KC Kick

KC Soccer Blog

Category: Soccer Tryouts

  • January Updates, League Progress, and What’s Ahead for Liverpool

    Update: Instead of the entire month of January, the evaluation period will only run from Jan 5th-16th.

    As we approach the end of the year I wanted to provide a few updates.

    Strong Winter Performance

    We have had some success in both of our Winter Leagues.
    In 4v4, the boys have a winning record even while playing up against Division 3 and 4 teams most weeks. They’ve handled the pace and the physical side of those games really well.

    At Soccer Nation 7v7, we’ve also put together a winning record. Those games often end up being against older kids. It’s not supposed to work that way, but since player cards aren’t checked, anything can happen.

    Why January Will Look Different

    January is going to bring a change to our normal practice routine.
    Instead of our usual Monday at 7:00 and Wednesday at 5:00 schedule, we’ll be running evaluations throughout the month.

    This is all tied to the upcoming shift from birth year teams to grade level teams. To prepare for that, we’re splitting practices by birthdate so we can get a clean look at where each player fits for the long term. This is to help prepare for the upcoming 2026 Youth Soccer Tryouts.

    Here’s how January practices will work:

    Players born Jan 1 – July 31
    Practice with the U11 boys

    • January 7th, Wednesday
      6:00-7:00 Red Field
    • January 9th, Friday
      6:00-7:00 Red Field
    • January 13, Tuesday
      6:00-7:00

    Players born Aug 1 – Dec 31

    • January 6th, Tuesday
      7:00-8:00 Red Field
    • January 13th, Tuesday
      7:00-8:00 Red Field
    • January 15, Thursday
      6:00-7:00 Red Field

    All players will go to the red fields. Players will be moved to the appropriate field to match their skill level.

    Back to Normal on Jan 17

    Once January wraps up, we return to our regular practice schedule on Jan 17.

    Spring Heartland Plans

    The plan is to keep Liverpool together for the Spring Heartland season. I’ll be pushing for us to be placed in Division 6 so the boys can compete at the level that fits them best and get the right kind of games for their development.

    As always, if you have any questions along the way, just reach out. More updates soon as we get closer to spring.

  • 🏟️Youth Soccer tryouts in Kansas City for 2026

    What the Switch from Birth Year to Grade Level Means for Families

    Over the next couple of years, youth soccer will see an important shift: teams will begin organizing by grade level instead of birth year. While this change may look small on paper, it’s going to affect how teams are built and how families think about tryouts.

    Why the Change Matters

    • Birth year today – Players are grouped by the year they were born, which often mixes two grade levels on one team.
    • Grade level tomorrow – Teams will align more closely with what kids experience in school. A team may be primarily 3rd graders or 4th graders.
    • New opportunities – The change means more balanced teams and a chance for kids to play alongside classmates.

    What Parents Should Expect

    1. Tryouts will feel different – Teams may shift around as clubs and coaches adjust to the new rules.
    2. Closer peer groups – Grade level rosters will make it easier for kids to play with other kids of the same maturity level.
    3. Roster changes – Some players may play up, others may stay with their grade, and in many cases new rosters will be created.

    What This Means for Players

    For some kids, this will mean staying on their current team. For others, it could mean joining a newly formed roster or finding a better fit within their grade level. Either way, families can expect more movement than usual at the next round of tryouts.

    Preparing for Tryouts 2026

    • Stay informed: Ask your club how they plan to handle the change.
    • Talk early: Connect with other parents in your child’s grade to understand their plans.
    • Keep an open mind: The change may feel disruptive at first, but it also opens doors to new friendships, new teams, and fresh opportunities for development.

    At KC Kick, we’ll continue sharing updates and resources as this transition gets closer. Tryouts in Summer of 2026 will look different, but with preparation, families can turn this change into a positive step forward for their players.