on the rise! Be part of America's Largest Soccer League and help support the game. Check out the Referee Classes page for details on meeting schedules, training, and certification programs. With games hosted at top facilities like SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, Swope Soccer Village, Compass Minerals Sporting Fields, and GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Sign up today to become a referee!
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NO BS!
Don’t feel like cooking on tournament or practice days? ½ off appetizers at the Burger Shed with the purchase of an entrée. Just mention this ad along with Heartland Soccer.
We offer a full bar and restaurant right across the street from the GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex. The Burger Shed is located inside the Embassy Suites.
Take a look at our menu: https://eatatburgershed.com/olathe/
Please call ahead for parties of 6 or more:
913-353-9335
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2v2 to Goal
Defenders play a ball out to attackers who must receive and make 1 pass before attempting to score in large goal for 1 point
If keeper saves or defenders steal the ball, they can counter into mini goals for 2 points.
Attackers change starting point after each round has concluded.
Switch roles after 3-5 minutes (depending upon numbers/intensity etc...)
Defensive coaching points:
Close down space quickly
Pressure & Cover
Force attacker onto weaker foot
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4 Tips for Using
Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps
Whether you are splitting the bill at a restaurant with friends, paying back your parents, or buying snacks at a sporting event, it is hard to beat the convenience of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, Google Pay, Cash App, and PayPal.
With these apps, you don’t have to worry about finding an ATM or carrying a bunch of cash at all times. Instead, P2P apps are typically linked to your bank account and let you send or receive money instantly.
Win-win, right? Well, yes and no. There is no denying the speed and convenience of P2P apps. But they aren’t risk-free, so make sure you’re aware of potential pitfalls before you hit Send.
Here are 4 tips for using Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps:
1. Once It’s Sent, It’s Gone
When you use peer-to-peer payments, all you need is someone’s username, email address, or phone number. You don’t know their account details, and they don’t know yours. Transfers are typically free and lightning-quick.
Before you fire off money, make sure you’re sending it to someone you know and trust. Because once that money is gone, it’s typically gone for good. There is little to no fraud protection with most P2P apps, unlike the protections that exist with traditional credit cards and bank accounts.
Exercise major caution before using peer-to-peer payments with people you don’t know and remember it’s best to stick with friends and family.
2. Check Twice, Send Once
Even if you’re sending payment to someone you know IRL, it’s still easy to mess up-are they HenrySmith21 or HenrySmith22? Double-check you’ve got the right person before you send a payment. You could send a small amount, like $1, to verify before following up with a larger payment. Or, if you’re sending payment for the first time, some apps, like Venmo, ask for the last four-digits of a person’s phone number.
Be extra careful with requested payments. P2P apps are an easy target for scammers. It may be obvious to not send money to people you don’t know, but double-or triple-check before paying requested amounts even from people you know. Scammers can easily impersonate someone from your social feed by changing their username and profile picture. Reach out to them outside the app to confirm that the request is legit.
3. Know Your Fees
There is no cost to send or receive money with many P2P apps, but most have fees for added services. For instance, most offer free balance transfer to your linked bank account within one to three days, but include a surcharge for instant transfer.
P2P apps usually draw from the balance in your account or your linked bank account. But if you use a credit card to make P2P payments instead, you will be hit with a transaction fee, too.
Some P2P apps have rolled out “buy now, pay later” offers that let you pay for purchases over a set amount of weeks or months, often without interest. But even if these offers have no interest, there are usually penalties and interest for late payments, just like loans or credit cards.
4. Use Common Sense
With any payments that include social posts-like emoji-filled Venmo notes-act maturely and be smart about what you post. Even posts set to private can be used in legal disputes.
Make sure your P2P apps have password or other protections, like Face ID, so someone can’t pick up or “borrow” your phone to use the app to siphon money from your account.
It is best to keep your running balance fairly low. Peer-to-peer apps aren’t a great place to store or save money. Do not view them as a replacement for traditional bank or credit union accounts. Think of them instead as convenient supplement, and be careful about how and when you use them.
You can find more tips, tools and valuable banking options at Azura Credit Union. Visit us in person at one of our convenient locations or online at AzuraCU.com.
Source: Banzai 4 Tips for Using Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps
Azura Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.
| For more information on VIDSPORT email: [email protected] | |
MYSA NEWS
Under MYSA's sanctioning agreement and guidelines, ALL Missouri based teams (all ages and divisions) registering for the Heartland Soccer Spring 2025 League season must be registered through MYSA.
Heartland Soccer is a qualifying league for Missouri State Cup.
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Referee Corner: What Law changes do we anticipate will become official for the Fall season?
FIFA, IFAB and US Soccer will be publishing the changes to the Laws of the Game that will be implemented in the Fall season. When these changes are made public, I will share them with you. Since the season is over, the Referee Corner will not have any details until the new Laws are published.
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The 2025 Spring Season. A thank you and a tribute to our Referees …
We talk about the people that make soccer work at Heartland as a “soccer community”. Last month we highlighted the Yours, Mine and Ours. Let’s build on this as we look back at the 2025 Spring season.
The key part of the community begins with the players. They are the reason that we have soccer teams and a league. We have talked about the other key members of the community: coaches, team managers and administrators, club managers and administrators, league administrators, and you, the fans that make all of this possible. I want to take this opportunity to thank our Referees and share some stories of how they worked to deliver a successful Spring 2025 season.
