OVERLAND PARK, Kan, Nov. 2, 2023 - Heartland Soccer Association, America’s largest youth soccer league and tournament host, will kick off its first of two weekends of the Heartland Invitational Tournament Presented by Missouri CommonGround starting this Friday, November 3, 2023 at the SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex and the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex. This extraordinary event will span two weekends, with the Girls’ Tournament scheduled for November 3-5 and the Boys’ Tournament slated for November 10-12.
With teams traveling in from all over the Kansas City metropolitan area and various states, the economic impact is estimated to be $5.9 million over the weekend.
Shane Hackett, the Executive Director of Heartland Soccer, emphasized the tournament’s significance, stating, “The Heartland Invitational continues its legacy as the preeminent soccer competition in the Kansas City area, divided into two weekends—Girls’ weekend and Boys’ weekend—so as to accommodate the abundance of teams seeking one final opportunity to compete this season. We are excited to welcome thousands of players, coaches, and families during the inaugural weekend of the Heartland Invitational Tournament.”
Considering the importance of local media to our sport, media representatives are invited to cover the tournament. The action kicks off on Friday, November 3 with the first set of games scheduled for 5:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday will see games commence around 8:00 AM, followed by award ceremonies starting shortly after noon on Sunday.
In addition, Heartland Soccer will host a Skills Challenge event on the Saturday of tournament weekend – November 4, from 10 AM to 2 PM – at Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex. This competition is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in various challenges, encompassing dribbling, shooting, and passing competitions. Awards for top players will be given out for each division: boys and girls U6-U19, as well as Adult divisions. For more details and to register for the event, visit www.skillschallengeusa.com
“We’re thrilled to host the Soccer Skills Challenge during tournament weekend and provide a fun and competitive event for soccer players in the area,” said Sara Prigel, Heartland Soccer Association special events director. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase skills and compete against other talented players.”
About Heartland Soccer Association
Heartland Soccer is the largest youth soccer league in the country with more than 1,350 league teams per season, 30,000 league youth players, 2,700 tournament teams each year, 44,000 tournament players each year, 4,000 coaches and over 3,000 active referees. Heartland Soccer Association was formed in 1977 and has grown from an initial 600 players to serving teams from 16 states and internationally with league and tournaments. For more information, visit http://www.heartlandsoccer.net/.
Heartland Soccer has several opportunities for league and tournament sponsorship. Heartland partners with like-minded businesses who understand that investing in young people today creates a better community for all in the future. Partners are important team members in creating an increasingly growing soccer family in our community. Sponsorship provides businesses with increased brand visibility while making a direct impact on developing Kansas City’s youth through soccer. For more information on sponsorship, please contact Bridgette Samuelson, Director of Partnership Development and Operations at bridgette@heartlandsoccer.net.
About CommonGround
Missouri CommonGround is a group of volunteer farm women passionate about agriculture and sharing their experiences raising food. Like you, they work hard to nurture their families, careers, and themselves. They are also farmers who love connecting with others about their farms, their crops, and their animals. Missouri CommonGround is supported by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. Learn more about today’s food production and meet the farmers behind your food at www.findourcommonground.com
