KANSAS CITY – July 2, 2025 – Challenger Sports and Kansas Youth Soccer are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at expanding camp and player development opportunities for youth soccer players across the state. This collaboration will focus on providing support for player development and talent identification in areas that currently lack the necessary resources.
By integrating Challenger programming into areas of Kansas with minimal or emerging soccer programs, Challenger coaches will enhance the soccer experience for all players while also identifying promising individuals for inclusion in the KSYSA/US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.
“This partnership with Kansas Youth Soccer represents another step forward in our ongoing mission to grow meaningful player development opportunities in the United States,” said Alan Jones, COO of Challenger Sports. “By focusing on underserved areas, we can ensure that more young athletes have access to high-quality coaching and development pathways, ultimately strengthening the sport across the state.”
“We are excited to partner with Challenger Sports to extend our reach and improve player development throughout our state,” stated Joe Burger, Executive Director of Kansas Youth Soccer. “This collaboration will provide valuable resources and expertise to communities that need it most, fostering a more inclusive and robust environment for youth soccer.”
Challenger and KSYSA are set to begin planning this summer, with new player development opportunities slated for Winter 2025/2026.
