Kearney Parks Opens Registration for Fall Youth Sports

Kearney Parks and Recreation is inviting local families to sign up for a full slate of fall youth sports programs, with registration now open for soccer, flag football, T-ball and volleyball.

The fall 2026 season offers recreational leagues designed to help children learn fundamentals, stay active and build confidence through team play. Most programs begin practices in late August, with games starting in September and seasons continuing into late October.

Youth Soccer is open to children ages 4 to 12 and will be played at the Jesse James Park Soccer Fields, 3001 N. Hwy. 33. Teams will practice one to two times per week beginning in late August, followed by six Saturday games starting in late September. Divisions are based on a child’s age as of Aug. 1, even if the child has a birthday during the season. KPR will provide a jersey, while families are responsible for shoes, shorts, socks and shin guards.

Youth Flag Football is available for children in kindergarten through seventh grade. The low-contact league will include at least six games, generally played on Saturday mornings at Jesse James Park, with practices and game times provided by each coach. KPR will provide each player with a jersey and mouthpiece, and families will provide shoes, socks, shorts or pants and other needed gear.

Fall T-Ball is open to children ages 4 to 6 of all skill levels. Practices begin the week of Aug. 24, and six Tuesday evening games are tentatively scheduled to begin Sept. 25 at Mack Porter Park, 1001 N. 33 Hwy. KPR will provide a jersey, hat and end-of-season medal; parents should provide a glove and are encouraged to provide a helmet. Makeup games will be scheduled as needed, with KPR making up a maximum of two rainouts during the season.

Youth Volleyball is offered for students in grades three through seven. This season, Kearney teams will also compete with teams from Smithville Parks and Recreation and Platte City Parks and Recreation, giving players a broader game experience. Teams will play at least six games in Kearney, Smithville and Platte City, with games tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-September. KPR will provide jerseys, while families are responsible for shoes, socks, shorts or pants, knee pads and other equipment.

Registration for soccer, flag football and volleyball is open now through Sunday, Aug. 2. Soccer and flag football cost $100 per player, while volleyball costs $95. T-ball registration fee is $75.

Volunteer coaches are needed for all recreation sports programs. Coaches receive a free registration for their child as a credit for future use after practices begin, and they are able to choose their team’s practice schedule around their availability.

Scholarships are available for families in need, and confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. For more information, families may contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730 or visit KearneyParks.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.