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Jack Kortkamp Goalkeeper Sporting Kansas City #12 Player Profile and Performance Highlights

Jack Kortkamp is already making history as the youngest goalkeeper Sporting Kansas City has ever signed, stepping onto the field with the big club at just 16 years old. He wears the number 12 jersey, and, let’s be honest, you don’t just see him as another prospect—you see him as a key part of the club’s future. His rise through the Sporting KC Academy? That shows you what’s possible when talent meets real dedication.

Kortkamp’s journey isn’t just about a young athlete joining the pros. It’s about watching a player grow right in front of your eyes, game by game.

Every save, every start—he’s inching closer to becoming a name you’ll know well in Major League Soccer. If you’re following Sporting Kansas City, you already know why there’s so much buzz around their latest Homegrown Player. He’s even earned a spot with the U.S. U-17 national squad for major tournaments.

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His stats already tell a promising story. You’ve got good reason to pay attention each time he’s in net.

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SeasonAgeClubAppearancesClean Sheets
202416Sporting Kansas City00
2025*17Sporting Kansas City(TBD)(TBD)

Want to dig deeper into Kortkamp’s rise? Check out Sporting Kansas City’s player page and see why so many believe he’s one to watch.

Jack Kortkamp: Player Profile

Jack Kortkamp is a promising young goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City. He sports #12 and already has a reputation for quick reactions, determination in goal, and a real shot at growing into a top professional.

Personal Background

Jack Kortkamp was born on January 28, 2008, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Before making headlines at Sporting Kansas City, he honed his skills in youth soccer across both Canada and the United States.

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That early start in high-level training? It shaped him into a standout youth player.

Kortkamp signed with Sporting Kansas City as a Homegrown Player ahead of the 2025 MLS season. He became the youngest goalkeeper ever to sign with the club at just 16 years and 13 days old.

He quickly grabbed attention—not only for his age but for his focus and steady presence on the field.

The United States U-17 Men’s National Team selected him for an international training camp in Spain. That move only raised his profile and put his dedication on display.

You can read more about his signing and early career at Sporting Kansas City.

Physical Attributes

Kortkamp stands out for his athletic build and agility in the net. He’s about 6’1”, which gives him solid reach and a real presence in front of the goal.

His reflexes and positioning? Advanced for his age. That helps him deal with close-range shots and crosses.

Watch him move—you’ll see how he commands his area confidently. His footwork lets him cover ground fast, and he’s known for going to ground quickly in one-on-one situations.

Coaches and scouts talk about his calm under pressure. For a teenage keeper, that’s rare.

It makes him a reliable last line of defense. You can’t help but keep an eye on him as he develops.

Playing Position and Number

Jack Kortkamp plays as a goalkeeper, wearing #12 for Sporting Kansas City. He organizes the defense, communicates with teammates, and starts plays from the back with sharp distribution.

With the youth national team, Kortkamp picked up experience against top prospects from all over. He relies on quick decisions, sharp anticipation, and a fearless attitude to keep attackers honest.

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Here’s a look at some key stats:

SeasonMatchesMinutes PlayedClean SheetsSaves
20250*000

*Kortkamp was signed before the 2025 season and is still awaiting his first MLS appearance.

He’s the youngest goalkeeper at Sporting KC. There’s a lot of anticipation about when he’ll finally make his debut.

For more details about his current role and stats, check his Transfermarkt profile.

Sporting Kansas City and MLS Career

Jack Kortkamp’s journey with Sporting Kansas City shows rapid progression from the academy to the first team. He’s hit club milestones, signed significant contracts, and started collecting professional experience—pretty rare for young American goalkeepers.

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First Team Debut and Appearances

Jack Kortkamp reached the Sporting Kansas City first team as a teenager. At just 16, he became the youngest goalkeeper in club history to sign with the first team.

He hasn’t logged competitive minutes in regular MLS play yet. Still, his spot on the first team roster shows the coaching staff and management trust him.

Kortkamp already took part in preseason matches and friendly fixtures. These training stints and preseason appearances give him valuable experience at the top level of American soccer.

Fans are waiting to see his impact in official Major League Soccer matches.

Here’s a quick look at his first team stats with Sporting KC:

SeasonMLS AppearancesClean SheetsMinutes Played
2025000

So, while he’s still developing, the club’s confidence in him is pretty clear.

Signing as a Homegrown Player

Kortkamp signed his first MLS contract as a Homegrown Player on December 6, 2024. That move made him the fifth youngest player to ever sign with Sporting Kansas City and the youngest goalkeeper in club history at 16 years and 13 days old.

Signing as a homegrown player ties his professional identity to the Sporting KC academy. It’s a big part of the club’s long-term plans.

