Soccer enthusiasts in Kentucky have a lot to look forward to each year. With a growing interest in the sport, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and support local teams. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in the world of Kentucky soccer.
One of the most exciting developments in Kentucky soccer is the recent launch of the Lexington Sporting Club. This professional soccer team is the first of its kind in the area, and has already attracted a passionate following of fans. With a focus on community involvement and youth development, the Lexington Sporting Club is a great example of the positive impact that soccer can have on the state.
In addition to professional teams like the Lexington Sporting Club, Kentucky is also home to a thriving youth soccer scene. With organizations like Kentucky Youth Soccer Association offering coaching education and state cup tournaments, young players have ample opportunities to develop their skills and compete at a high level. Whether you’re a parent looking to get your child involved in the sport or a coach looking to improve your skills, there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed in the world of Kentucky soccer.
Soccer in Kentucky: A Brief History
Kentucky has a rich history of soccer, with the sport being played in the state for over 100 years. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) officially recognized soccer as a varsity sport in 1980, and it has been growing in popularity ever since.
The first state championship was held in 1982, with St. Xavier High School in Louisville winning the inaugural title. Since then, the state tournament has grown to include both boys and girls teams from all corners of the state.
Over the years, Kentucky has produced a number of standout soccer players who have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. Some of the most notable include:
- Patrick Nyarko – a former standout at St. Xavier High School who went on to play at Virginia Tech and in Major League Soccer (MLS)
- Andrew Farrell – a former standout at Atherton High School who went on to play at the University of Louisville and in MLS
- Erika Tymrak – a former standout at Christian Academy of Louisville who went on to play at the University of Florida and in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Today, soccer is played at all levels in Kentucky, from youth leagues to high school to college and beyond. The state boasts a number of strong programs, including the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, as well as a thriving youth soccer scene.
Kentucky Soccer Leagues and Teams
Major League Soccer (MLS) Teams in Kentucky
Unfortunately, there are no Major League Soccer (MLS) teams in Kentucky at the moment. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to watch high-quality soccer in the state.
United Soccer League (USL) Teams in Kentucky
There are two USL teams in Kentucky: Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC. Louisville City FC was founded in 2014 and has won two USL championships. Racing Louisville FC is a newer team, founded in 2019, and plays in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as well as the USL.
National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Teams in Kentucky
There are also several National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) teams in Kentucky. These include:
- Campbellsville FC
- Derby City Rovers
- Kentucky Alliance SC
- Kentucky Football Club (KFC)
- Kentucky Rush
- Louisville City FC U23
- Lexington Landsharks
These teams provide opportunities for players to compete at a high level and for fans to enjoy quality soccer in their local communities. Overall, while there may not be any MLS teams in Kentucky, there are still plenty of opportunities to watch and participate in soccer at various levels. Whether it’s supporting a local USL or NPSL team, or playing in a recreational league, soccer is an important part of Kentucky’s sports culture.
Kentucky Soccer Tournaments and Events
Kentucky is home to a variety of soccer tournaments and events that cater to both recreational and competitive teams. Here are a few of the most popular:
Kentucky State Cup
The Kentucky State Cup is part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series and is open to any properly registered team aged 13U – 19U that has competed in (or will compete in) a 4-team league. No all-star teams or guest players are allowed. The winners of the Kentucky State Cup advance to the Midwest Regional Championships, and from there, to the US Youth Soccer National Championships.
Kentucky Derby Festival Soccer Tournament
The Kentucky Derby Festival Soccer Tournament is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and attracts teams from across the region. The tournament is open to boys and girls teams aged 9U – 19U and features both recreational and competitive divisions. In addition to the soccer matches, the tournament also includes a skills competition, a vendor village, and other fun activities for players and spectators alike.
Bluegrass Cup
The Bluegrass Cup is a popular soccer tournament held each year in Lexington, Kentucky. The tournament is open to boys and girls teams aged 9U – 19U and features both recreational and competitive divisions. In addition to the soccer matches, the tournament also includes a skills competition, a vendor village, and other fun activities for players and spectators alike.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, there’s no shortage of soccer tournaments and events to enjoy in the Bluegrass State. From the Kentucky State Cup to the Kentucky Derby Festival Soccer Tournament to the Bluegrass Cup, there’s something for everyone.
Soccer Fields and Facilities in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to several excellent soccer fields and facilities that cater to both amateur and professional players. Some of the most popular soccer fields and facilities in Kentucky are:
- Jewish Community Center: Located in Louisville, this community center has a well-kept soccer field that is open to the public. The field is equipped with soccer balls, goals, corner flags, benches, and restrooms.
- Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex: This $7.7 million facility is home to Kentucky’s men’s and women’s soccer programs. It has a capacity of 3,368 and houses separate facilities for the men’s and women’s programs, including team rooms, player lounges, and locker areas.
- NKU Soccer Stadium: Located in Northern Kentucky University, this soccer stadium has a SportGrass competition surface that measures 120 yards by 75 yards. It also has two 100-meter track lanes and a jump pit for the Norse track and field teams.
- Panther Field: This soccer field is located in Kentucky Wesleyan College and was established in 1979 when the program was introduced as a varsity sport. The field was named after K. Wayne Foster and his wife Cathy in 2006.
These soccer fields and facilities are well-maintained and offer various amenities to players and spectators alike. Whether you’re a professional soccer player or a casual enthusiast, you’re sure to find a soccer field or facility in Kentucky that meets your needs.
Getting Involved in Kentucky Soccer
For those interested in getting involved in soccer in Kentucky, there are many opportunities available. Here are some ways to get started:
Joining a Local Soccer League
One of the best ways to get involved in soccer in Kentucky is to join a local soccer league. There are many leagues throughout the state, ranging from youth leagues to adult leagues. Some of the most popular leagues include:
- Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA)
- Commonwealth Soccer Club
- Kings Hammer Soccer Club
- Independence Soccer Club
Joining a league is a great way to meet new people, improve your soccer skills, and get some exercise. Most leagues offer both recreational and competitive options, so there is something for everyone.
Volunteering and Coaching Opportunities
Another way to get involved in soccer in Kentucky is to volunteer or become a coach. Many local leagues and clubs are in need of volunteers to help with various tasks, such as field maintenance, fundraising, and event planning. Coaching is also a great way to get involved, and many leagues offer coaching education programs to help you get started.
Some of the organizations that offer coaching education programs in Kentucky include:
- Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA)
- United Soccer Coaches
- US Soccer Coaching Education
Attending Soccer Games and Events
Finally, attending soccer games and events is a great way to get involved in the soccer community in Kentucky. There are many opportunities to watch both professional and amateur soccer in the state, including:
- Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Soccer
- Louisville City FC
- Lexington FC
- Kentucky Premier League
Attending games and events is a great way to show your support for the local soccer community and to meet other soccer fans in the area.
Conclusion
Kentucky has a thriving soccer community, with opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. From youth leagues to professional teams, there is no shortage of options for those looking to get involved in the sport.
Coaching education is a top priority for Kentucky Youth Soccer, with low-barrier, easily accessible programs available to help coaches improve their skills and knowledge. This commitment to coaching development is reflected in the high level of play seen on the field.
For those looking to watch soccer in Kentucky, the Lexington Sporting Club provides an exciting new option. With a focus on building a strong community around the team, the club is quickly becoming a beloved part of the local sports scene.
Overall, Kentucky offers a welcoming and supportive environment for soccer players and fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to get involved in the sport in the Bluegrass State.
