It makes sense that Kansas University soccer coach Mark Francis would take charge of one of the Kansas Soccer Academy’s new club level teams this fall.

“If I’m already going to be out at my kids’ games watching, I might as well be coaching them,” said Francis who has three children between ages 10 and 13.

Yet what is a convenience for Francis could be a benefit for the entire youth soccer community.

“We by no means think we’re the answer to solving the soccer problems in Lawrence,” KSA co-founder and Free State High boys and girls coach Jason Pendleton said, “but we think we can offer good quality instruction on a consistent basis for a certain age group that can help those kids get the kind of technical foundation that should greatly benefit them in this sport.”

Last year, Francis and Pendleton combined to offer weekly skill training sessions to about 40 youths and also created three high school-aged girls club teams.

More club teams will be formed following tryouts Wednesday through Friday. Anyone interested in signing up or obtaining more information can find it at www.kansassocceracademy.com.

“This seemed like the next logical step for us to help improve the level of soccer in Lawrence,” said Pendleton, who said that in addition to weekly practices and games, individual skill training sessions still would be included year-round.

“We’re in this for the long haul. We think that with the level of experience that coach Francis and I have along with the support of ex-KU players and former Free State players that we can provide a quality service to the soccer consumers in the area.”

While former Jayhawks Lauren Williams and Gabby Quiggle will help coach, another name in the local soccer community – former Baker University and Emporia State coach Ivan Huntoon – also will provide support.

“His knowledge will be very helpful, especially in the skills department,” said Francis, who, in addition to guiding to the Jayhawks to their first Big 12 Conference championship and best season in school history last year, also juggled time coaching his son Caleb’s youth team.

“It’s a little bit of a time crunch, especially in season, but obviously we have a lot of great people helping out, and it’s definitely fun to give something back to the soccer community.”

Pendleton said if the coaches’ predictions worked out with their Academy, it wouldn’t be long until the youth players could repay them at the prep or even collegiate levels.

“Far too often we have found that youth players are deficient in their basic fundamentals,” Pendleton said. “Our whole goal with this thing is to improve that aspect. Now we’re putting those training lessons into play in game situations.

“Eventually, down the line if these players keep playing, no doubt they will help my Free State teams. And, who knows, it sure would be nice to see a couple of them move up and play for coach Francis, too.”