Olathe, KS (Thursday, December 15, 2022) – “Kansas Youth Soccer is excited to partner with Baker University to offer educational opportunities for coaches, players, administrators, parents, and referees looking for a way to kick off or continue their career in sports management which includes coaching and administration that is used throughout sport (coaches, referees, club leadership, etc.),” said Joe Burger, Executive Director, Kansas State Youth Soccer Association. “Whether you are a young person wanting to get into coaching, refereeing or sports administration and seeking a bachelor’s degree or an established professional looking to grow your knowledge and earn a master’s degree, you have the ability to create your own path into the sports business sector. Your work toward a U.S. Soccer or United Soccer Coaches diploma is centralized in your college education and included in the cost of the degree program.”
As soccer in the United States has grown and professional avenues, high-profile positions have become increasingly competitive. Most people understand the importance of formal education and its value in career growth; however, their busy schedules and wide-ranging responsibilities can limit opportunities to pursue both a coaching or playing career and to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree at the same time.
“As a former professional player, youth club director, college coach, and athletic director, I see education built around the whole soccer experience as the most important steps that need to be taken moving forward. It is exciting to partner with KSYSA and Executive Director Joe Burger on this important initiative,” said Nate Houser, associate vice president of advancement, Baker University.
Baker University’s Innovative approach
This is where Baker University can bridge the gap with a unique approach. Embedding sport management within a business degree and embedding coaching licensure into the curriculum as electives are unique to Baker. And Kansas Youth Soccer members receive a 20% tuition discount. Baker University business degrees are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Convenience
Baker students take one six-week bachelor’s or seven-week master’s course at a time, which offers the flexibility to accommodate a busy schedule. The 100 percent online format allows students to complete their degree without geographic constraints. Students pursuing coaching licensure have the option to participate in hybrid elective courses with an in-person component that works with US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches educational programs.
“Partnering with the Kansas Youth Soccer is a perfect connection between a quality online accredited program and business/industry needs,” said Matthew Brice, Dean, School of Professional and Graduate Studies.
Available Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Business Administration with Majors in Sport Management, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Human Resources
- Master of Business Administration with Concentrations in Finance, Strategic Management, Data Analytics
- Master of Science in Sport Management
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
About Baker University: Baker University is a private university in Baldwin City, Kansas. Founded in 1858, it was the first four-year university in Kansas and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Baker University is made up of four schools: The College of Arts and Sciences and the undergraduate courses in the School of Education (SOE) are located on the campus in Baldwin City, Kansas. The School of Professional and Graduate Studies (SPGS) and the graduate branch of the SOE serve nontraditional students on campuses in Overland Park, Kansas, and online. The School of Nursing, which is operated in partnership with Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Enrollment in all four schools has grown to a student population more than 3,000, with about 900 students on the Baldwin City campus.
About Kansas Youth Soccer Association: Kansas State Youth Soccer Association (KSYSA) is the state association for US Youth Soccer in the state of Kansas. The purpose of KSYSA is to promote, foster, and perpetuate the game of soccer throughout the state of Kansas. The functions of Kansas Youth Soccer include: hosting a number of state tournaments (State Cup, Presidents Cup, & Jr. State Cup), organizing the state’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), providing education for coaches, and providing opportunities for referee development.
Questions?
| Joe Burger Executive Director 913 -782-6434 x 205 jburger@kansasyouthsoccer.org |