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Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Kansas City, Kansas

For families living in or near Kansas City, finding a club that balances high-level player development with reasonable commute times is critical. This directory lists the competitive youth soccer organizations headquartered specifically within the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.

These clubs offer programs for various age groups, typically starting at U6 and progressing through U19 college showcase teams. The listings below include detailed data on field locations, tryout dates, and league affiliations to help you compare local options side-by-side.

Find the Best Soccer Club in Kansas City, Kansas for you.

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Soccer Clubs Near Kansas City, Kansas (8)

Kansas City Athletics (KCA) is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in the Kansas City area, including locations like Merriam, KS, and Tonganoxie. The club was originally established in 2013 as FCKC, later rebranding to Kansas City Athletic Club in 2018, and expanding significantly through a merger with SDB Academy in 2020. KCA serves a wide range of age groups, from Pre-K through 3rd grade with programs like Mini FC and Futures/Pre-comp, extending to U-19 for competitive teams. A unique aspect of KCA is its holistic approach to developing both the player and the person, aiming to inspire passion, competitiveness, integrity, and respect. The club strives to be a "destination club" that caters to players of all ability levels, providing a seamless training system from recreational to high-level youth soccer. Kansas City Athletics is recognized for its strong competitive programs, notably being the only full ECNL program in the Kansas City area. The Academy Elite Girls teams joined the ECNL in 2018, followed by the Academy Elite Boys teams joining the ECNL Boys competition level in 2022. The club's Boys' Premier Programs are set to join the ECNL Regional League for the 2025-2026 season.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL Boys

Kansas City Surf logo
Overland Park, KS

Kansas City Surf is a youth soccer club based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, serving the Great Plains region of the United States. The club is a proud member of the Surf Nation Soccer family, dedicated to providing high-level soccer experiences and opportunities. Kansas City Surf offers programs for various age groups, including Junior Surfers, Premier Teams, and Showcase Teams. The club emphasizes player development and aims to create a supportive and competitive environment for all players. Kansas City Surf participates in top competitive leagues such as ECNL-RL and NPL. They also offer specialized training programs like Junior Academy Training, Finishing Training, and Aerial Ball Mastery Training. The club is committed to helping youth soccer players follow a proven pathway to success, including college recruitment support. Kansas City Surf also has a presence in Lee's Summit.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | NPL

Kansas Rush logo
Olathe, KS

Kansas Rush Soccer Club is a prominent youth soccer organization serving the greater Kansas City area, with its base in Olathe, Kansas. The club has been providing soccer programming for over 30 years, evolving from the Olathe Spirit Soccer Club. Kansas Rush offers a comprehensive range of programs, including recreational, competitive, and elite teams, catering to various skill levels and age groups. A key distinguishing feature is its player-centered approach, emphasizing long-term player development and personal growth through elite-level coaching. As part of Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization globally, Kansas Rush provides unparalleled opportunities and pathways for players, including access to a national identification program called Rush Select. The club has a proven track record, having propelled over 91 athletes to the professional level. Kansas Rush teams compete in top-tier leagues such as the Girls Academy (GA) and the Elite Academy League (EAL). The club also supports players' collegiate aspirations through its College Advisory Program (CAP). They provide excellent training facilities, including Lone Elm Soccer Park, local turf facilities, and their own indoor facility. Kansas Rush fosters a family-oriented atmosphere and a supportive community for its young athletes.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | Girls Academy

KC Fusion logo
Lenexa, KS

KC Fusion Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization operating in the Kansas City metropolitan area, including locations in Kansas City, KS, and Shawnee, Kansas. The club offers comprehensive programs for various age groups, ranging from U5/U6 (XTRA Littles) through U19. KC Fusion is dedicated to promoting and teaching the game of soccer, developing players at all levels, and fostering an environment of good sportsmanship and fair play. The club emphasizes core values of integrity, accountability, and respect. KC Fusion provides distinct pathways for players through its Recreational, Premier, and Fusion Juniors programs. Their competitive teams participate in prominent leagues and events, including the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) for both boys and girls, the GA Aspire League, NL Premier 2, Heartland Soccer Association, and the United Indoor Soccer League. The club also competes in US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships and State Cup competitions. KC Fusion utilizes the Coerver Curriculum for player development and supports its community through initiatives like its scholarship program, funded by events such as "Golfing for Goals." The club has a history of developing players who advance to collegiate and professional levels.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys | USYS-NL

