Kearney Parks and Rec Offers Exciting Fall Youth Sports

Kearney Parks and Recreation is ready to bring another exciting season of youth sports to the community this fall, with programs designed to teach fundamental skills, promote active lifestyles, and build friendships for kids of all abilities. Registration is now open for four youth leagues: NFL Flag Football, Youth Soccer, Youth Volleyball, and Fall T-Ball.

NFL Flag Football - Ages 5–12

In partnership with NFL Flag, this non-contact league gives kids a safe and engaging way to learn football fundamentals and develop coordination. Divisions are split by grade levels: K–1st, 2nd–3rd, 4th–5th, and 6th–7th. Games begin Saturday, September 27 at Jesse James Park, with practices starting the week of August 24. Each player receives an official NFL Flag reversible jersey, flag belt, and mouth guard.

• 6-game season, played Saturdays (no scores or standings)

• $120 registration fee

• Registration deadline: August 10 (No late entries accepted)

• Season runs August 25 – November 1

Youth Soccer League - Ages 4–12

KPR’s soccer league offers kids a fun, skill-building introduction to the sport, with age-based divisions determined by your child’s age on August 1. Games kick off September 27 at Jesse James Park, following 1–2 weekly practices starting in late August.

• 6 Saturday games, starting Sept 27

• KPR provides jerseys; families supply remaining gear

• Volunteer coaches receive free future registration credit

• Regular Registration: $100 (thru Aug 17) | Late: $120 (Aug 17–21)

• Season runs August 18 – November 1

Youth Volleyball - Grades 3–7 (Ages approx. 8–13)

Youth volleyball is back and bigger than ever! This fall, Kearney teams will face off against squads from Smithville and Platte City, giving players a diverse and competitive experience. The season includes at least six games starting mid-September, with practice times set by volunteer coaches.

• Jerseys provided; families supply knee pads and gear

• Volunteer coaches needed (free future registration credit)

• Regular Registration: $95 (thru Aug 3) | Late: $110 (Aug 3–10)

• Season runs August 18 – November 1

Fall T-Ball - Ages 4–6

Perfect for beginners, this co-ed T-Ball league teaches baseball basics in a low-pressure environment. Practices start August 18, with games held Tuesday evenings at Mack Porter Park beginning September 16.

• KPR provides jersey, hat, and medal; glove and helmet recommended

• Teams created via computer draw

• Regular Registration: $75 (thru Aug 11) | Late: $95 (Aug 11–15)

• Season runs August 18 – November 11

Volunteer Coaches & Scholarships

All leagues depend on volunteer coaches, and KPR offers free future registration for your child in return. Coaching allows you to choose your team’s practice schedule. Scholarships are available for families in need—confidentiality is strictly maintained.

For more information or to register, visit the KearneyParks.com or call 816-903-4730.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Parks Offers Youth Baseball & Softball Camps

Young athletes looking to sharpen their skills on the diamond this summer won’t want to miss the 2025 Youth Baseball & Softball Camp, hosted by Kearney Parks and Recreation in partnership with Play It Again Sports - Liberty.

The four-day camp, running from July 21 to 24 at Mack Porter Park, promises to be a high-energy, skill-focused experience for players of all levels, ages 6 to 14. Campers will receive expert instruction from Coach Wheeler, a veteran with over 10 years of coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. Known for helping more than 20 players advance to higher levels of competition, Coach Wheeler brings a dynamic and encouraging coaching style aimed at helping young athletes grow in ability and confidence.

Sessions are split by age group, with campers ages 6 to 9 meeting from 10 am to noon, and those ages 10 to 14 attending from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. The cost is $125 per participant.

Registration is now open and will remain available through Wednesday, July 16. Interested families are encouraged to sign up early, as space may be limited.

For more information or to register, visit the Kearney Parks and Recreation WEBSITE or contact their office directly at (816) 628-4142.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Parks Launches Food & Flick Fridays

Kearney Parks and Recreation is bringing back a beloved summer tradition with an exciting twist—introducing Food & Flick Fridays at Lions Park! This family-friendly event series will feature four free outdoor movie nights under the stars, paired with delicious eats from local food trucks.

The movie lineup kicks off on June 27 with Mufasa: The Lion King, setting the stage for a season of fun, food, and film. Guests are invited to grab a bite from the food trucks on site (food available for purchase) and settle in for a free movie beginning at sunset.

The summer movie schedule includes:

• June 27: Mufasa: The Lion King

• July 18: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

• August 1: A Minecraft Movie

• September 5: Moana 2

All movies are free to attend, and everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.

For full details and sunset times, visit KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Parks Announces Return of Pickleball Leagues

Kearney Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of its popular Pickleball Leagues for 2025. The program will feature a six-week league schedule, followed by a seventh-week double-elimination tournament.

The leagues will run on weeknights from 6 pm to 10 pm, with a special Ladies Morning League on Tuesdays from 8 am to noon.

All league divisions will be played on courts 1-7 at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, located at 619 E 19th Street. The leagues cater to a variety of skill levels, from true beginners to advanced players. The divisions include:

Beginner's League: Designed for newcomers to the sport who want to learn and improve through gameplay.

Social League: For beginner to intermediate players seeking a fun, lightly competitive environment.

Advanced Social League: For experienced players looking for a more relaxed yet skilled competition.

The program offers several league options, including mixed doubles (two female players, or one male and one female player). The minimum age for participation is 18.

The program is designed to provide a fun and competitive experience for players of all skill levels. Participants can look forward to both friendly competition and the chance to improve their skills.

Kearney Parks and Recreation is also offering one day Youth Pickleball camps. The camps are designed to teach the fundamentals of Pickleball, including the rules of the game, the different parts of the court, serving, scoring and basic shots used in a game.

Participants will need to supply their own paddle, a water bottle, and proper court shoes. Water will be available at the courts to fill bottles as needed and there is also a restroom onsite.

Participants should contact Joe Landewee at KearneyPickleball@gmail.com for paddle and shoe recommendations along with any other questions.

For more details and to register for leagues or camps, residents are encouraged to visit KearneyParks.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Recreation Spring Sports Leagues Now Open

Spring sports leagues are now open at the Kearney Parks and Recreation Department. These programs emphasize safe, fun, and instructional recreation. Four leagues and one clinic are now available to the public.

Youth Recreation Baseball League

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a recreational baseball league that is open to boys ages 8-14 of all skill levels. The league will provide a jersey, hat, and end of the season medals. Players will need their own glove and helmet.

Kearney Parks and Recreation partners with Smithville Parks and Recreation and Platte City Parks and Recreation for games. The location and day of games for each division will be based on the number of teams that make up the division. Some travel to Smithville and Platte City will be involved.

Youth Recreation Softball League

Kearney Parks and Recreation also offers a recreational softball league open to girls ages 8-14 of all skill levels.

Like youth baseball, the league will provide a jersey, hat, and end of the season medals. Players will need their own glove and helmet.

Kearney also partners with Smithville and Platte City Parks and Recreation for games.

Youth Recreation T-Ball League

This recreational T-Ball league is open to children aged ages 8-14 of all skill levels. Kearney Parks and Recreation will provide a jersey, hat, and end of the season medals; parents will provide a glove and recommended helmet.

Youth Soccer League

Kearney Parks and Recreation is offering a Recreation Youth Soccer League. This league is designed to get kids familiarized and involved in soccer through fun and engaging activities and games. This league is a great way for kids to develop motor and social skills while having a blast.

To find more information, enroll kids in leagues or be a volunteer coach, go to KearneyParks.com. Scholarships available for those in need. Complete confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. Contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730 for more information.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story