Dear J Families,

Welcome to the very first edition of our J Youth Sports Newsletter!

As Director of Sports & Recreation, one of the first things that has stood out to me is what truly makes The J special, we are more than leagues and schedules, we are a community. Our sports programs are built on connection, inclusivity, and belonging. This newsletter is a space to recognize the positive moments across our programs that reflect those values in action. From t-ball smiles and first goals to flag football high-fives and volleyball rallies, we’re proud of every participant who steps onto our fields and courts. Below, you’ll find highlights from across our sports along with updates on upcoming soccer, baseball, basketball, and more.

Recreational youth sports continue to play an essential role in childhood, offering kids a fun, team-oriented environment where they can build confidence, develop friendships, and stay active. At The J, that experience is strengthened by our commitment to positive, age-appropriate play, quality coaching, and creating a welcoming space where every participant feels supported. We hope that the lessons learned here, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, will extend far beyond the game, shaping confident kids and strengthening our broader J community. 

I also want to recognize Bob Hennecke for his nearly 30 years of leadership in building J Sports & Rec from the ground up. The strength of our programs and the culture of care that defines them are a direct reflection of his dedication to ensuring every family felt valued and supported. While Bob will now be focusing his leadership on serving as Tournament Director for the Maccabi Games, his impact on our community remains strong. We're grateful for the leadership and care he poured into this program and look forward to continuing its momentum while building new opportunities for our families in the years ahead.

Stefan McMillan

Director, Sports & Recreation

12th Annual C You In The Major Leagues Camp Registration is open!

Camp Dates: June 15–18 | 9:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Ages 9–14

We’re excited to host the 12th Annual C You In The Major Leagues Camp this summer at The J. This four-day instructional camp is designed to help players sharpen the fundamentals — including fielding, throwing, hitting, and base running — in a focused and encouraging environment.

The camp is led by Dayton Moore, whose career spans collegiate coaching, Major League scouting, serving as General Manager of the Kansas City Royals, and now Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations with the Texas Rangers. His experience and leadership bring a unique level of insight and inspiration to our players.

Spots are limited and this camp fills quickly each year — be sure to secure your spot early.

Final Call for Spring Baseball & Softball Registration

This is the last chance to register for Spring Training and League Play. The deadline to sign up is March 1.

Our spring program focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and game understanding in a positive, community-centered environment. With practices beginning soon, we are finalizing teams and rosters.

If you’ve been meaning to register, now is the time. Once the deadline passes, we will close registration and finalize teams for the season.

Rebecca Jordan - 5 years at The J!

After an injury ended her playing career at 16, Rebecca chose to stay connected to the game she loves. She served as a team manager at Missouri Western before becoming a recreational referee, and eventually found her home on the sidelines as a coach here at The J.

Now in her fourth-year coaching with our volleyball program, Rebecca leads with heart and purpose. Her message to players is simple and powerful:

“Mistakes are part of growth — perseverance matters.”

She creates an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to keep improving.

Favorite Players: Brook Nuneviller & Erik Shoji
Outside of Volleyball: Reading and cross-stitching

We’re grateful for the passion and leadership Rebecca brings to our volleyball community!

Flag Football continues to build great momentum this spring, growing by 10% over last year. It’s a testament to the fun, fast-paced environment our coaches create and the excitement our families bring each season.

Flag Football Spring Break Camp still has spots available! Join us March 16–20 for a fun, active week of skills, games, and competition.

Spring Flag Football league play kicks off March 29, and registration closes March 1. Be sure to secure your spot before the deadline. Free agent placement will begin Monday, March 2 as we finalize teams for the season.

Youth Soccer continues to build strong momentum at The J, with exciting growth across several of our newer programs. This winter, more than 30 players participated in our first-ever Futsal Camp, and we saw record participation throughout our winter sessions — a great sign of continued energy and engagement in our community.

This spring, we’re bringing back our popular mini and junior classes for 3–4 and 4–5 year olds, focused on movement, coordination, and foundational ball skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.

We’ve also introduced a unique Kindergarten/1st Grade program designed to serve as a bridge into more organized gameplay, a great next step for young players ready for more structure while still keeping the focus on development and enjoyment.

Final Reminder: Registration for Spring Recreational Soccer (1st–6th grade) closes today. If you’ve been meaning to sign up, this is your last opportunity to secure a spot on a team for the season.

 

Adult Drop-In Soccer

We’ve also launched Adult Drop-In Soccer on Monday nights at The J! From 8:00–10:00 PM, members aged 21+ are invited to come play for free on the indoor turf.

Games are short (5–7 minutes), teams are created randomly each week, and the format keeps things moving so everyone gets plenty of touches. We’ve had a great mix of players, young and old & men and women, former competitive players and those just looking to stay active.

Our goal isn’t to create a cutthroat environment. It’s to build a welcoming, inclusive community of soccer-loving adults who enjoy the game, friendly competition, and time together. Whether you’re sharp, rusty, or somewhere in between there’s a place for you.

Participants must be 21 years or older to play. Email Aaron Childers if you'd like to participate, [email protected]

Congratulations to two of our J Triple Threat Basketball teams on outstanding tournament performances!

Our 7th Grade Boys, led by Coaches Josiah Ellis and Steve Armstrong, captured the championship at the KCP Sweetheart Shootout. The group competed with confidence and composure throughout the weekend — a great reflection of their preparation and teamwork.

Our 4th Grade Boys, coached by Scott Kramer, took second place at the Frostbite Shootout, continuing to show tremendous growth and energy on the court.

We’re proud of these athletes and thankful for the leadership of our coaches who invest so much time and effort into their development.

Be sure to check out their championship photos on the Sports Connect rotating banner!

MARCH 6-9, 2026

Valid at Leawood House of Sport and surrounding DICK’S Sporting Goods locations
(Please note: the offer is not valid at DICK’S Warehouse Sale or Going, Going, Gone! locations.)

This exclusive coupon gives you 20% off throughout the store, so you can stock up on cleats, gloves, uniforms, training gear, practice balls, protective equipment, and everything else your athlete may need for the season.

IMPORTANT

To access your discount, please click the, 'CLAIM YOUR COUPON HERE' button; this coupon is specific to our organization and must be shown at checkout (on your phone or printed) to receive the savings.

Thank you for being part of our spring programs and for supporting partners who give back to our community. We hope this makes gearing up for the season easier and more affordable!