Sporting Blue Valley logo
Overland Park, KS

Sporting Blue Valley (SBV) is a prominent youth soccer club based in Overland Park, Kansas, operating within the Kansas City metropolitan area. The club's origins trace back to 1977 as the Blue Valley Soccer Club, later re-branding to Sporting Blue Valley in 2012 following a merger and affiliation with Sporting Kansas City, the MLS team. This affiliation is a key distinguishing feature, establishing SBV as a feeder club for boys into the Sporting KC Academy, providing a direct pathway to professional opportunities. SBV trains at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, recognized as a premier turf field facility. The club emphasizes a player-first philosophy, focusing on holistic development and offering a unique tiered system within its competitive Premier program. Sporting Blue Valley competes in top-tier leagues including MLS NEXT, USYS Elite 64 League, and National Academy League for boys, and the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and ECNL-RL for girls. The club boasts a strong record of player development, including a US Youth Soccer U19 National Championship in 2022 and a significant number of players advancing to collegiate programs.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | MLS Next 2

OP Soccer Club logo
Overland Park, KS

OP Soccer Club is a non-profit youth soccer organization based in Overland Park, Kansas, with a legacy spanning over 30 years. The club provides soccer training services for players from Kindergarten through High School at all skill levels. Their primary focus is on delivering high-quality soccer training programs to develop young athletes. OP Soccer Club offers a range of programs, including competitive teams, a pre-competitive program for younger players, and participation in the USYS National League. The club serves the Kansas City area and is committed to fostering a strong soccer community. Their programs are structured to support player development from early childhood through their teenage years. The club's structure includes specific programs like "Lions" for Pre-K to Kindergarten and "Dragons" for 1st and 2nd graders. This pathway allows for progressive skill development as players grow within the organization.

Leagues: USYS-NL

Toca FC logo
Olathe, KS

Toca FC is a competitive youth soccer club operating in the Kansas City area. The club serves players from ages 3 to 19. Toca FC's philosophy is centered on the values of "Faith, Family, Futbol," aiming to develop players into remarkable leaders. The club's unique approach uses the pursuit of winning not as the ultimate goal, but as a method to refine and develop the character of its players, families, and coaches. Toca FC offers a range of programs including competitive teams, pre-competitive juniors, and academy training. Their top competitive programs for girls include participation in the GA Aspire league. The club also competes in the National League and has achieved success, such as winning three State Cup championships in 2025. Toca FC's mission is to inspire children and families through these core values, creating a life-changing experience.

Leagues: USYS-NL

Sporting Kaw Valley (SKV) is a youth soccer club that serves families in the Lawrence, Topeka, and Manhattan, Kansas areas. Established in 1982, SKV was formed through the merger of the Prodigy Youth Soccer Club and the Kaw Valley Soccer Association, and it operates as a non-profit organization. The club provides soccer programs for nearly 2,200 children annually, with offerings for players from 3 to 19 years of age. SKV offers a range of programs, including recreational, academy, and competitive soccer, to cater to various skill levels. A key feature of the club is its affiliation with the Major League Soccer team Sporting KC, which provides a pathway for player development. The club is recognized as one of the largest and most successful in Northeastern Kansas. For its highest level of competition, Sporting Kaw Valley's men's team competes in USL League Two, and the women's team is a founding member of the USL W-League, both of which are pre-professional leagues. This structure provides a direct pathway for elite players to advance toward professional soccer careers.

Leagues: DPL

Player Development Pathways in Kansas City

The youth soccer culture in Kansas City is driven by a mix of non-profit community associations and private academies. Many of the clubs listed here utilize local facilities, including municipal parks and school district stadiums.

How to Compare:

We recommend reviewing the 'Competitive Level' tag on each profile. Some clubs in Kansas City focus on recreational play and foundational skills, others are designated as 'High Level', or 'Local/State Level Competitive' requiring regional travel or to nearby cities for league matches, while 'Elite' teams often travel across states and nationally.

Browse Soccer Clubs Near Other Cities In Kansas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Club Soccer?

Club Soccer, also commonly known as travel soccer, represents a higher level of competitive youth soccer compared to recreational leagues. In the club system, players typically attend tryouts to be selected for a team within a privately-owned soccer club. These clubs are focused on long-term player development and compete against other clubs in various leagues and tournaments. The environment is more structured, with professionally licensed coaches, more frequent practices, and a greater time and financial commitment. The goal is to develop players' technical skills, tactical understanding, and overall passion for the game at a more intensive level.

If you're interested in exploring this path for your child, a great first step is to see what options are available in your area. You can start by looking at our directory of youth soccer clubs. For a deeper dive into what this journey entails, check out our article on Understanding Youth Soccer Player Development.

What is the difference between travel, club, and rec soccer?