This contract helps Sporting KC invest in local talent and develop players from within. It also makes Kortkamp eligible for those important roster spots reserved for homegrown talents, opening up unique career opportunities and incentives.

By becoming one of Sporting KC’s youngest-ever signings, Kortkamp sets a precedent for other academy players aiming for first team status.

MLS Next Pro and SKC II Involvement

Kortkamp’s path to the first team started with Sporting Kansas City II in MLS NEXT Pro. He gained game experience facing fellow professionals and academy grads.

With SKC II, he played under an amateur contract at first, which let him compete in MLS NEXT Pro matches while keeping NCAA eligibility.

He logged several appearances with SKC II after joining. Working with coaches and more seasoned teammates, he adapted to the speed and physicality of pro soccer.

These matches helped him sharpen his technical skills under pressure.

Playing regularly for SKC II in MLS NEXT Pro has been crucial for Kortkamp’s development. It prepared him for the responsibility of an MLS roster spot.

Contract Details

Kortkamp’s first professional contract runs through the 2027 MLS season, with Sporting KC holding options for 2028 and 2029. That’s a long-term commitment, showing the club’s faith in his potential and investment in youth development.

The contract follows standard MLS structure for Homegrown Players. It includes two option years for team control and salary flexibility.

They haven’t released the exact salary and cap hit figures, but these deals usually offer performance bonuses, developmental incentives, and gradual pay bumps based on playtime and growth.

You can find more about Kortkamp’s MLS contract with Sporting Kansas City, which could keep him with the club through the end of the decade if they exercise all options.

Development Through Sporting KC Academy

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Jack Kortkamp’s journey with Sporting KC highlights how the club develops young talent and invests in youth programs. Sporting Kansas City’s academy system sets high standards and has a track record of helping academy graduates make the jump to the pros.

Joining the Academy

You can see the focus on potential when you look at Jack Kortkamp’s early moves. Kortkamp joined the Sporting Kansas City Academy in summer 2021 and quickly caught eyes for his goalkeeping skills.

His move from Minnesota shows Sporting KC recruits talent from all over, picking players who fit the club’s style and values.

Kortkamp trained with the first team even before signing a pro deal. That gave him a glimpse into what’s expected at the highest level.

This hands-on exposure is a big benefit for goalkeepers in a system like Sporting KC’s. You get top coaching, daily professional routines, and the chance to compete with older players.

His selection set the foundation for his development, with clear pathways from youth levels all the way up to the MLS roster.

Academy Achievements

Kortkamp stood out as one of the top goalkeepers in his age group soon after joining. He trained with both academy and first-team coaches, impressing with his athleticism and technical skills.

His performances earned him a call-up to the U.S. U-17 Men’s Youth National Team. That move put him on the national radar.

Sporting Kansas City signed him as a Homegrown Player ahead of the 2025 MLS season. He became the fifth youngest signing in club history at 16 years and 13 days, and the youngest goalkeeper to sign for SKC.

This all reflects his rapid development and the club’s belief in their academy system. Here’s a quick timeline:

YearEventAge
2021Joined SKC Academy14
2023U.S. U-17 Call-up15
2025Signed as Homegrown Player16

These milestones show steady, meaningful progress, fueled by the academy’s resources and focused approach.

Notable Teammates and Alumni

Your perspective on the Sporting KC Academy gets broader when you think about the talented players who’ve come through. Ian James, who signed alongside Kortkamp, is another promising defender and Homegrown Player.

Both became the 20th and 21st Homegrown signings in club history, following Jake Davis—the last academy product before them to break into the first team.

Players like Gianluca Busio and Kayden Pierre are great examples of what the academy can do. Busio moved up to the first team and then made the jump to Europe. Pierre became a regular part of the MLS squad.

These names show the level of support, mentorship, and ambition in the academy.

Training and competing with high-achieving teammates pushes players like Kortkamp to higher standards every season. The Sporting KC Academy culture keeps you surrounded by driven individuals aiming to make their mark in MLS and, for some, overseas.

International Experience with U.S. Youth Teams

Jack Kortkamp has built a strong resume representing the United States in international youth soccer. He’s already had key opportunities at U-15, U-16, and U-17 levels, showing steady growth and development as a goalkeeper on the national stage.

U-15 and U-16 Men’s National Team Involvement

Let’s talk about where it all began for Jack Kortkamp. He jumped into the U.S. youth national team scene at just 15, earning a spot at the U.S. U-15 Boys’ National Team training camp.

That first weeklong camp? It gave him a real taste of national-level competition and helped him stand out from the crowd.

He didn’t stop there. Kortkamp trained with the U-16 Men’s National Team too, facing tougher opponents and picking up new coaching styles along the way.

