Welcome to Youth Soccer at The J!

My name is Aaron Childers and I'm the latest Manager of Sports & Recreation overseeing the soccer programming. After spending the last 6 years between U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer in Coaching Education operations and refereeing in my free time, I'm excited to take on a new chapter with all of you. Prior to U.S. Soccer and MLS, I was a coach in Topeka with Topeka Soccer Club and an assistant executive director with Sunflower Soccer. My wife, Rachel, and I live in Overland Park with our daughter, Margot, and our two dogs, Kenzie and Kona.

Why J Soccer?

At J Soccer, we believe the game should be accessible, positive, and meaningful for every child who steps onto the field.

Our program is proudly grassroots focused. That means we welcome players of all experience levels — from those touching a soccer ball for the very first time to kids who already love the game and want to keep developing. Our priority is creating an environment where players can learn, grow, and enjoy soccer in a supportive, community-centered setting.

A Place to Start — and a Place to Belong

J Soccer is designed to be an entry point into the sport and a home for families who value development over pressure. We focus on:

• Building confidence through age-appropriate instruction

• Teaching fundamental soccer skills in fun, engaging ways

• Encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship, and effort

• Creating positive experiences that keep kids excited to come back

Our sessions emphasize learning through play, repetition, and guided discovery — helping players develop coordination, ball mastery, and game understanding while also building social skills and self-confidence.

Clear Pathways, Honest Expectations

While we support both new and experienced players, our current programming is not structured for high-level or elite competitive development. Families seeking advanced club-style training, travel leagues, or performance-driven environments may be better served by dedicated competitive programs in the area.

What we do offer is something equally important: a healthy, welcoming space where kids can fall in love with the game, build strong foundations, and enjoy soccer without the pressure that often comes with highly competitive pathways.

More Than Soccer

J Soccer is about more than goals and drills. It’s about community.

• We strive to create an environment where:
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• Every player feels seen and supported

• Families feel connected and informed

• Coaches model positive leadership

•  Effort and growth matter as much as results

Our aim is to deliver an experience that’s inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and centered on the whole child.

If you’re looking for a program that prioritizes enjoyment, learning, and belonging the J Soccer program is a great place to start.