OVERLAND PARK/OLATHE, Kan. - Heartland Soccer Association, recognized as America’s premier league and tournament host, is set to culminate its highly anticipated Fall Tournament Series with a sold out boys weekend of the Heartland Invitational Tournament Presented by Missouri CommonGround. This eagerly awaited event is scheduled for November 10-12, attracting over 450 teams to the world class SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex and the state-of-the-art Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex, marking the grand finale of the soccer season.
Drawing teams from not only the Kansas City metropolitan area but also from various states, the economic impact is projected to reach an impressive $5.9 million throughout the weekend.
Shane Hackett, Heartland Soccer’s executive director, emphasized the tournament’s enduring legacy, stating, “The Heartland Invitational continues its reputation as the most significant and prestigious soccer tournament in the Kansas City area. Split over two action packed weekends, the Girls’ and Boys’ tournaments exemplify our commitment to providing ample opportunities for teams to compete at the highest level one last time this season. We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to more than 450 teams as they gather for the final weekend of our Fall Tournament Series.”
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 excited to once again host a Skills Challenge during tournament weekend and provide a fun and competitive experience for soccer players in the area,” said Sara Prigel, Heartland Soccer Association special events director. “It’s a perfect chance for players to show off their soccer skills while engaging in friendly competition—an event sure to enhance the overall tournament experience.”
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
