The Team Kraken program located in Lansing, Kan. has earned Gold Level status through USA Football’s League Excellence Program for the 2022 season.  

USA Football’s League Excellence Program is a way for youth football organizations to earn recognition for a commitment to raise operational standards and provide a great environment for athletes and their families. 

Team Kraken earned Silver Level status in 2021. The program strives to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve its community through the sport of football. 

“Team Kraken provides football to all ages, grades, physical abilities and genders,” said Founder and President Patrick Morgan. “Kraken isn’t just a football team. We are a sports program that teaches kids resiliency, discipline, commitment and community service.” 

Morgan founded Team Kraken in 2019, but the program had no helmets. Fortunately, by the start of the 2020 season, the Kanas club received a grant from USA Football and purchased 35 helmets with the financial assistance and reduced cost. A few short years later, Team Kraken’s Gold Level status is proof of the organization’s commitment, growth, and positive values.  

“I’ve witnessed several inspirational moments over the last three years of our program,” Morgan said. “We’ve had kids that came from situations that were not allowing them to grow and develop both mentally and socially. Today, I see those same kids and each of them is thriving socially and academically in school.” 

The ideals of community and service are pillars of Team Kraken. The organization’s dedicated coaches and parents unite and teach these values to their young athletes.  

“The majority of coaches and parents involved in the organization are military retirees or veterans,” Morgan said. “Commitment to service is ingrained in us and comes quite naturally. We remain kid-focused in every aspect of what we do as an organization.” 

Team Kraken offers co-ed flag football for young athletes in Kindergarten through second grade and tackle football for grades three through six.