Heartland Soccer Association, recognized as the largest soccer league and tournament host in the United States, culminated its 2023 league seasons with an extraordinary turnout of 2706 teams, showcasing a diverse range of player skills and dedication. Now, it is gearing up for 2024's season.
The season kicks off this weekend, February 23-25, with the long-standing Border Battle Tournament sponsored by Capelli Sport played at Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex.
This tournament is established and recognized as one of the top spring tournaments and annually attracts ECNL, NPL, State and Regional Champion teams from all over the Midwest. The 2024 Border Battle Tournament will welcome 160 teams from 7 different states.
"This tournament marks an exceptional kickoff to the spring season, and we're thrilled to welcome teams from across the Midwest to compete at our top-tier, all-turf soccer complexes. Our goal is to create an exceptional experience for players and families," shared Shane Hackett, Executive Director of the Heartland Soccer Association. "The increasing participation from Midwest teams underscores the appeal of our regional tournaments. Hosting thousands of soccer families this weekend adds to the excitement, and we're eager to make it memorable for everyone."
Capelli Sport is proud to partner with Heartland Soccer Association allowing for additional sponsorship opportunities including the Spring 2024 Border Battle Tournament. Good luck to all attending teams and remember to #playforward.
In addition, Heartland Soccer will host a Skills Challenge event on the Saturday of tournament weekend – February 24, from 10 AM to 2 PM - at Scheels Overland Park 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.”
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.
Accommodating players across all skill levels, from recreational to premier, Heartland Soccer continues to attract over 170 soccer clubs annually. This allows teams to engage in competitive matches at all levels of play, regardless of age.
League matches take place across four top-tier turf facilities, notably the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex, Compass Minerals Sporting Fields, and Swope Soccer Village.
Shane Hackett, Executive Director of Heartland Soccer, expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, "Following an incredibly successful Fall season, we eagerly anticipate another outstanding Spring league session. We are foreseeing another record number of teams and players as the league attracts more teams from across the Midwest. As the league expand in size and influence, it presents exceptional opportunities for corporate partners and sponsors to engage directly with our soccer families. These partnerships not only support young athletes but also cultivate brand loyalty within an engaged consumer market."
In addition to league play, Heartland Soccer is renowned for hosting 14 exceptional tournaments annually. These tournaments attract over 4,800 teams and a staggering 46,000 youth players from 16 states, including Texas, Minnesota, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Illinois, as well as participants from Canada.
To join in the Heartland Soccer experience, both teams and individuals can explore league play, extraordinary tournaments, and vibrant corporate partnership and sponsorship opportunities by visiting the website at www.heartlandsoccer.net.
Please login to post comments