Heartland Soccer Association, the largest youth soccer league in the United States, has officially launched its 2026 Spring League season, welcoming more than 1,400 teams and 24,000 players ages 9 to 19.
The Spring League operates across four world-class turf facilities, including the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex, Swope Soccer Village and Compass Minerals Sporting Fields. Open to players of all skill levels, the league includes recreational and premier competition representing approximately 170 soccer clubs from across the Midwest.
“With more than 1,400 league teams and 24,000 players competing this spring, Heartland Soccer continues to set the standard for youth soccer and reinforce Kansas City’s reputation as a national destination for the sport,” said Shane Hackett, executive director of Heartland Soccer. “We’re especially encouraged by the continued growth in our younger age groups, which speaks to the strength and sustainability of the game’s future. Beyond the numbers, it’s the players, coaches, referees and families who bring unmatched energy and make the Heartland community truly special.”
With participation on the rise, Heartland Soccer continues to invest in technology and partnerships to enhance the player and fan experience, including a collaboration with VidSport. This spring, VidSport will provide live streaming and on-demand replay services for matches played at the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex, allowing families and fans to watch games in real time or relive highlights throughout the season.
As Heartland expands both its reach and fan engagement, it continues to create opportunities for community and corporate partners to connect with one of the largest youth sports audiences in the region. Sponsors gain visibility across premier soccer complexes, tournaments and digital platforms, reaching more than 4 million spectators and generating approximately 2.7 million annual website visits, delivering unmatched exposure and impact throughout the Midwest.
Next, Heartland will welcome thousands of players and their families to the annual Heartland Spring Cup, March 13–15 at the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex.
Now in its fifth year, the tournament has grown into one of the region’s premier spring events, attracting more than 215 teams from seven states. The event is part of a record-breaking year for tournament registrations for Heartland Soccer, reflecting strong demand for competitive youth soccer events in the Kansas City region. The influx of teams and spectators is expected to generate an estimated $5.1 million in economic impact for the Kansas City area, benefiting local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
“Each year, the Spring Cup brings together teams from across the Midwest for a great weekend of competition,” said Shane Hackett, executive director of Heartland Soccer Association. “We’re proud to host events like this at the Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex and to welcome players and families to Kansas City. Tournaments like the Spring Cup not only provide meaningful playing opportunities for athletes, but also bring visitors to the region and support local businesses.”
The Heartland Spring Cup will feature live streaming and playback of all matches at Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex through VidSport, an advanced sports streaming platform. The VidSport installation at Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex is the world’s largest fixed AI camera system, allowing fans to watch matches in real time or on demand from any device.
Heartland Soccer’s spring tournament series continues with the Kansas City Champions Cup on April 17–19, projected to host more than 400 teams. The series wraps up in May with the Midwest Mother’s Day Classic and the Kansas City Invitational, and teams can still register for both tournaments.
To learn more about Heartland Soccer’s league, tournaments, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.heartlandsoccer.net.
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