These early camps really shaped his positioning and communication in goal. You could see him starting to command his box with more confidence.

Key Early Milestones:

  • U.S. U-15 Boys’ National Team training camp at Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas
  • U.S. U-16 Men’s National Team camp invitations
  • Regular competition with top youth players from all over the country

U-17 National Team Call-Ups

Kortkamp’s name kept popping up on the national radar. He got several call-ups to the U-17 Men’s National Team in late 2023 and early 2024.

He made rosters for some big events, including the Vaclav Jezek Tournament in Mikulov, Czech Republic.

At the Vaclav Jezek Tournament, Kortkamp faced top nations like Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Those matches? They gave him international experience and put his ability under serious pressure.

U-17 Training & Tournament Highlights:

YearEventNotable Opponents
2023U-17 training camp, FloridaInternal US pools
2024Vaclav Jezek TournamentGermany, Czech Republic, Slovakia
2025U-17 camp, Concacaf QualifiersRegional international teams

2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup Journey

Kortkamp’s role with the U-17s only grew. He joined the squad for the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers, held in February.

Those matches determined who would represent the region at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

His selection showed just how highly coaches rated him among young American keepers. He battled for spots against other top prospects and picked up priceless experience in high-stakes games.

You can follow more of his journey through the Concacaf U-17 qualifiers.

2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifying:

  • Joined US U-17 roster for the region’s top qualifying tournament
  • Played vital matches that decided U.S. entry to the World Cup
  • Built leadership skills as a keeper in international pressure situations

Tournaments and Milestone Matches

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Jack Kortkamp’s already left his mark on some of the biggest youth tournaments out there. He’s racked up standout performances both at home and abroad, with match stats and achievements to back it up.

Generation adidas Cup Performances

If you’ve watched the Generation adidas Cup, you’ve seen Kortkamp shine. This is where top MLS academy talent steps up, and Jack’s quick reflexes and command in the box have turned heads.

He’s pulled off huge saves in knockout rounds, where the pressure’s sky-high and one mistake can end your run.

Kortkamp’s knack for penalty shootouts and tense games makes him a real asset, especially against international teams.

Coaches and scouts talk about his poise and laser focus—traits you just can’t teach.

Key Stats

YearGamesClean SheetsNotable Opponents
202342Manchester United, River Plate
202453FC Dallas, Valencia CF

MLS Next Cup Playoffs and Flex Participation

Kortkamp’s shown what he’s made of in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs and MLS Next Flex. The Playoffs are no joke—winner-take-all, best youth teams, every second counts.

He’s anchored the defense, stepping up when it matters most.

MLS Next Flex determines playoff seeding, and Kortkamp’s consistency really comes through here. He keeps his defenders organized and often shuts the door with crucial clean sheets, sometimes with last-minute heroics.

His clean sheet percentage in these events? It stands out among his peers.

MLS Next Cup Highlights

  • Playoff appearances: 3
  • Total clean sheets: 4
  • Best save percentage: 81% in 2024

UPSL Regular Season and Other Competitions

In the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) regular season, Kortkamp’s faced older, more physical players. The UPSL pushes academy guys to adapt fast, and Jack’s handled it with steady improvement.

He’s started league matches and cup games, showing coaches he can handle the heat.

Kortkamp’s run in the UPSL often leads to shutout streaks, and coaches trust his quick decisions under pressure. He’s also played in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, representing Sporting Kansas City and getting recognition as one of the league’s top young keepers.

Sample UPSL Season Stats

SeasonGamesClean SheetsGoals Allowed
2024856
2025745

Notable Matches and Opponents

Kortkamp’s already faced some real challenges as Sporting Kansas City’s young shot-stopper. His early career features a memorable debut, tough games against top reserve sides, and preseason friendlies that really tested his nerves.

Professional Debut Against Real Monarchs

Jack Kortkamp made his pro debut against the Real Monarchs, and what a moment that was. On the road, in a charged atmosphere, every save mattered.

He made several big stops, keeping the score close and catching the eye of coaches and analysts.

Here’s what the numbers looked like in that debut:

StatValue
Saves4
Goals Allowed1
Key Passes3
Distribution %82

You could tell nerves didn’t faze him. His calm presence showed maturity beyond his years.

That first match set a standard for what’s coming as his career moves forward.

Matches Versus LAFC 2 and Other MLS Next Pro Teams

Kortkamp’s showdowns with LAFC 2, Houston Dynamo 2, and Whitecaps FC 2 gave him real tests. LAFC 2 brought some of the league’s best young attackers, but Jack held his line and made a couple of highlight-reel saves in the first half.

He guided the back line during set pieces, keeping the defense together against high-pressure attacks.

