Parks Department Offers Fall Martial Arts Foundations Program

Kearney Parks & Recreation is partnering with Limitless Martial Arts to offer Limitless Martial Arts Foundations. The fall program is an eight-week beginner-friendly course designed to help children build confidence, focus, discipline and respect while learning basic martial arts skills.

The program, led by Master Courtney Thuston and nationally certified instructors, is open to students ages 5 and older. Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 19, and will be held once a week at 6 p.m. at Lions Park. Each class lasts 45 minutes.

Organizers said the program is designed for students with no prior martial arts experience. Participants do not need a uniform to begin, though an optional uniform will be available for purchase. Registration fees for this program is $75 per child.

Limitless Martial Arts Foundations focuses on more than physical activity. Students will work on coordination, balance and beginner martial arts techniques while also practicing listening skills, self-control, respect for instructors and peers, and confidence that can carry into school and daily life.

All classes will be taught in a structured and encouraging environment by instructors who are SafeSport certified and background-checked. The goal, organizers said, is to make sure every student feels seen, supported and challenged in a positive way.

The eight-week session will conclude with a Showcase and Recognition Ceremony, where students will demonstrate skills they have learned, receive a Foundations certificate and have the opportunity to break boards in front of family members and peers.

Limitless Martial Arts says its mission is to develop leaders beyond the belt by helping students build courage, resilience and confidence for success both in class and in life.

Interested participants may sign up for the program at KearneyParks.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Parks Opens Registration for Fall Youth Sports

Kearney Parks and Recreation is inviting local families to sign up for a full slate of fall youth sports programs, with registration now open for soccer, flag football, T-ball and volleyball.

The fall 2026 season offers recreational leagues designed to help children learn fundamentals, stay active and build confidence through team play. Most programs begin practices in late August, with games starting in September and seasons continuing into late October.

Youth Soccer is open to children ages 4 to 12 and will be played at the Jesse James Park Soccer Fields, 3001 N. Hwy. 33. Teams will practice one to two times per week beginning in late August, followed by six Saturday games starting in late September. Divisions are based on a child’s age as of Aug. 1, even if the child has a birthday during the season. KPR will provide a jersey, while families are responsible for shoes, shorts, socks and shin guards.

Youth Flag Football is available for children in kindergarten through seventh grade. The low-contact league will include at least six games, generally played on Saturday mornings at Jesse James Park, with practices and game times provided by each coach. KPR will provide each player with a jersey and mouthpiece, and families will provide shoes, socks, shorts or pants and other needed gear.

Fall T-Ball is open to children ages 4 to 6 of all skill levels. Practices begin the week of Aug. 24, and six Tuesday evening games are tentatively scheduled to begin Sept. 25 at Mack Porter Park, 1001 N. 33 Hwy. KPR will provide a jersey, hat and end-of-season medal; parents should provide a glove and are encouraged to provide a helmet. Makeup games will be scheduled as needed, with KPR making up a maximum of two rainouts during the season.

Youth Volleyball is offered for students in grades three through seven. This season, Kearney teams will also compete with teams from Smithville Parks and Recreation and Platte City Parks and Recreation, giving players a broader game experience. Teams will play at least six games in Kearney, Smithville and Platte City, with games tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-September. KPR will provide jerseys, while families are responsible for shoes, socks, shorts or pants, knee pads and other equipment.

Registration for soccer, flag football and volleyball is open now through Sunday, Aug. 2. Soccer and flag football cost $100 per player, while volleyball costs $95. T-ball registration fee is $75.

Volunteer coaches are needed for all recreation sports programs. Coaches receive a free registration for their child as a credit for future use after practices begin, and they are able to choose their team’s practice schedule around their availability.

Scholarships are available for families in need, and confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. For more information, families may contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730 or visit KearneyParks.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Spring Pickleball League Launches in Kearney

Kearney Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce the return of its Spring Pickleball League for 2026, providing players of all skill levels the opportunity to participate in this fast-growing sport. The league will run weeknights from 6 to 11 pm on courts 1-8 at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, located at 619 E 19th Street.

The schedule features a six-week league, culminating in a seventh week double elimination tournament, with competitive divisions playing three matches per night.

