Business Talk Magazine

What is the secret behind a successful youth soccer league? While having the proper coaching support is crucial, having effective leadership for direction and proper functioning rather than micromanaging is just as important. The effective management of a soccer organization must be supported by focused goals that also guarantee the organization’s financial stability. Leaders in this context require a unique set of skills to prosper because clubs are operating in a competitive and ever-changing environment.

Our captivating edition, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022,” features influential figures from a range of sectors. In addition to innovators, the selection process takes into account leaders whose leadership, direction, and management show a “one-of-a-kind” capacity. In light of that, we made a brief diversion from the industrial ecology and entered the sports ecosystem. This got us in touch with Shane Hackett, Executive Director of the Heartland Soccer Association. 

Shane is a multifaceted leader, and considering the popularity of this sport in the USA, we truly wanted to share how a top corporate executive has grown Heartland Soccer Association into the largest soccer league and tournament host in the United States. Continue reading to get the whole story.

A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL LEADER

“Innovative leadership is predicated on a leader’s multifaceted resourcefulness and multidimensional competencies.”

Shane’s leadership expertise spans across a multitude of verticals, from business to technology and even humanitarian concerns. He is a partner, co-founder, and Chief Strategy Officer of Legion Capital, a private equity firm lending for business and real-estate development. He is the chairman of MarketLeverage, a digital marketing network listed in INC 100 Advertising Firms and Fortune 500 Fastest Growing Companies. He also works with The Global Orphan Project and Life-Giving Force to build orphanages and design clean water projects in third-world countries. Prior to this, he worked for years in radio stations, creating and producing nationally syndicated radio shows such as “Baseball Sunday with Joe Garagiola,” “Football Sunday,” and “NBA Basketball Sunday.”

However, taking the helm of Heartland Soccer Association has not only broadened his horizons but also given him a new milestone. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Heartland Soccer Association to prominence over the last two decades. Heartland runs more than a dozen tournaments at the top-notch SCHEELS Overland Park Soccer Complex, GARMIN Olathe Soccer Complex, Compass Mineral Sporting Fields, and Swope Soccer Village venues. Heartland offers soccer programming including leagues, tournament, college showcases and combines. Under Shane’s supervision, the organisation has grown exponentially over the years, with investments in world-class youth soccer specific complexes that draw teams, players, and families from across the United States and Canada.

MAKING A “BEAUTIFUL” GAME AVAILABLE TO ALL

Soccer has been a huge success in the United States for many years. Even though it can’t be compared with the European variant, the game definitely has its own prominence in American culture. With its growing prominence, youth soccer in America has grown into a billion-dollar industry. In fact, many American talents are causing shockwaves in European clubs. All of this goodness, however, is not without drawbacks and challenges, such as cost and affordability. Moreover, soccer organizations compete against one another on and off the field.

Heartland takes a different approach to address the challenges in youth soccer. It focuses on being inclusive with soccer clubs and organizations to be more inclined to growth. The organization invests heavily in its sports complexes and programs. “This has been a game-changer for us, given we are offering all teams the ability to play at all skill levels of play,” says Shane. This also gives them a better chance at being competitive. Soccer as a sport is evolving, and Heartland is innovating the marketing of its league and tournaments accordingly. In a nutshell, it focuses on customer service and offers excellent opportunities in world-class fields. Clubs and teams that travel to play at its events or enjoy a great game with the same enthusiasm.

RUN BY PEOPLE WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As previously stated, a successful soccer organization requires a close relationship between coaching support, the team, and leading management. Heartland follows this to the note. It strives to be creative and forward-thinking in business and values relationships. This makes it their mission to develop sustainable relationships with clients. Heartland maintains trust with clients even in the face of adversity by communicating with them while keeping integrity at the forefront. 

Most of its senior staff from managers, schedulers, operations and other field staff imbibe the values of freedom and responsibility. “Most of them have been with us for over 15 years and are working to make a difference,” says Shane. Everyone values freedom and responsibility at work, takes ownership, and meets deadlines. The talented group of managers has a record of delivering results every week and delivering over 15,000 games each year, which is remarkable. This ultimately contributes to seeing youth soccer grow and flourish through down cycles in its economy. It even drives parents to make youth sports a priority for their children even if times of financial crunch.

DRIVING A SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

Heartland Soccer Association is more than just a youth soccer league. It’s an ecosystem that can shape people’s passion and make a positive difference in other people’s lives. Shane believes the game of soccer is more than just a competition. Beyond the final score of a match, there are many life lessons to be learned, such as “It takes hard work and effort to succeed,” “Learn how to win and lose graciously,” “Be a team player and work within a team,” and so much more. These thoughts can deliberately create meaning for anyone and the surrounding people.

The aforethought process and value-added leadership have helped the organization make great strides. Heartland Soccer Association has more than 1,350 league teams per season, 3,300 tournament teams annually, 72,000 youth league and tournament players, 4,000 coaches, and 2,000 active referees. It has grown from an initial 600 players to serving more than 4,700 teams from 16 states and internationally with leagues and tournaments. Being a critical force behind these milestones, Shane feels immensely proud of the organization and the people behind it. With time, he wishes to see the Heartland Soccer Association attain new heights and become a more prominent soccer league and tournament host in the United States and worldwide.

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