By OkayGoal 
Missouri may not be the first state in anybody’s head when soccer is mentioned, but it’s soundly gaining a good reputation in the game. For children and adolescents in general there’s really some momentum building. From rec leagues where the emphasis is having fun and developing skills, to competitive club systems meant to deliver the next stars, it’s as good a time as any to be involved.
The structure of youth soccer in Missouri
If your kid is kicking around a ball and you’re thinking “what’s next?”, here’s a breakdown of how youth soccer is organized in the state, along with opportunities, benefits and what to expect.
Starting out in recreation leagues
Most kids begin their soccer careers in a low-key, friendly, neighborhood recreation league. For example, in the City of Columbia kids ages 4-18 can register under a city parks program providing spring and fall seasons.
A second example: In Jefferson City there is a Pre-K to 5th grade “Central Missouri Soccer Academy” that is a partnership of local club coaching and parks facilities.
These leagues are perfect for building basic skills, getting to know other players, understanding team play; no huge travel demands, mainly local games, with a focus on fun.
Elevating the game to club/competitive structure
When there is interest and some ability from a child, the club soccer path becomes an option. One of the primary players is the Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), they are the state affiliate of U.S. Youth Soccer and oversee a large range of programs. MYSA hosts tournaments like the State Cup (U13-19) and President’s Cup, where teams have the chance to play regionally and across the country.
Then there are clubs such as Missouri Rush Soccer Club in the St. Louis region, which is one of the elite ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) models for higher-level youth players, boys and girls. So, the continuum is fairly clearly laid out: Recreation → club/travel teams → elite competition (if players desire and have the ability/will). This structure allows kids to learn their level (for fun only) or work toward competitive soccer in earnest, depending on interest and skill.
Benefits for young players
What’s in it for your kid? If you’re involved or considering getting involved here are some of the big upsides.
Life skills and community: Team play teaches discipline, teamwork, dealing with wins and losses, showing up; things that are not just about soccer.
Physical and mental development: The physicality of the game is obvious. But soccer also demands decision-making, spatial awareness, coordination; all terrific for bodies and minds in development.
Road to top tiers: If your child has high aspirations, there’s evidence this occurs. For example, Miguel Perez of St. Louis was born in the state of Missouri, played area youth soccer and graduated into the St. Louis City SC academy, now a professional player.
More visibility: With an outfit like St. Louis City SC in MLS and children seeing that route, the incentive is real. Deeds are louder than words.
Community growth: Local clubs and leagues help build relationships, serve local neighborhoods and allow young people to engage in positive, healthy activities.
The Missouri gaming landscape
Missouri itself has a respectable-sized gaming market of its own in the form of riverboat casinos, but the internet will have the entire situation upside its head. Hundreds of millions of dollars of extra tax revenue in the next decade are estimated by analysts, most of it tied to sports betting.
The action will include all of the big guns, like Bet365. All the big sportsbooks will be vying for the business with offers, sign-up bonuses and improvements in odds, so there will be plenty for players to benefit.
For individuals seeking a site where they will be able to compare odds and strategies in one location, sites such as betting with Bet365 Missouri will be of high appeal. It’s a hub of information for sports bettors, providing expert advice, in-depth predictions, sportsbook promo codes, futures odds monitor and even how-to betting guides. Whether your passion is for women’s soccer, NCAA, UFC or NBA, these resources will provide new and experienced bettors with an advantage.
What this means for youth soccer in Missouri
You might wonder: What does the sports gambling world have to do with minors playing soccer? Well, the connection is more indirect than direct, but here’s why it matters if you’re following youth soccer (or parenting a young player).
Raised profile of soccer
As sports betting online is legalized and embraced in Missouri, soccer as a sport has more media coverage, more limelight, more sponsorship funds. That trickles down. More viewership translates into more money, more interest; that typically translates into more investment in youth centers, more chances for clubs, more motivation for young players.
Sponsorships and club funding
When professional leagues, clubs and amateur groups receive more sponsorship, some of that fortune can filter down into youth programs. Better fields, better coaches, improved models for clubs; all of which help minors who play soccer.
Let’s say, for example, pro clubs partner with sportsbooks for sponsorships. They might invest some of the profits in youth academies or community programs. That’s a healthy cycle.
Player registration and compliance
If your child participates in club soccer, there are registration obligations. For instance, MYSA has a “State Pass” (formerly At-Large) player card for a player in Missouri who wants to play in MYSA-sanctioned tournaments even if he/she is not a member of a regular club team.
This means there are formal steps, fees, cards, rules to ensure safety and eligibility in tournaments. It’s a real sport, not just pickup in the park. That’s a good thing: It means structure, coaching standards, referee oversight and more.