The KCW Juniors program officially begins Monday, June 18 with the first tryout session at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. The Juniors' technical staff is eager to begin training and clear up any concerns over the status of players once they join the Juniors youth ranks.
"We are eager to get started next week," KCW Juniors Youth Director Chris Cissell said. "There has been a lot of misinformation out there over the past few months, so we are ready to get started and put all the uncertainty behind us."
Tryouts are open to players in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age divisions from the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma.
The KCW Juniors will train from the conclusion of tryouts until August when players will be released to play for their respective high schools. The Juniors program will begin again in November following high school state competitions.
KCW Juniors FAQ
1. Will KCW Juniors players be able to play High School Soccer?
Yes, all KCW Juniors players will be able to play High School Soccer. The team will cease training from August-October as our players represent them respective schools. KCW Juniors training sessions will begin again November 1.
2. How does being part of the KCW Juniors program affect college eligibility?
Participating in the KCW Juniors program or any of the other MLS Youth Development Programs will not affect a player's college eligibility.
3. What will be the cost of participating in the KCW Juniors program?
The only cost incurred by participants will be travel costs. All coaching fees, facilities fees and equipment fees normally charged by youth club teams will be covered by the KCW Juniors.
4. In what league will the KCW Juniors teams play?
During the first year, all three KCW Juniors squads will play in the highest local league, the Kansas City Champions League. Each team will play up an age division. Our goal is to enter all three KCW Juniors teams in the new United States Soccer Development Academy in the future. This new league created by the U.S. Soccer Federation is the future of youth development in this country, and we look forward to joining it in the future.
For more information on the Kansas City Champions League, visit the link below:
For more information about the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, visit the links below:
U.S. Soccer Announcement >
U.S. Soccer Quote Sheet >
5. How many practice/training will there be sessions per week?
The KCW Juniors will train three days a week.
6. What events/showcases will the KCW Juniors participate in?
The KCW Juniors plan on participating in state cup and the elite showcase events and tournaments such as Disney, the Metro United Fall Classic and more. Juniors squads will also participate in events planned by Major League Soccer for the youth development programs across the league. Details will be forthcoming.
7. Will players be allowed to play with any other clubs or teams?
No, KCW Juniors players will play High School Soccer August-November and will participate with the KCW Juniors from November-July.
