CLUB STRUCTURE

The Kansas City Athletic Club (KC Athletics) is a true Kansas City club and serves players across the entire KC metro area.

KC Athletics Player Development Pathway

KC Athletics players will train within the region in which they reside through the U12 age group. This "local training model" is designed to minimize travel time and logistical challenges, allowing families to stay connected to their communities while providing players with quality coaching and development opportunities.

As players advance beyond U12, they will be evaluated and filtered into one of two competitive pathways beginning at the U13 level: the Academy Teams or the Championship Teams. These teams offer tailored environments based on skill level, commitment, and long-term development goals.



The pathway diagram (to the left) illustrates the progression players typically follow as they grow within the club. Below is a description of each team type in the KC Athletics structure:

GIRLS' ACADEMY ELITE - ECNL (U13-19)

The top teams in the Girls' U13 through U19 age groups compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), one of the premier league platforms for girls' soccer in the United States. KC Athletics competes in the ECNL Midwest Conference, providing players with a high level of competition throughout the season.

In addition to conference play, ECNL teams participate in National Showcase events, offering exposure to top collegiate programs across the country. These events are a key part of the player development and college recruitment process.

 ECNL players are held to a high standard, both on and off the field. Training sessions are held three times per week during the club season. The majority of players break for their high school soccer seasons; however, since Spring 2022, KC Athletics has offered a Super Cup team as an alternative to high school soccer for those seeking year-round development within the club environment.

GIRLS' ACADEMY PREMIER - ECNL REGIONAL LEAGUE (U13-19)

KC Athletics' Academy Premier Girls' teams compete in the ECNL Regional League (ECNL-RL) Heartland Division. This platform provides a high level of regional competition and serves as a key development pathway within the ECNL structure. These teams are designed for players who are dedicated to improving their game and aspire to play at the next level. While not at the ECNL Conference level, the ECNL-RL still demands a strong commitment and offers meaningful competition and exposure.

Academy Premier players train three times per week during the fall and/or spring seasons, and twice per week during the winter. These teams often train alongside ECNL teams, benefiting from the same quality coaching and development environment.

Participation in the Heartland Regional ECNL League includes regional competition as well as showcase opportunities, making this a strong pathway for players focused on college recruitment and long-term growth.

BOYS' ACADEMY ELITE - ECNL (U13-19)

Our KC Athletics’ Academy Elite Boys’ teams now compete in the ECNL Boys Heartland Conference, marking a significant step forward from our previous participation in the ECNL Regional League. This promotion for the 2022-2023 season reflects the progress of our program and the commitment to providing high-level competition and development opportunities for our players.

In addition to conference play, Elite teams will attend ECNL Showcases and/or other high-level tournaments tailored to the competitive level of each team, offering valuable exposure and experience.  A high level of commitment is expected for players on these teams. Training occurs three times per week. Players will train in a professionally structured environment designed to challenge and develop them technically, tactically, physically, and mentally.

Click here for more information on ECNL Boys.

BOYS' ACADEMY SELECT (U13-19)

In most age groups, KC Athletics will field Academy Select Boys' Teams in addition to our Elite (ECNL) and Premier (ECNL-RL) squads. These teams offer a competitive and structured environment for players dedicated to improving their game and competing at a high level.

Academy Select teams train three times per week during spring and/or fall, with one training session focused specifically on technical development. This training model supports both individual growth and team cohesion. They train two times per week during winter.



Academy Select Boys' teams typically compete in the Heartland League, Mid-American Development League (MADL) and/or the National League Midwest Conference (NLMC). These teams also participate in Showcases as well as State Cup or President’s Cup events, providing opportunities for tournament-style play and advancement within the regional and national landscape.

CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS (U13-19)

KC Athletics’ Championship Teams offer a competitive environment for players who are committed to developing their skills and competing at a high level, while maintaining flexibility within their soccer journey.

These teams participate in high-level local leagues, with some competing in the Mid-American Development League (MADL) based on performance and age group. In addition, many Championship Teams will enter participate in local and regional tournaments.

Championship teams follow a structured training schedule focused on both individual player growth and team development. The level of commitment is designed to balance competitive soccer with other academic or extracurricular priorities.

PRE-ACADEMY TEAMS (U11-12)

At KC Athletics, the 9v9 seasons serve as a crucial bridge between our regional development model and the full-field 11v11 game. During this phase, we begin to connect players across regions, preparing them for the transition into our Championship or Academy teams at U13.

This stage emphasizes continued skill development, tactical understanding, and the introduction of club-wide standards in preparation for the next phase of the player pathway.

During this phase there will additional trainings offered for players to register for and then 11v11 match play will run through our Pre-Academy program and participate in Pre-ECNL events as well as other local and regional events.

REGIONAL TEAMS (U9-12)

Kansas City Athletics strives to offer Regional Teams in each of our four areas—East, South/ West, and North to meet the developmental needs of players from U9 through U12. These teams compete in appropriate local leagues and tournaments, with a focus on technical development, teamwork, and love for the game. Primary training locations for regional teams are as follows: East (Paragon), South/West (Garmin, Maranatha Christian, JCCC) and North (KC Current Training).



The primary goal of our regional model is to develop players within their communities, minimizing travel while maximizing access to quality coaching. As players progress, they are guided toward the next phase of the club pathway, eventually funneling into our Championship and Academy teams at the U13 level and beyond.

PRE-COMPETITIVE TEAMS

KC Athletics offers a unique Pre-Competitive Program designed for players ages 7 to 10 as a developmental bridge between recreational soccer and full competitive play. This program introduces players to a more structured environment while keeping the experience fun, engaging, and focused on individual skill development. This program is ideal for families looking to prepare their young athletes for the KC Athletics Regional Teams and beyond.

Players can participate in fall, winter, and spring seasons, with one training session per week offered in winter and two sessions offered spring and fall. Sessions are held at Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex, Paragon Star Soccer Complex, and the KC Current Riverside Training Facility. led by coaches and mentors, including current KC Athletics players and staff, under the supervision of the club’s Regional Directors. Pre-Competitive teams play their games locally at Paragon Star, in a format designed to promote learning, confidence, and a love of the game.