Juniors U4-U6
The first step in a player’s soccer journey is developing a love for the game — and a love for the ball. At the Juniors level, learning happens through play, exploration, and fun. Players spend quality time with the ball at their feet, discovering how it moves in different ways — rolling it, stopping it, changing direction, and controlling it at various speeds while scoring goals and having fun!
Sessions are designed to build confidence, coordination, and comfort with the ball. Every activity is age-appropriate and game-based, helping players learn while staying engaged and excited. This foundation sets them up for continued growth as they move into older age groups.
They will typically train one time per week for 45 minutes.
Youth Academy U7-U8
The foundation of a strong soccer player is built through meaningful game play and individual skill development. At the Youth Academy level, players learn best by playing the game in an environment designed to encourage creativity, confidence, and decision-making.
Training sessions focus on developing individual technical skills such as dribbling, passing, receiving, and ball control, all within small-sided games that maximize touches and involvement. This approach helps players learn how to solve problems, make decisions, and enjoy the game while continuing to build a strong developmental base.
Teams train one time per week for 60 minutes
Competitive U9-U10
This stage introduces players to more competitive soccer on a larger field, while continuing to emphasize skill development and enjoyment of the game. Teams begin participating in structured league play, primarily through LCS, with opportunities to compete in Heartland and Lake Country leagues based on team readiness and appropriate competition levels.
Tournament play is introduced gradually to ensure a positive and age-appropriate experience. At the U9 level, teams typically participate in one local or travel, tournament per season. At U10, an additional local or travel tournament is added, allowing players to gain more competitive experience while maintaining balance.
Tournament opportunities may include events such as the Sporting KC Fall and Spring Tournaments, SLSG Classic, STLDA Premier Cup, Lou Fusz Junior Championship, Allison SportsTown Tournaments, and LCS Tournaments, providing exposure to a variety of teams and playing styles.
Teams generally train twice per week, with 90-minute training sessions, supporting continued technical development, tactical awareness, and confidence in a competitive environment.
Competitive U11-U12
At this age group, teams begin to play a more defined role in the overall program structure, while player development remains the primary focus. Players are placed into team and player pools designed to continue building a deep understanding of the game, with an emphasis on individual technical mastery, decision-making, and confidence on the ball.
Training environments are structured to challenge players appropriately while allowing them to grow within a competitive team setting. As part of this progression, players gain increased exposure to outside competition through both league play and tournaments.
League placement is based on team readiness and competitive needs, with teams competing in leagues such as SDL, Pre-ECNL, Heartland, and Lake Country. These leagues provide meaningful, development-focused competition and allow players to measure themselves against strong regional opponents.
Tournament participation further enhances the player experience by exposing teams to diverse playing styles and higher-level competition. Teams typically compete in events such as the Sporting KC Fall and Spring Tournaments, SLSG Classic, STLDA Premier Cup, Lou Fusz Junior Championship, Allison SportsTown Tournaments, LCS Tournaments, and other comparable regional and national events. Through these opportunities, players begin to compete against top teams and players, helping them recognize their growth and potential.
Teams generally train twice per week, with 90-minute training sessions, providing a consistent balance between technical development, tactical understanding, and competitive play.
Competitive U13-U19
At this stage, teams and players are focused on competitive success and exposure to the highest levels of play within the Midwest and across the United States. Player development remains a central priority, with a clear emphasis on preparing athletes for the next level of the game.
Our girls’ teams typically play their league games under ECNL-RL Frontier Division and Heartland in Kansas City.
Our boys’ teams typically play their league games under the MLS Next Academy Division, NAL, Heartland in Kansas City, or locally here at Lake Country.
Additionally, college exposure is achieved through participation in some of the nation’s top college showcase events.
Teams typically train two times per week for one and a half hours per session, incorporating both online and in-person sessions.
All in-person sessions take place at the Betty & Bobby Allison Sportstown.
