About Us
WHY SPORTING SPRINGFIELD?
Our mission statement says it all: Sporting Springfield seeks to develop elite competitors on and off the soccer field.
This will be accomplished by providing the high level of education and training necessary for each individual player to be their best on and off the field.
Sporting Springfield is the home for competitive soccer players and their families in Southwest Missouri. We provide a soccer learning environment that is unmatched in the area. Our coaches are all nationally licensed and have extensive experience in helping develop players and teams to their fullest potential.
In addition, as an official Academy Affiliate of Sporting KC, players that participate and compete through Sporting Springfield will be directly connected to Sporting Kansas City’s Academy and youth development initiatives. In turn, they will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience while receiving heightened levels of training and development.
Sporting Springfield players can now be invited to partake in the annual Academy Affiliate Friendlies, a series of events that bring together many of the most competitive and talented youth soccer players from across the Midwest, all under the Sporting Club umbrella. Select Sporting Springfield players will also be named to Academy Affiliate All-Star Teams throughout the year, offering these players a chance to learn the game in the same environment and setting as Sporting KC’s own Academy and first-team players.
Finally, as an Academy Affiliate member, Sporting Springfield becomes an extension of the Sporting KC Development Academy and therefore an extension of the club’s scouting network. The relationship between the Sporting Club Network and Sporting Springfield will play a large part in the overall growth of soccer in the Midwest by elevating the level of youth soccer in the region, while also offering extensive new benefits that will directly impact the improvement of these players. In the search for the next homegrown star that will wear the Sporting Kansas City crest and win championships at Children’s Mercy Park, the Southwestern Missouri region will now be closely linked with Sporting KC’s search to find and develop future talent.
Inclement Weather Policy
Precipitation
Rain - amount falling will be used to determine suspension or cancellation
Snow – amount falling will be used to determine suspension or cancellation
Freezing rain, sleet, hail - games/practices will be suspended or cancelled
Lightning
If a person can hear thunder, or see lightning, the danger already may be present. A clear, sunny sky overhead with storm clouds nearby can still be dangerous. The National Weather Service does advise that if you see a lightning bolt and hear the thunder in 30 seconds or less, you should seek shelter and wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activity.
A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder. A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it!
Sporting recommends that participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles or a designated severe weather shelter, if there is one nearby. Smaller, open structures, tents, trees, isolated areas, etc., should be avoided. Cars, with windows rolled up or buses, can provide good shelter. Avoid contact with metal or other conducting materials to the outside surfaces. Do not stay in open, unprotected areas.
Games and or practices will be restarted 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen or roll of thunder is heard.
Severe Storms
Severe storms can produce high winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, thunder and/or tornados. If a severe storm approaches the playing area, the safety of the players is the number one priority of coaches and referees, and may require that the game be suspended while shelter is sought. In the event the game is suspended, ALL participants MUST clear the field immediately and move into their cars or other permanent shelter.
High winds can create problems by dust and debris being in the air or blowing over objects. Heavy rain can create hazardous field conditions or lead to flash flooding. Tornados are obvious dangers of any severe storm. Use common sense and seek shelter as appropriate.
Temperature
Cold – still air or wind chill temperature will determine suspension or cancellation
u13 and older - Temperature 32º or less will be cause for consideration to cancel
u12 and younger - Temperature 38º or less will be cause for consideration to cancel
Heat – heat index or the air feel temperature will determine suspension or cancellation
105° F and above: cancel
100°F-104°F: mandatory 2-minute water break every 20 minutes
95°F-99°F: mandatory 2-minute water break every 30 minutes
