RICK BENBEN'S UMKC SOCCER CAMPS

Rick Benben's UMKC Soccer Camp
Camp Directors

RICK BENBEN

UMKC Head Men's Soccer Coach

In thirteen seasons at the helm of UMKC Soccer, Head Coach Rick Benben has left a lasting impression on the direction of the program. Benben arrived on campus in 1998 and quickly transformed the Kangaroo squad into a top NCAA Division I program. The Kangaroos made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2001 and have made two more since. The Kangaroos have registered victories over several nationally ranked opponents and claimed three Conference Championships. For his efforts, Benben has been named Conference Coach of the Year on four occasions. UMKC players have received numerous individual honors for both academic and athletic achievements.

Success has followed Benben throughout his career in the game. A former goalkeeper at SIUE, Benben began coaching youth soccer in St. Louis during his college years. After his collegiate career culminated in a National Championship in 1972, Benben began a stint as a professional player for the Dallas Tornado of the NASL. However, coaching consumed him and he returned to SIUE as an assistant to coaching legend Bob Guelker. While coaching at SIUE, Benben continued his work with amateur and youth players through the United States Olympic Development Program and the creation of the Scott Gallagher Soccer Club. After three NCAA Final Four appearances at SIUE, Benben added another National Championship to his resume in 1979.

After that, the professional ranks came calling again as Benben moved to Kansas City to coach the Comets of the MISL. Rising from Assistant Coach to Head Coach & Director of Player Personnel, the Comets enjoyed an era of success under Benben that is still fondly remembered in Kansas City.

Benben holds a USSF A License, chaired the Midwest NSCAA Rankings Committee, and is involved in the community as a volunteer coach for the Kansas City Parks & Recreation Dept. and recently as a board member for Southwest United Soccer Club.

FRED SCHLICHTING

UMKC Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach

As the current Associate Head Coach of the UMKC Men's soccer team, Fred Schlichting is in his 13th year as an integral member of the UMKC Men's soccer coaching staff. Schlichting was the Assistant Soccer Coach at both Rockhurst High School and St. Teresa's Academy before continuing his coaching at UMKC. He was the Coach of the six-time KSYSA State Boys' Champion Grasshoppers club team and was named the 2005 KS Boys’ Coach of the Year. He is the current coach of two-time KSYSA Boys' State Champion KCFC United 94/95. Fred is respected across the country as one of the top assistant coaches in the college game and was recognized by College Soccer News as a NCAA Division I Top 20 Assistant Coach. He has served as a Kansas State ODP Coach and holds a USSF B License.

Schlichting grew up in St. Louis, playing for the Scott Gallagher Soccer Club and DeSmet Jesuit High School. He then took his talents to Notre Dame, where he played and was recognized as the Soccer Freshman Award winner as well as being honored as a Notre Dame Scholar Athlete. During his tenure at UMKC, Schlichting has become entrenched in the Kansas City community - coaching club soccer, volunteering to coach with Missouri Special Olympics and the Kansas City Parks & Recreation Dept. and spends much of his free time watching high school and youth games in the area.