February Academy Affiliate Club Spotlight: Sporting Kaw Valley
CLUB BIO
Sporting Kaw Valley (SKV) was established as a non-profit (501c3) in Lawrence, KS in 1982 and provides the opportunity for nearly 5000 participants (2000+ members), between 3-19 years of age, to participate in a variety of recreational, academy, and competitive soccer programs and services in Lawrence, Topeka, & Manhattan, Kansas. Sporting Kaw Valley became an “Academy Affiliate” in 2011 and was the first official “Academy Affiliate” of Sporting Kansas City.
Mission: Enriching Lives and Connecting Communities Through the Sport of Soccer.
Vision: To be recognized by our constituents as the most comprehensive soccer organization wherever we operate.
Value Proposition: We value DEVELOPMENT over winning (ie. players, coaches, staff, members, etc.).
Core Values: Team First, Work Ethic, Intelligence, Growth Mentality
CLUB RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Currently provide a wide range of soccer related service in 3 communities across the State of Kansas (ie. Lawrence, Topeka, and Manhattan, Kansas).
- Recognized as the 2018 Sporting Club Network Member Club of the Year
- Currently own and operate a USL2 team (Kaw Valley FC). Kaw Valley FC was recognized as the new franchise of the year in 2018 and the team advanced to the “Elite Eight” (out of 74 teams) in 2019.
COACH SPOTLIGHT
GORDON TEMPLE
Premier Coach
Gordon Temple has been a tremendous asset to Sporting KV. Gordon currently coaches several of the top high school boys and girls teams in our club and he excels at teaching tactical awareness, injury prevention, and preparing players to compete at the collegiate level. In addition to coaching at the club, Coach Temple serves as director of the SKV College Placement Program and has experience as an assistant coach at Baker University at Kaw Valley FC of USL2. Gordon is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland and played collegiately at Ottawa University.
ELISSA POST
Premier Coach
Elissa Post has been a staple in the Manhattan soccer community for the past several years. Coach Post currently coaches a U9 girls Academy team and a U18/19 girls premier team for Sporting Kaw Valley. Elissa is a dedicated and passionate coach and leader and she serves as a fantastic role model for the youth members of our club and community. In addition to coaching in our club, Coach Post has experience coaching at Manhattan High School, Emporia State University, and Kansas State University.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
PARKER BENTLEY
2007 Boys Player
Parker Bentley is an outstanding playmaker on the SKV 07 boys team and he has attended SKC Academy All-Star Events. He has excelled in the midfield by using his foot skills and vision. He is a joy to coach and his work ethic encourages others around him. Parker and his brother Spencer, who also plays for SKV, train together when they are not at practice and they are avid SKC fans. When he is not kicking the soccer ball around, Parker works as an outdoor and indoor referee.
ALLIE SCHROEDER
2006/07 Girls Player
Allie Schroeder plays for the SKV 06 and 07 top girls’ teams and is a stand out player even when she plays up an age group. She is very fast, has great ball control, and is good at finishing. She helps both teams by playing center defender and forward, and she excels in each position. Allie is a great teammate and always has a positive, never give up attitude. She has also attended numerous SKC Academy Affiliate All-Star Events and been a member of the KS ODP team. Allie makes straight A’s plays the piano, the violin, and has recently picked up the ukulele.
For more information on Sporting Kaw Valley please visit www.sportingkawvalley.org and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.