KCAFF Super League: A New Era for Eastern Kansas/Western Missouri Soccer

The Kansas City Area Football Federation (KCAFF) is set to launch an ambitious new competition in 2026: the KCAFF Super League. This in-season tournament will bring together the best clubs from regional leagues across eastern Kansas and western Missouri, creating a high-stakes battle for supremacy while maintaining the integrity of local league play.

Structure and Qualification

The KCAFF Super League will feature clubs from four major leagues:

• Select League

• Emporia Soccer League

• Lawrence Adult Soccer League

• Topeka Soccer League

KCAFF Super League logo

Each league will contribute a number of teams based on its size, ensuring that larger leagues receive more representation. The participating clubs will be determined by their league finishes in the previous season, meaning that the top-performing teams in 2025 will secure a place in the inaugural 2026 edition.

Group Stage Format

Once all qualifying teams are determined, a random group stage draw will take place. The teams will be split into groups, each consisting of a set number of clubs. Every team will play home-and-away matches against each group opponent, mirroring the classic UEFA Champions League format. The top one or two clubs (depending on group size) will advance to the knockout phase.

Knockout Stage

The knockout rounds will follow a two-legged home-and-away format until the final, where the last two clubs will meet in a single-match championship showdown at a predetermined neutral venue. This structure ensures competitive balance while rewarding consistency throughout the tournament.

Scheduling and Impact

As an in-season tournament, Super League fixtures will be scheduled periodically throughout each club’s regular league campaign. This integration allows teams to maintain their local rivalries while also competing on a larger stage against clubs from different regions.

With high-stakes matchups and a format designed to test the best clubs in eastern Kansas, the KCAFF Super League is set to become a premier competition in the regional soccer landscape. Who will rise to claim the first-ever Super League crown? The road to 2026 starts now.