The cover image is an AI-generated image. We typed in Red Dead Redemption soccer kits and got this. We rarely use AI art and seek to find artists we can work with. When we do use AI-generated material, we want to be clear in delineating it.

A new season means news kits and I will be rating the kits being rolled out for the 2024 Midwest Premier League season, these are my personal opinions. I came up with a scoring system that centers on three criteria:

Design: With great power comes great responsibility, how do you want your club to look on the pitch and around your community?
Local Connection: How are you including your community in your kit lineup? Whether local sponsorships, designs that are community specific and/or proceeds returned to the community. Remember, kit sales are not the sole way to soccer philanthropy, so I am applying this purely to the kits, and is in no way a reflection of the clubs. Community involvement is crucial to be accepted as a member of the MWPL so make no assumptions.
Value: Disposable income is tighter than it has ever been. Are the people buying your kits getting their money’s worth?

Without further ado, here’s the first part of the 2024 kit list.

Chicago House AC “House 40” Kit

Design: 4.5

Clear design with no confusion as to the intent. Silhouette/shadow effect does a great job pairing with the green-to-black gradient. “House 40” looks great eliminating negative space without looking placed haphazardly. The only detractor is the sleeves are a bit plain, the black cutoff looks a little awkward, but this is just me nitpicking. It’s hanging in my closet currently so don’t let that stop you.

Local Connection: 5

CHAC is no stranger to pumping out great looking kits that turn right around and benefit the Chicagoland Area. The “House 40” kit celebrates four decades of Chicago House music with 40% of all sales will go to the House 40 Music Foundation to assist Chicago DJs battling life threatening medical conditions.

Value: 4.5

A hair higher than the average MWPL kit, but player customization is available for an extra $20 which is a cool option. The amount going back into the Chicago community along, great tribute design and limited availability makes this a “must buy” for kit enthusiasts.

14/15

Did I buy?: Yes

AFC Columbia Landmark Kit

Design: 4.75

Give me all the chaos! I’m on the “Louder the Better” side of the fence and this mashup allows you to clearly see each feature. The badge does not get lost with the pop of white and the rings around the sleeves and neck are a tasteful break from the blue. The design wrapped around the sleeves paired with The Big Tree and graffiti style “Columbia” on the back is a nice way to give whoever buys this a little extra design for their money.

Local Connection: 5

The name speaks for itself. The University of Missouri Columns, Howard Meehan’s “Keys to the City” Sculpture and The Big Tree are among the famous areas of the City of Columbia.

Value: 4.75

League average price for a kit, loud design and homage to the city are what make lower league kits so special. Wrap around designed sleeves and design on the back is great bang for your buck. Sponsor on the front gives a good pop of color as well.

14.5/15

Did I buy?: Yes

Ypsi Yetis 2024 Home

Design: 4

It’s about to get chill-Y. Great play off the club’s name with ice blue/igloo graphics across most of the front. Could have gone overboard with the ice theme but a good balance of blue and white. The wraparound blue across the back is a great contrast for the white numbers.

Local Connection: 3.5

Local sponsors kits, which is great for the local commerce.

Value: 4.5

If you can find one in your size this is a quality buy. As a husky gent, hoping for more availability in ’25.

12/15

Did I buy?: Maybe next season

Ypsi Yetis 2024 Away

Design: 4

This one is a bit of a disappointment when put next to the home shirt. The snow/ice blue along the waist & sleeves is a good starting point, and the blue numbers look clean on the black. All the unused space leaves it a bit plain, but this is a quality shirt, nonetheless.

Local Connection: 3.5

See home kit.

Value: 4.5

See home kit.

12/15

Did I buy?: Maybe next season

- Rich Schenck