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Kansas City Hosts Mentorship Panel at FIFA Fan Fest with Local Sports Leaders
On Friday, June 12, 2026, the FIFA Fan Fest in Kansas City became a platform for a mentorship discussion that brought together prominent local sports figures and youth participants. The event, organized by KC2026 in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City (BBBSKC), featured a panel that explored how mentorship shapes young athletes’ development.
The panel was moderated by Jillian Carroll, a broadcaster and moderator for KC Current. Attendees were introduced to four local leaders: Roger Espinoza, assistant coach for Sporting Kansas City and former Honduran international; Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation; Keke Blackmon, owner and head coach of the Kansas City Glory; and Dash Johnson, who oversees softball operations at the Kansas City Royals’ Urban Youth Academy. The discussion focused on sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, and the broader impact of mentorship in youth sports.
Roger Espinoza, who retired from professional play in 2025 after a 16‑year career that included 14 seasons with Sporting Kansas City, emphasized the responsibility that comes with being a role model. According to KCTV5, Espinoza said, “When you play in a professional environment kids are going to look up to you and I take that very seriously and try to do everything you can the right way and for me that’s what I aspire to do everyday.” His background as a two‑time World Cup athlete and current youth coach at Sporting Kansas City gives him a unique perspective on how professional standards can translate to youth development.
Kathy Nelson’s role as the head of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation places her at the center of regional sports initiatives. Her organization works to promote sports participation and community engagement across the Kansas City metropolitan area. During the panel, Nelson highlighted the importance of structured mentorship programs in fostering inclusive sports environments.
Keke Blackmon, who founded the Kansas City Glory in 2019, shared insights from leading a professional women’s tackle football team in the Women’s National Football Conference. Blackmon’s experience demonstrates how mentorship can extend beyond traditional sports and into emerging athletic domains.
Dash Johnson, representing the Royals’ Urban Youth Academy, discussed how softball operations can serve as a conduit for mentorship, especially for youth in underserved communities. Johnson’s work underscores the role of professional franchises in supporting local talent pipelines.
The event also featured BBBSKC “Littles,” a group of youth participants who interviewed the panelists about their careers and the lessons they learned from coaches and mentors. One Little, Kennaiah Declouiet, a dancer, expressed how the panel motivated her to persevere. Declouiet said, “They inspire me to have to work hard, work on my craft, don’t give up, and how to stay confident in your decisions and leadership skills.” Her comments illustrate the cross‑sport influence of mentorship.
The panel took place at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the FIFA Fan Fest, a global event that attracts soccer fans from around the world. By integrating a mentorship discussion into the Fan Fest, KC2026 and BBBSKC leveraged the event’s high visibility to promote community values and youth development.
While the panel focused on mentorship, it also highlighted the collaborative efforts of local sports organizations to support young athletes. The presence of leaders from soccer, football, softball, and community foundations demonstrates a unified commitment to nurturing the next generation of sports participants.
In the weeks ahead, the Kansas City sports community will continue to build on the momentum generated by the panel. Sporting Kansas City, the Kansas City Glory, and the Royals’ Urban Youth Academy are all scheduled to host additional youth outreach events. These initiatives aim to expand mentorship opportunities and reinforce the principles discussed at the FIFA Fan Fest.
The panel’s emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience aligns with broader national conversations about athlete development and community engagement. By showcasing local leaders who have successfully integrated mentorship into their careers, the event offers a model for other cities seeking to strengthen youth sports programs.
As Kansas City prepares for upcoming sports seasons, the mentorship dialogue initiated at the FIFA Fan Fest serves as a reminder that the impact of professional athletes and coaches extends far beyond the field. The collaborative effort between KC2026, BBBSKC, and local sports leaders underscores the importance of intentional mentorship in shaping well‑rounded athletes and community members.
The panel was moderated by Jillian Carroll, a broadcaster and moderator for KC Current. Attendees were introduced to four local leaders: Roger Espinoza, assistant coach for Sporting Kansas City and former Honduran international; Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation; Keke Blackmon, owner and head coach of the Kansas City Glory; and Dash Johnson, who oversees softball operations at the Kansas City Royals’ Urban Youth Academy. The discussion focused on sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, and the broader impact of mentorship in youth sports.
Roger Espinoza, who retired from professional play in 2025 after a 16‑year career that included 14 seasons with Sporting Kansas City, emphasized the responsibility that comes with being a role model. According to KCTV5, Espinoza said, “When you play in a professional environment kids are going to look up to you and I take that very seriously and try to do everything you can the right way and for me that’s what I aspire to do everyday.” His background as a two‑time World Cup athlete and current youth coach at Sporting Kansas City gives him a unique perspective on how professional standards can translate to youth development.
Kathy Nelson’s role as the head of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation places her at the center of regional sports initiatives. Her organization works to promote sports participation and community engagement across the Kansas City metropolitan area. During the panel, Nelson highlighted the importance of structured mentorship programs in fostering inclusive sports environments.
Keke Blackmon, who founded the Kansas City Glory in 2019, shared insights from leading a professional women’s tackle football team in the Women’s National Football Conference. Blackmon’s experience demonstrates how mentorship can extend beyond traditional sports and into emerging athletic domains.
Dash Johnson, representing the Royals’ Urban Youth Academy, discussed how softball operations can serve as a conduit for mentorship, especially for youth in underserved communities. Johnson’s work underscores the role of professional franchises in supporting local talent pipelines.
The event also featured BBBSKC “Littles,” a group of youth participants who interviewed the panelists about their careers and the lessons they learned from coaches and mentors. One Little, Kennaiah Declouiet, a dancer, expressed how the panel motivated her to persevere. Declouiet said, “They inspire me to have to work hard, work on my craft, don’t give up, and how to stay confident in your decisions and leadership skills.” Her comments illustrate the cross‑sport influence of mentorship.
The panel took place at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the FIFA Fan Fest, a global event that attracts soccer fans from around the world. By integrating a mentorship discussion into the Fan Fest, KC2026 and BBBSKC leveraged the event’s high visibility to promote community values and youth development.
While the panel focused on mentorship, it also highlighted the collaborative efforts of local sports organizations to support young athletes. The presence of leaders from soccer, football, softball, and community foundations demonstrates a unified commitment to nurturing the next generation of sports participants.
In the weeks ahead, the Kansas City sports community will continue to build on the momentum generated by the panel. Sporting Kansas City, the Kansas City Glory, and the Royals’ Urban Youth Academy are all scheduled to host additional youth outreach events. These initiatives aim to expand mentorship opportunities and reinforce the principles discussed at the FIFA Fan Fest.
The panel’s emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience aligns with broader national conversations about athlete development and community engagement. By showcasing local leaders who have successfully integrated mentorship into their careers, the event offers a model for other cities seeking to strengthen youth sports programs.
As Kansas City prepares for upcoming sports seasons, the mentorship dialogue initiated at the FIFA Fan Fest serves as a reminder that the impact of professional athletes and coaches extends far beyond the field. The collaborative effort between KC2026, BBBSKC, and local sports leaders underscores the importance of intentional mentorship in shaping well‑rounded athletes and community members.
