Northeast Youth Soccer League Panel discussion and the World Cup Luncheon

Come find out what Northeast Kansas City has been offering our youth soccer players for years now. Several Organizations that offer soccer to their youth are to be our guest speakers on a panel at the February Luncheon.

Come hear about their involvement with FIFA and the World Cup.

Our panelists include;

Reggie Francois, Senior Recreation Director with Kansas City Parks and Recreation. My role includes creating and managing programs for the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the 9th & Van Brunt Soccer Complex.

I currently manage several soccer programs, including Let’s Play Soccer for ages 3–6, Big Heart Soccer, a youth soccer tournament, Girls Empowerment, a program for middle and high school students, and a Women’s Soccer League

Rev Nicholas Kaufmann Mamisashvili Operations Director with Global FC I organize Global FC – a soccer club for refugee teens and kids in Kansas City.

Brad Leonard, Director Ryogoku Soccer Academy is an accredited international school and elite soccer development program for young men in grades 5-12, located in Kansas City, MO. Through Ryogoku Soccer Academy, Brad is committed to blending rigorous academics, elite soccer, and community engagement to create an all-encompassing educational model that responds directly to the needs of students and families.

Hector Moy Solorio, Director of Coaching at Ryogoku Soccer Academy and Youth Development Coordinator at the Mattie Rhodes Center. A holder of the United States Soccer Federation National “B” License, Coach Solorio has played soccer professionally and competed at the NCAA Division I level. His journey through the game has positioned him as a trusted mentor and leader within Kansas City’s historic Northeast. Hector is deeply invested in player development, focusing on technical growth, character, and opportunity for youth who may not otherwise have access to high-level soccer pathways.

Diego Barrera, Student-athlete at Ryogoku Soccer Academy and a passionate youth advocate. He was recently selected to the Generation 2026 Youth Leadership Council, an international initiative supported by the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, UNICEF USA, and the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. Diego serves as the youth representative for Kansas City, collaborating with peers from FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada to help shape meaningful local and global change. Bilingual and experienced in international travel and cross-cultural engagement, Diego is well prepared to contribute on a global stage. As Kansas City prepares to host the World Cup in 2026, Diego represents his city, community, and Ryogoku Soccer Academy with leadership, vision, and purpose.

Seyoum W Kassa, President, founder and Coach Heartland African Soccer Federation. We train, coach and organize tournaments.

Schedule/Agenda

• 11:45 ARRIVE AT THE CHAMBER COMMUNITY ROOM
• 12:00 TAKE A SEAT, INTRODUCTIONS – FILL YOUR PLATES
• 12:15 INTRODUCE GUESTS – PANEL DISCUSSIONS
• 12:45 QUESTIONS
• 1:00 CONCLUSION / NETWORKING

Catering Restaurant: Charritos Taqueria. Taco Tuesday (beef, pork , chicken), rice & beans, garden salad, coffee & tea.

Eventbrite $25

Seating is available for the program with NO Lunch. Drinks on the House.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84664788549?pwd=CQEqVXScJfdCGu5ent6haVBfu3O6iN.1

Meeting ID: 846 6478 8549 Passcode: 855024