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The growth of soccer in Kansas City has been nothing short of amazing the last few years and it does not seem to be stopping. Another team is joining the ranks this summer.
Sources have revealed that the GSI Pridewill be joining the Women’s Premiere Soccer League for 2017 and will compete in the Heartland Conference. The WPSL is made up of over 100 teams across the nation and is primarily used as a development league for college players. A number of National Women’s Soccer League clubs field reserve teams in the league as well.
The head coach will be Huw Williams, the well-known local coach who recently stepped down from the GM role for FC Kansas City. Williams was an assistant coach with FCKC for both of their NWSL championships. His assistant coach is Derek Shoare, another highly accomplished youth coach and an assistant with Kansas. Between Williams and Shoare, they have championships from the professional to the youth level. The pair have combined for an incredible 49 State championships.
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Sources indicate that the GSI PRIDE intends to use former professional players, current reserve (or developmental) pro players and both current and former collegiate standouts. With Williams connections to FC Kansas City, do not be at all surprised to see their players that need game time or coming back from rehab to play.
A number of high level college players have played for Shoare and Williams and would be likely candidates for the team as well.
The GSI part of the name refers to GSI Sports, the tournament, camp, sports management business based in Overland Park, Kansas. Williams is the owner/operator of GSI Sports.
Other teams in the Heartland Conference includes the KC Courage (another Kansas City WPSL team), the Chicago Red Stars Reserves, the Des Moines Menace and the Minnesota Twin Stars.