League divisions include options for true beginners, advanced beginners, social players, and advanced social competitors. Mixed teams are defined as either two female players or one male and one female, and the minimum player age is 18, except for social divisions which allow participants as young as 12.

Registration for the spring league is currently open, with regular registration available from March 2 to April 5, 2026. The league begins the week of April 13 and concludes June 15, with a regular registration fee of $50.

Additionally, a free beginner pickleball clinic will be held on Saturday, April 11, offering new adult players a two-hour session covering the basics and practice drills. Registration for the clinic is limited to the first 20 participants, so early sign-up is encouraged.

Kearney Parks and Rec invites players to join the league and experience the excitement, camaraderie, and friendly competition of pickleball this spring. Sign up now at KearneyParks.com and don't miss your chance to be part of the action.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Challenger Soccer Camp Returns for Summer 2026

Following the spring league, the Kearney Parks and Recreation Department (KPR) is again partnering with Challenger Sports to host Soccer Skills Camps, providing a unique international camp experience right in Kearney. The camp will run from June 15 to June 19, 2026, at Jesse James Park, with registration open from January 5 to June 7, 2026.

The Tiny Tykes program introduces young children to soccer through fundamental skills and fun, adventure-themed activities. Influenced by the popular year-round curriculum, Tiny Tykes helps develop coordination, balance, and basic soccer techniques. Participants also receive access to an online library of at-home videos to keep the soccer excitement going after camp ends.

Older players will build on their skills with professional, international coaches leading three-hour sessions each day. The curriculum covers individual technique, small-sided games, and includes World Cup-style competitions. Campers also benefit from a virtual coaching platform to continue their soccer education year-round.

All participants receive a free soccer ball and jersey as part of their camp experience.

Registration for the Challenger Soccer Camp is open now. Families interested in volunteering as coaches or applying for scholarships are encouraged to reach out early to secure their spot and take advantage of available options. For more details or to register, visit the KearneyParks.com website or contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Youth Recreation Leagues Registration Now Open

Kearney Parks and Recreation (KPR), in partnership with Smithville Parks and Recreation and Platte City Parks and Recreation, has announced open registration for its Youth Recreation Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Leagues for the Spring 2026 season. These programs offer inclusive opportunities for children of all skill levels, providing a fun and supportive environment for boys and girls ages 4-14.

All leagues operate under standard Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball rules. The programs rely heavily on volunteer coaches. Interested parents can volunteer by clicking the "Volunteer" tab on the registration site. Volunteer coaches receive free registration for their child (credited for future use after practices start) and have the flexibility to set practice schedules around their availability. Volunteering as a coach is also the best way to guarantee preferred practice days and times for your child.

Scholarships are available for families in need, with complete confidentiality assured. For more information about scholarships, families can contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730.

Baseball League

The Youth Recreation Baseball League is open to boys ages 7-14. Each team will play six games throughout the season, and teams are assigned through a random computer draw to ensure fairness. The age division for each child is determined by their age as of April 1, 2026. Practices will start the week of April 6, and games begin the week of April 29. Participants will receive a jersey, hat, and an end-of-season medal from KPR, while parents are asked to provide a glove and a recommended helmet.

Softball League

Girls ages 7-14 can join the Youth Recreation Softball League. Like the baseball league, teams are assigned randomly, and each team will play six games per season. Practices begin the week of April 6, with games tentatively starting the week of April 27. KPR will provide a jersey, hat, and medal, and parents supply a glove and suggested helmet. The age division is determined by the child's age on April 1, 2026.

T-Ball League

The T-Ball League welcomes children ages 4-6. All games are scheduled for Friday evenings at Mack Porter Park, with start times at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. As with the other leagues, teams are assigned via random computer draw. Practices begin the week of April 6, and games tentatively start the week of April 27. Each child receives a jersey, hat, and medal, while parents provide a glove and recommended helmet.

Registration for all leagues is now open. Parents can sign up online for regular registration between January 2 and March 31, 2026, or opt for late registration from April 1 to April 5, 2026. The full program duration runs from April 6 through June 29, 2026.

The Spring 2026 Youth Recreation Leagues offer a welcoming environment for children to learn teamwork, develop their skills, and make new friends.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.