Bryan Stalder
Contributor

When most people think of semi-professional soccer, they picture seasoned adult players grinding out games in regional leagues. But at Ryogoku Soccer Academy, 606 Gladstone Blvd., the story looks very different. This fall, the academy fielded a United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) roster where 80 percent of players are age 16 or younger—making them by far the youngest team in the entire league.

Based in Kansas City, Ryogoku competed in the UPSL’s fall season, a platform founded in 2011 that now stands as the largest pro-development league in North America. Positioned at the fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, the UPSL serves as a bridge between youth academies and the professional game.

Despite their age, Ryogoku’s players proved they belonged. Throughout the season, they took on teams stacked with older, more experienced athletes and never backed down. On June 7, 2025, they drew 1–1 against the Kansas City Legends. Earlier in the season, they narrowly fell 3–2 to Al Madinah Wichita FC in a tightly contested match. Their biggest moment came on November 22, when they defeated Capital City Roots FC of Des Moines, Iowa, 4–3 in the Conference Semifinals. That win propelled them into the conference final the very next day—a remarkable accomplishment for such a young squad.

“For Ryogoku, this ’25 UPSL Fall Season was historic,” said Ruben Garcia-Flores, an 11th-grader and key contributor. “It was a challenge competing against quality teams across our region. It filled us with experience and maturity that will guide us through what is to come.”

A major part of Ryogoku’s success comes from its leadership. Jesus Perez Jr., a former MLS first-round draft pick, teaches at Ryogoku and plays on the UPSL squad, bringing invaluable professional insight. Head Coach Hector “Moy” Solorio—who played Division I soccer at Niagara University and previously competed with Sporting KC’s academy—guides the team with a blend of high-level expertise and deep commitment to player development. Their presence helps elevate the play of a roster dominated by teenagers and prepares them for increasingly competitive environments.

But Ryogoku’s mission extends far beyond wins and losses. The academy trains out of a revitalized indoor facility in Swope Park, offering year-round access to turf fields—a crucial resource that removes financial and logistical barriers that often prevent local youth from participating in elite soccer.

Their community footprint is just as strong. Earlier this year, Northeast News covered their Copa de Calle, a street-style soccer-tennis tournament that blended art, culture, and community togetherness. Events like these highlight Ryogoku’s philosophy: soccer as a tool for inclusivity, local pride, and upward mobility.

Director Brad Leonard says the long-term vision is to build a pipeline for young talent—offering exposure, high-level training, and opportunities that could propel dedicated players into professional pathways. Competing in the UPSL gives teenagers real-world experience rarely available at their age.

“The UPSL helps my future goals in many ways,” said Emilio Soto, a 10th-grade player. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to become a professional soccer player, and the UPSL has helped me get a feel for what professional soccer will be like. It’s been a fun experience through the wins and losses. Now we wait for the future.”

For Kansas City, Ryogoku’s UPSL presence represents more than another team on the standings—it signals investment in youth, opportunity, and community development. And as this year’s competitive season winds down, one thing is clear: Ryogoku’s impact goes far beyond the scoresheet. They are building a future—one player, one season, and one opportunity at a time.