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.

Kearney Parks Announces Fall Pickleball Leagues

The popular Kearney Fall Pickleball Leagues are returning for another fall season in 2025, promising an energetic community atmosphere for players of all skill levels. Hosted by Kearney Parks and Recreation, matches will be held weeknights from 6 to 10 pm at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, 619 E 19th Street.

This fall, the league stretches across six weeks, culminating in a double elimination tournament on the seventh. Competitive divisions will play three matches per night on courts 1-8, ensuring plenty of action for participants.

League options include a beginner’s league, designed for those new to the game to develop skills through play; a social league for beginner to intermediate players seeking a fun, lightly competitive experience; and an advanced social division for skilled players who enjoy competitive yet relaxed play. Mixed teams may be made up of either two female players or one male and one female, and most divisions require participants to be at least 18, though social divisions allow players as young as 12.

Registration is open from August 7 to August 31, 2025, with a cost of $50 per participant. Fall leagues begin the week of September 8th and run through October 20th. Detailed schedules, division days, and times are available under the “More Info” tab at KearneyParks.com.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity in Kearney and across the nation, drawing players of all ages with its blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Local players praise the league’s friendly environment and high-quality facilities, and many cite the opportunity to meet new people and build connections.

Parents appreciate how the league welcomes teens and young adults to compete alongside older players, fostering an inclusive, family-friendly setting. With affordable fees and easy registration, spaces are expected to fill quickly. Early signups are encouraged.

For more information or to register, visit the Kearney Parks and Recreation website or contact league organizers.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Kearney Parks and Rec Offers Exciting Fall Youth Sports

Kearney Parks and Recreation is ready to bring another exciting season of youth sports to the community this fall, with programs designed to teach fundamental skills, promote active lifestyles, and build friendships for kids of all abilities. Registration is now open for four youth leagues: NFL Flag Football, Youth Soccer, Youth Volleyball, and Fall T-Ball.

NFL Flag Football - Ages 5–12

In partnership with NFL Flag, this non-contact league gives kids a safe and engaging way to learn football fundamentals and develop coordination. Divisions are split by grade levels: K–1st, 2nd–3rd, 4th–5th, and 6th–7th. Games begin Saturday, September 27 at Jesse James Park, with practices starting the week of August 24. Each player receives an official NFL Flag reversible jersey, flag belt, and mouth guard.

6-game season, played Saturdays (no scores or standings)

$120 registration fee

Registration deadline: August 10 (No late entries accepted)

Season runs August 25 – November 1

Youth Soccer League - Ages 4–12

KPR’s soccer league offers kids a fun, skill-building introduction to the sport, with age-based divisions determined by your child’s age on August 1. Games kick off September 27 at Jesse James Park, following 1–2 weekly practices starting in late August.

6 Saturday games, starting Sept 27

KPR provides jerseys; families supply remaining gear

Volunteer coaches receive free future registration credit

Regular Registration: $100 (thru Aug 17) | Late: $120 (Aug 17–21)

Season runs August 18 – November 1

Youth Volleyball - Grades 3–7 (Ages approx. 8–13)

Youth volleyball is back and bigger than ever! This fall, Kearney teams will face off against squads from Smithville and Platte City, giving players a diverse and competitive experience. The season includes at least six games starting mid-September, with practice times set by volunteer coaches.

Jerseys provided; families supply knee pads and gear

Volunteer coaches needed (free future registration credit)

Regular Registration: $95 (thru Aug 3) | Late: $110 (Aug 3–10)

Season runs August 18 – November 1

Fall T-Ball - Ages 4–6

Perfect for beginners, this co-ed T-Ball league teaches baseball basics in a low-pressure environment. Practices start August 18, with games held Tuesday evenings at Mack Porter Park beginning September 16.

KPR provides jersey, hat, and medal; glove and helmet recommended

Teams created via computer draw

Regular Registration: $75 (thru Aug 11) | Late: $95 (Aug 11–15)

Season runs August 18 – November 11

Volunteer Coaches & Scholarships

All leagues depend on volunteer coaches, and KPR offers free future registration for your child in return. Coaching allows you to choose your team’s practice schedule. Scholarships are available for families in need—confidentiality is strictly maintained.

For more information or to register, visit the Kearney Parks and Recreation website or call 816-903-4730.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.