TAKE AWAYS:
- The Power League now includes about 70 youth football teams across the KC metro.
- League leader Maurice Woodard also runs Dynasty, one of its top-performing programs.
- Despite rapid growth, the league still faces major challenges with funding and support.
Maurice Woodard vividly remembers his early days playing youth football in Kansas City and watching his father, Murray, help run the KC Keys youth program in the early 2000s. KC Keys was once a major presence in the city’s youth sports scene, and seeing that impact made an impression on a young Maurice. Now, as president of Dynasty Youth Sports Club and co-founder of the Kansas City Power League, he’s working to build something even larger for the city’s youth.
Woodard said his father always hoped to expand the reach of youth football in Kansas City, and he sees his current work as continuing that legacy.
“A lot of times it just comes down to resources or manpower,” he said. “Our youth need an outlet, and our goal is to teach life skills through sports.”
A Growing League Model
Today, the Power League includes around 70 teams from Raytown, Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Kansas City, Kansas, and beyond — with clubs from Wichita and Columbia also traveling to compete. Programs like Dynasty field teams from ages 5 through 13. Younger players (K–2nd grade) participate in flag football, while tackle divisions begin in 3rd grade and continue through 8th.
While Woodard oversees Dynasty’s operations, he is supported by his brother Daniel, his father, and former semi-professional player D’Andre Sanders.
Teams typically play at least 12 regular-season games, though that number increases if they participate in out-of-state tournaments or advance into national competitions.
This season has been a standout. Dynasty’s 13-year-old team is ranked No. 4 nationally with a perfect 15–0 record heading into AYF nationals in Naples, Florida. In October, they earned a statement win by defeating the nationally ranked OG Ducks in Los Angeles, 13–12. Four additional Dynasty teams have also qualified for national tournaments in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The victories are helping raise Kansas City’s national visibility.
“Some of the teams in LA didn’t even know we had youth football in Missouri — and now they know,” Woodard said. “We want every team in the Power League to have that same platform.”
Recently, five of Dynasty’s teams also captured state championships, further highlighting the growth of the program.
Challenges Off the Field
Despite the on-field success, significant challenges remain. Dynasty operates as a nonprofit, and fundraising for equipment, uniforms, travel, and other expenses is an ongoing effort. Securing adequate practice space is also difficult, and Woodard says it remains one of the biggest obstacles for teams throughout the metro.
Currently, Power League games are played on three fields at the former Archbishop O’Hara High School campus, now informally known as “Dynasty Valley.” Woodard appreciates having the fields available for league play, but he hopes to someday build a facility dedicated to Dynasty’s programs.
A statewide shortage of referees has also made it harder to consistently staff youth games. Recruiting officials is a challenge, and the job brings its own pressures, including navigating intense sideline environments and passionate parents.
Seeking Support — and Hitting Limitations
Woodard says he has reached out to community institutions for partnership or visibility, including Kansas City Parks and Recreation and the Kansas City Chiefs, but has not been successful. According to Woodard, Parks and Rec expressed interest only in taking full control of the league rather than forming a partnership, and its football facilities are not always near the communities participating in the Power League.
He also says that despite multiple attempts over the years, he has never received a response from the Chiefs organization.
“Any level of visibility or encouragement from major organizations can make a difference for our kids,” he said.
The Community Voice has not independently verified the details of Woodard’s outreach efforts or the responses he describes.
He did note positive individual connections, including a prior relationship with former Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. And just last week, Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice made an unexpected appearance at a Power League game. Woodard, thrilled by the visit, chose not to use the interaction to seek support.
“That wasn’t the setting for that,” he said.
Why Youth Football Matters
Decades of research show that youth sports play an important role in children’s development. Participation is linked to improved academic performance, increased confidence, reduced risky behavior, and stronger emotional resilience. Football, in particular, fosters discipline, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance — skills that last long after players age out of youth leagues.
Woodard believes that is the true purpose of the work.
“It’s pretty major to be able to compete at this level,” he said. “We want to push the envelope as much as we can.”
Looking Ahead
With or without large institutional backing, Woodard believes the future of competitive youth football in Kansas City is bright.
“We’re focused on giving our kids the best opportunity possible,” he said. “We’re going to keep elevating the standard and helping these players reach their full potential.”