The weekend of May 23-25, Heartland sponsored the Kansas City Invitational Tournament at the Scheels and Garmin complexes. We brag about the “World-class turf fields” and this was a major factor in the success of the 2025 Kansas City Invitational Tournament that included almost 400 teams from Kansas and from multiple other states. For those of us who participated in the tournament, we became meteorologists in addition to soccer fans. We heard the weather reports and wondered how long it would be before the rains started, and when they did start, we wondered how long it would be before the rains stopped. The fields didn’t care. There was no mud to challenge the players, just rain.
For those Referees who worked on Sunday (matches started at 7:00AM) rain was the theme. It is hard enough to play a match in the rain. When you are assigned 4 matches and they are all in the rain, well you are going to get wet. When the wind blows you are going to get cold. In spite of these conditions, you saw your Referees doing their games. Some of them were more prepared for the weather than others. One of our more senior Referees went out and bought a roll of trash bags to give the less prepared Referees a way to stay drier. He cared and wanted to help his peers who were willing to put up with the conditions because they had accepted assignments. We forget that being a Referee is about more than knowing the Laws of the Game and running and blowing a whistle. It is about responsibility to your players, the game and to their commitments. Those young and not so young Referees were being responsible people, a life skill that will help them be successful in life.
Yes, sure, the Referees are getting paid for doing that job. They also love the game and want to make sure that your players get the chance to play. They don’t make more when it is raining or cold or hot. They don’t make less when the weather is perfect. They are developing the habit of responsibility.
Many of the tournament finals were tied at the end of regulation, which meant the winner would be determined by the Penalty Kick Shootout. This is not something that is done in league play, and it is a high-pressure situation for the players, the coaches and the fans. It is also a high-pressure situation for the Referees. The Field Marshals were there to provide these Referees with the knowledge of how to administer this procedure. For many of the Referees who were doing this for the first time, they were building their knowledge and skills for being a Referee. Another life lesson.
There were times during the season and even during some of the tournaments this spring when we had the opportunity to challenge a young Referee to go into the middle (blow the whistle) for the first time. I recall a match where the young Referee said she was willing to give it a try since there wasn’t a more experienced official available. She told me that she had been playing soccer since she was 5 years old, so she felt she knew the game. She had been an Assistant Referee for a couple of years, so she understood what was needed. But she had never taken on the responsibility of being the Center Referee until that day. Was she nervous? Yes. Was she confident that she could do the job? “Yes”, she said, if someone would watch her. We did. She did an effective job in the first half and got her confidence going in the right direction. The second half was even better (remember, the game is the best teacher, and experience is the only way to grow confidence). A young person gave 2 teams the opportunity to play a soccer match and, in the process, became an even more confident young person. Life skills were gained as the result of her willingness to challenge herself to try something she hadn’t done before.
This story repeats itself every weekend and every season. To be fair, we also have some young Referees who don’t take the responsibility as seriously as the examples I have shared, and they are not as successful. They don’t run. They don’t blow the whistle for fouls. And they get grief from the sidelines. You don’t get better without work and people don’t owe you something because you are wearing a yellow jersey. They learn that they have to earn the right to have respect from the players, the coaches, the fans and their peers. This is another life lesson.
As we look back on the season, take a moment to reflect on the Referees you have had. Did they put up with the elements? Did they stretch themselves to do something new? Are they learning from experience? Are they the officials you want on your matches in the future? If so, join me in appreciating them.
And, if you want to join the Referee team and build life skills, we will be scheduling Entry Level Clinics starting up again in August. Please check the Kansas Referee website.
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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!
Fall Meetings dates:
August 18
September 15
October 13
November 17
- Via Zoom: 5:30-6:30pm
- In-Person 7:00-8:30pm
All In-person meetings will be hosted at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex Field House meeting room, 13700 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS, 66211
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If you are interested in becoming a Referee, please check out the Entry Level Clinics are posted at 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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Referee of the Month: Brielle
This month, we’re excited to recognize Brielle as our Papa John’s Referee of the Month—a passionate official who brings both energy and empathy to the field!
Brielle began the referee journey in September 2024, combining the love for soccer with a desire to take on a fun, meaningful job that could be started at a young age. As a former player, officiating was a natural fit, and Brielle has quickly become a valued part of the Heartland referee team.
Brielle's favorite part of reffing? “Seeing all the parents, family, and friends get excited and cheer on their favorite team." Brielle understands the joy of the game from both sides of the whistle.
Refereeing has already taught Brielle some important life lessons, especially the value of hard work and learning not to take things personally. Brielle hopes to eventually become a Center Referee and continue growing in the sport.
When not on the field, Brielle is involved in a wide range of activities. Playing club basketball with the Shock, playing trumpet in the school band, and participating in Junior Thespians, volunteering in the church nursery, and attending youth group regularly. This July, Brielle will take part in a service trip to Des Moines, Iowa, with the church youth group!
Brielle enjoys learning new instruments (playing trumpet, keyboard, clarinet, ukulele, and more!), playing Virtual Reality games, and spending time with Brielle's baby sister. The last book read was Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and Brielle loved the suspense and plot twists throughout.
Whether Brielle's on the court, stage, or soccer field, Brielle shows up with a spirit of dedication and joy that inspires others. Congratulations—and thank you for all you do Brielle!
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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.
| | | June Riddle Answer: The sun! | | | | |
