By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The Central Kansas United (CKU) pro development team has made it to the national tournament quarterfinals of the largest Pro Development League in North America.
Based in Salina, CKU earned a ticket to the final 8 of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), a massive, pro-development ecosystem that functions as a bridge between youth academies and the professional ranks, currently operating as an affiliate of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association.
CKU has dominated throughout this 2026 season, finishing with a regular season record of 9-3-1 and took home the Midwest South Championship, which was the club's first league title.
After the regular season, CKU has gone past two rounds of the UPSL tournament, reaching the quarterfinals.
"Our guys have earned the opportunity to compete in the UPSL National Finals, representing not only Central Kansas United, but our entire community on a national stage," said Club founder, President and Head Coach for the pro development CKU team, Juan Maldonado.
Not only has CKU made a significant impact with their skills on the field, but also throughout the community.
Maldonado shared with the Salina Post their passion for giving back to the community, who has given to them.
"About 75% of our roster is coaching in the community, which has been incredible for our youth players," he said. "Almost every one of our guys has volunteered at our free Academy Nights or helped with the camps and clinics we've hosted throughout the year."
He explained how the community has provided for the club.
"They have shown up to our games, promoted our team, attended our events, and sponsored our club. We truly could not have made this run without the support of this community."
CKU's next game will be in Abilene, TX on July 25 against the West Texas Rush.
With travel, lodging, meals, and other essential expenses, the club is asking for the community's generosity in sending donations to their GoFundMe.
The club shared that traveling across the country to compete in the national tournament has exceeded their budget. If CKU prevails over the West Texas Rush, then they would earn their way to the Final Four 4 in Los Angeles, which would bring another round of significant travel expenses.
Maldonado said the donations will be used to make an impact locally.
"It's not just about one tournament. It's about continuing to build something special for Salina. I hope this is seen less as a donation and more as an investment in the future of soccer in Salina," he said.
He further stated the support will continue to provide development of local players.
"We have 10-12 Salina products on our roster, and about eight of them have played significant minutes this season. Players like Seth Flores, Ryan Snell, and Rodrigo Palacios have been getting valuable minutes as they prepare for their upcoming college seasons, which should help them take that next step. We also have high school players like Adrian Lara, Charlie Young, Yaden Montañez, and Juan Escobedo who are already earning meaningful minutes or training with the first team. That experience is huge for their development."
CKU has 30 teams and 350 players in age groups from Pre-K to UPSL college and adult athletes. Primarily, the youth teams play at the Magnolia Soccer Complex in Salina, as the competitive teams (high school, college and adult) travel to play in various places, including Wichita, Kansas City and out of state.
To donate, click here.
For more information about CKU, visit their website here.
Follow CKU on Facebook here.
UPSL remaining national tournament schedule can be found here.
You can also watch CKU's next game on the USPL YouTube page by clicking here.