Club Soccer and Travel Soccer are generally synonymous terms for competitive soccer programs. They are a significant step up from recreational soccer in terms of commitment, competition, and cost.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

  • Competition Level: Club/Travel soccer is highly competitive, with teams formed through tryouts. Recreational (Rec) soccer is open to everyone regardless of skill level, focusing on fun and participation.
  • Coaching: Club teams are typically coached by licensed, professional coaches who are paid for their services. Rec teams are often coached by parent volunteers.
  • Commitment: Club players commit to a full soccer year (fall and spring seasons) and are expected to attend multiple practices per week (often 2-3 sessions of 90-120 minutes) and games on weekends. Rec soccer usually involves a shorter season, with maybe one practice and one game per week.
  • Travel: As the name implies, travel/club soccer involves traveling to play games against teams from other towns, cities, or even states, especially for tournaments and showcase events. Rec soccer games are almost always local.
  • Cost: The financial commitment for club soccer is significantly higher, covering professional coaching, league fees, tournament entries, and uniforms. You can learn more in our detailed guide on the Cost of Youth Soccer.
  • Player Development: The primary focus of club soccer is on developing individual skills and tactical knowledge to prepare players for higher levels of competition. Rec soccer focuses more on learning the basic rules, sportsmanship, and having fun.

For families looking for a fun, introductory experience, a recreational program like MLS Go can be a perfect start.

What are the different youth soccer leagues in the US?

The U.S. youth soccer landscape is comprised of numerous leagues, each offering different levels of competition, exposure to college scouts, and geographical reach. Understanding this structure can be complex, but it can generally be viewed as a pyramid.

Here are some of the most prominent national and regional leagues:

  • MLS NEXT: Considered the highest level of boys' youth soccer in North America, it's run by Major League Soccer and focuses on developing players for professional and national teams. Learn more about the new two-tiered system in our Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions.
  • ECNL (Elite Clubs National League): The ECNL is a premier national league for both boys and girls, known for its high level of competition and as a major platform for college recruitment. It includes both national and regional tiers (ECNL-RL).
  • Girls Academy (GA): A top-tier, girls-only league created by and for players, focusing on holistic player development and providing a direct pathway to college and national teams.
  • US Youth Soccer National League: One of the largest and most established leagues, offering a tiered structure with both team-based and club-based competition that provides a pathway to the annual USYS National Championships.
  • National Premier Leagues (NPL): A national competition platform by US Club Soccer that consists of various regional member leagues, culminating in a national championship event.

For a comprehensive overview of how these leagues compare, explore our Youth Soccer Leagues guide and our detailed analysis in the Boys Youth Soccer Pyramid Explained.

How do I choose the right club for my child?

Choosing the right soccer club is a crucial decision that can shape your child's athletic and personal development. It's about finding the best fit for their skills, goals, and personality, as well as what works for your family.

Here are key factors to consider:

  • Club Philosophy and Culture: Does the club prioritize winning at all costs, or is there a strong emphasis on player development, sportsmanship, and fun? Try to observe a practice or game to get a feel for the environment.
  • Coaching Quality: Look for experienced, licensed coaches who are good teachers and positive role models. A good coach knows how to motivate and develop young athletes while fostering a love for the game.
  • Player Development Pathway: Does the club have a clear plan for developing players from younger ages to older, more competitive levels? What opportunities do they provide for growth?
  • Level of Competition: Ensure the club competes at a level that will challenge your child without being overwhelming. This is where understanding the different youth soccer leagues is important.
  • Logistics and Cost: Consider the practice schedules, travel requirements, and overall financial commitment. Be sure to understand what is included in the club fees and what will be extra.

To begin your research, you can browse our directory of youth soccer clubs. For more tips on the evaluation process, read our guide on Understanding Youth Soccer Player Development.

What is the pathway to college soccer?

Navigating the college soccer recruiting process requires a proactive and organized approach from both the player and their family. The journey typically begins in the early high school years.

Here are the essential steps on the pathway to playing college soccer:

  1. Play at a High Level: Competing in nationally recognized leagues like ECNL, Girls Academy, or MLS NEXT is crucial for exposure, as college coaches heavily recruit from these platforms.
  2. Maintain Strong Academics: Good grades and standardized test scores are non-negotiable. Student-athletes must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to be considered.
  3. Create a Player Profile & Highlight Video: Compile a soccer resume that includes your academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, and contact information. A well-edited highlight video (3-5 minutes) is essential to showcase your skills to coaches.
  4. Attend ID Camps and Showcases: These events are specifically designed for prospective student-athletes to demonstrate their abilities in front of numerous college coaches.
  5. Proactive Communication: Don't wait to be discovered. Research schools that are a good fit both athletically and academically. Send introductory emails to coaches, including your player profile and highlight video, and follow up persistently.
  6. Guidance from Your Club: Your club coaches and directors can be valuable resources in connecting with college programs and offering advice.

For a complete breakdown of the timeline and strategy, be sure to read our Youth Soccer Guide to College Soccer Recruiting.