The Kansas City Wizards and Heartland Soccer Association (Heartland) announced a major strategic partnership Thursday that will help both organizations promote the game of soccer in the Kansas City area and increase participation in the sport. The organizations will join together Sunday during the Kansas City Invitational tournament at Heritage Soccer Park in Overland Park, Kan. for an event to kickoff the partnership. Wizards players and coaches will appear at Heritage Park between 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., conducting demonstrations for young soccer players, signing autographs and discussing strategy with coaches, players and parents.
"The future of soccer in Kansas City is extremely bright," Wizards President and co-owner Robb Heineman said. "We have invested heavily in the sport over the past three years, and our long-term vision is to grow the game in partnership with the many excellent youth soccer clubs around the region. We look forward to working with soccer leagues, clubs, teams, coaches and players throughout Kansas City and the Midwest on growing affinity for the beautiful game."
Heartland Soccer Association represents six youth soccer clubs, 850 teams and over 15,000 youth players. Member clubs include: Overland Park Soccer Club, Northeast United Soccer Club, Southwest United Soccer Club, Kansas Premier Soccer League, Blue Valley Soccer Club, and Kansas Rush. Heartland also conducts 4-6 tournaments per year. In total, Heartland reaches around 30,000 youth soccer players per year.
"To do our part to grow the world's game in Kansas City, the Wizards must engage the youth soccer community in ways that are unique and meaningful to players and their parents," Wizards Executive Vice President Greg Cotton said. "This partnership is an important step toward fulfilling this objective. By working closely with Heartland Soccer Association and all of their member clubs, we hope to continue the growth of soccer in our region."
As part of the agreement, the Wizards will work with Heartland Soccer on a new Field Improvement program that includes ticket-sales fundraisers and donated auction items. Both organizations will engage in co-branding and on-site opportunities at Heartland events and Kansas City Wizards matches, and will work together to source corporate partners that believe in the growth of soccer in the region.
"Teaming up with the Kansas City Wizards is wonderful for Heartland Soccer Association and our member clubs," Heartland Soccer Association Executive Director Shane Hackett said. "It's great that the Wizards are helping us improve the fields at Heritage Park. Also, allowing our young players direct interaction with professional athletes will create those inspirational moments that are so important to young players."
