Exploring Life & Business with Joe Harrison of Lenexa City FC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Harrison.

Hi Joe, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My path to owning Lenexa City FC in the Select League has been quite a journey, blending a long career in technology with a lifelong love for soccer.

For 23 years, I worked as a Network Engineer for Sprint/T-Mobile, dedicating myself to building and maintaining the infrastructure that connects people. This experience in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry taught me invaluable lessons about problem-solving, strategic thinking, and the importance of robust systems.

In 2024, I made a shift into business development at Zayo Group. This role allows me to leverage my technical background in a new way, focusing on connecting, protecting, and operating the digital world – a mission that resonates with my desire to build and secure connections, whether in telecommunications or on the soccer field.

Then, in 2025, a fantastic opportunity arose that combined my professional skills with my personal passion: I took over ownership of Lenexa City FC. This was a natural progression, allowing me to apply years of experience in project management and strategic growth to something I truly care about. It’s incredibly rewarding to now be at the helm of a team, working to foster talent and build a strong community around the sport I love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think very few significant endeavors are truly “smooth,” and my journey has certainly had its share of challenges.

Professionally, the transition from the wireless sector to the fiber sector in my career has presented a steep learning curve. While both are critical to telecommunications, the nuances, technologies, and even the competitive landscapes are quite distinct. It’s been a rewarding challenge, pushing me to adapt and grow my understanding of the industry.

On the soccer front, taking over Lenexa City FC and effectively starting a new club has come with a unique set of hurdles. Establishing a strong foundation for a soccer club involves countless moving pieces. Securing a suitable home pitch was a major undertaking, requiring extensive research, negotiation, and ensuring it met the needs of our players and the league. Beyond that, the continuous effort of recruiting and retaining talented players is an ongoing process, as is the critical task of managing finances to ensure the club’s stability and growth. Each of these elements demands constant attention and strategic planning.

Despite these challenges, they have only served to deepen my commitment and make the successes, big and small, even more gratifying.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lenexa City FC is more than just a soccer team; we’re building a vibrant community hub dedicated to the growth of both the sport and the individuals involved. What truly sets us apart is our dual focus on competitive excellence within the Select League and a deep commitment to our local community.

In the Select League, we’re known for fostering a competitive yet inclusive environment. We specialize in providing a platform for adult players (18+) to experience the club structure, consistent competition, and camaraderie that often comes with higher-level soccer, but with a more accessible pathway. We aim to be a driving force in local soccer development, offering a place where athletes can truly thrive.

Our brand, at its core, is about player growth, community engagement, and ethical sustainability. We believe that success isn’t solely measured by wins on the field, but also by the positive impact we have off it. This means:

Player Development: We are deeply committed to providing professional instruction and a challenging environment for our players. While individual success might lead to players moving to higher levels, we see this as a testament to our program and a positive contribution to the broader soccer landscape. We want our players to feel supported in their athletic journey, no matter where it takes them.
Community Connection: We are working hard to integrate Lenexa City FC as an integral part of the local sports culture. This involves actively engaging with the community, strengthening our fan base, and ensuring that our club serves as a source of local pride. We aim to be highly visible and accessible to our supporters.
A “Club” Experience: Unlike purely recreational leagues, being in the Select League means we operate with a stronger “club” identity. This includes having a dedicated home pitch, consistent branding, and a more structured approach to everything from training to match days. We want to give our players and fans the feeling of truly belonging to something bigger.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is our commitment to building a sustainable organization from the ground up. In a relatively new league like the Select League, establishing a solid foundation is paramount. We’re prioritizing stability and thoughtful growth over quick returns, and that commitment to long-term success is something I believe will truly define Lenexa City FC. We’re not just here for a season; we’re here to build a lasting legacy for soccer in Lenexa.

Ultimately, I want your readers to know that Lenexa City FC is about passion, dedication, and community. We’re providing a unique opportunity for adult players to compete at a high level while being part of a supportive and forward-thinking organization. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we work to elevate soccer in the Kansas City metro area.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up in the 80s, primarily in Kansas City, Kansas, before my family moved to Grandview, Missouri, I’d say I was a pretty curious and enthusiastic kid. I was probably what you’d call a mild extrovert – happy to be around people and engage, but also comfortable in my own world.

Like many kids of that era, I was absolutely captivated by pop culture. I vividly remember watching Michael Jackson and dreaming of being able to breakdance just like him! Sports were also a big part of my childhood; I played little league baseball, but my passion really gravitated towards soccer. I became, and still am, a huge Liverpool fan, which was pretty unique for a kid in the Midwest back then.

Interestingly, my earliest career aspirations weren’t in technology or sports management. I actually had dreams of becoming a photographer and a writer when I grew up. I loved capturing moments and telling stories, and in a way, I think those early interests still influence how I approach things today, whether it’s documenting the growth of Lenexa City FC or crafting our club’s narrative.

Pricing:

• Our 2025 Home Games are free at Trailridge Middle School
• T-shirts Available on Printify

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lenexacityfc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenexa_city
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenexacityfc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-harrison-09108a17/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LenexaCityFC
• Other: https://lenexacityfc.printify.me/