KANSAS CITY'S FOOTBALL IS BACK

Bryce Empey
7 days ago
2 min read

Today begins Matchday One of the 2026 Select League season. The league that has grown from a new challenger into one of the metro’s most ambitious adult competitions. Featuring clubs across Missouri and Kansas with promotion-minded energy, local rivalries, and real identity.

And this year? The map changes again.

NEW BLOOD ARRIVES - Four new clubs step into Select League competition:

- Barilleros

- Emporia FC

- Lone Jack Athletic

- Merriam Atlas

Fresh clubs mean fresh pressure. No one fully knows how they’ll translate on opening day — but every returning side knows expansion changes everything.

THE RETURNING CORE -Back again and ready to defend their place:

- Real Overland Park

- Northland FC

Real Overland Park have become one of the recognizable names in the competition, while Northland FC continues to build a North Kansas City identity centered on community and competitiveness.

SHOCK OF THE OFFSEASON

After publicly signaling an exit, Southside FC are back. Call it unfinished business. Call it a change of heart. Call it chaos. Whatever the label, Southside’s re-entry adds another edge to a league that already doesn’t need help creating storylines.

WHAT THE LAST TWO SEASONS BUILT

The first two Select League seasons established key truths:

- Clubs care deeply about local pride

- Results swing quickly week to week

- New contenders can rise fast

- This league rewards consistency, not hype

The league has continued adding clubs, publishing tables/results, and expanding its profile, including highlighting U.S. Open Cup eligibility pathways and broader regional ambitions.

WHAT TO WATCH TODAY

1. Can the newcomers hit immediately?

2. Who controls the title race early?

3. Which returning club leveled up?

4. Southside FC’s response

FINAL WORD

This isn’t just another rec league kickoff. This is clubs representing neighborhoods, cities, and identities across the Kansas City area. New badges. Old grudges. Fresh starts. Immediate pressure.

Select League Matchday One starts today.