Against Houston Dynamo 2 and Whitecaps FC 2, his clear communication and positioning snuffed out several chances. He posted a save percentage above 75% and improved his distribution under pressure.

These matches really push young keepers—one mistake, and it’s in the net.

Preseason and Friendly Matches

Preseason starts and friendlies are where keepers sharpen their instincts. Kortkamp got early looks at Miami FC, Nashville SC, and Charlotte FC, each bringing a different attacking style.

Against Miami FC, he made a quick reflex stop in the closing minutes. With Nashville SC, he handled multiple crosses and aerial battles, showing off his athleticism.

Charlotte FC brought veteran forwards trying to draw him off his line in a closed-door friendly. These games might not grab headlines, but they’re vital for building trust with defenders and prepping for regular season play.

Every outing gave him a chance to test and improve his decision-making in real time.

Facilities and Training Environments

Jack Kortkamp trains and plays in some of the Midwest’s top soccer environments. His growth benefits from advanced coaching, pro-level resources, and the latest technology.

Compass Minerals National Performance Center

In Kansas City, the Compass Minerals National Performance Center stands at the heart of soccer development. It’s the training hub for Sporting Kansas City and a home base for U.S. national team camps.

You’ll find world-class turf, natural grass, and everything from high-tech recovery zones to video analysis suites. Players use hydrotherapy pools, weight rooms, and dedicated keeper training areas.

Kortkamp spends plenty of time here, working through both U.S. youth national team camps and daily Academy training. The National Performance Center is built for skill advancement and professional growth, letting young talents like Jack prep for elite competition.

For more, check out the Compass Minerals National Performance Center.

Facility FeatureBenefit for Players
Multiple Field TypesAdaptability, tactical flexibility
Hydrotherapy PoolsImproved recovery, injury prevention
Tactical Analysis RoomsInsight into team and individual play

Training with Sporting Kansas City First Team

Training with Sporting Kansas City’s first team? That’s where the bar gets raised. Kortkamp joins senior keepers and field players for sessions focused on speed, decision-making, and discipline.

Sessions mix position drills, live scrimmages, and feedback from experienced coaches. He works alongside pros like Tim Melia, picking up habits from MLS veterans.

Kortkamp’s first team exposure started in Miami during preseason and continued throughout the year. These sessions test his readiness and commitment, giving him a taste of what a pro career demands.

You can find more on his first team training experiences.

Pathway for Future Homegrown Players

Sporting Kansas City has built a clear path from its youth academy to the first team. You can see how this pipeline is shaping the club’s roster and future right now.

SKC Academy Pathway

Alright, let’s talk about the SKC Academy. Kids can jump in as early as U-12, which is wild when you think about it. They train with coaches who know their stuff and face off with some of the best teams out there.

You move up through each age group, picking up skills and, honestly, getting a real feel for Sporting KC’s unique tactical vibe. It’s not just about raw talent—they want you to understand the game the way the pros do.

The Academy puts a huge emphasis on both skill and education. Sometimes, they even let players train with the pro squad as they move up. That’s a big deal.

If you stand out, you might land a Homegrown contract. Just look at Jack Kortkamp or Ian James—those guys made it. The dream? Making the leap straight to the big leagues.

SKC Homegrown Players – Recent Signings

PlayerPositionYear SignedSKC Academy Graduate
Jack KortkampGoalkeeper2024Yes
Ian JamesDefender2024Yes
Felipe HernandezMidfielder2019Yes
Cam DukeMidfielder2019Yes

With this setup, Sporting KC actually gives teenagers a legit shot at Major League Soccer. No need to grind through college ball or bounce around other leagues first.

Influence of Past Academy Graduates

Let’s talk about the steady stream of academy products making their way into Sporting KC’s main squad. Jon Kempin jumped in as one of the earliest examples, debuting as a goalkeeper and really setting the tone for what’s possible.

Kevin Ellis and Daniel Salloi both made the leap from the academy. They quickly became regular contributors out on the field.

Jaylin Lindsey, Matt Lewis, and Zach Wright took their shots as defenders. Meanwhile, midfielders like Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal and Cam Duke brought some much-needed depth.

Felipe Hernandez and Wilson Harris? They chipped in with key goals and minutes, and they did it at impressively young ages.

Grayson Barber, Brooks Thompson, and Kaveh Rad all stand as proof that hard work in the academy can pay off. When you see their stories, doesn’t it just feel like opportunity is right there waiting for the next wave?

Sporting KC loves to promote from within. That tradition keeps every academy player fired up, fighting for their shot. The pipeline stays competitive and, honestly, pretty inspiring.

Just look at the recent signing of Jack Kortkamp as the youngest goalkeeper in club history—check out more on the Sporting Kansas City website.

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