Ever wondered what truly separates exceptional soccer players from the rest? The answer might surprise you.

In this Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, we dive deep into player development, purpose, and the exciting soccer landscape emerging in Northwest Arkansas. The conversation explores how finding meaning beyond your career creates a foundation for success, not just in soccer, but in life. When you're self-aware enough to identify what truly matters, you can align your career path accordingly.

The spotlight then turns to the groundbreaking MLS Next program in Northwest Arkansas, an initiative creating unprecedented opportunities for local talent. "We want people to know, man, Arkansas has good soccer players," says Kevin Tello, highlighting how this program bridges the exposure gap that many talented players face in the region. For families considering this path, the program promises committed coaches, structured development, and potential pathways to collegiate and professional opportunities.

Most fascinating is the discussion about what elite coaches actually look for in players. While technical skills and athleticism matter, the distinguishing factors are often intangible: how players approach training, their intensity even in simple drills, and whether they push teammates to excel. Division I coaches increasingly evaluate prospects based on preparation habits, post-practice dedication, and interpersonal interactions, recognizing that in today's landscape, culture can be as important as talent.

Ready to discover more insights that could transform your understanding of player development? Subscribe to the Pitch to Pro podcast, the official podcast of Ozark United FC, available every Thursday on YouTube, Instagram, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Kevin Tello is coming home to Northwest Arkansas with a mission. The newly appointed Director of Ozark United FC's MLS Next Academy joins us to share his journey from LA transplant to rising Division I coach, and why he's passionate about building a professional pathway for soccer players in the region he once called home.

"When I was a player, and I've talked to other coaches that had grown up in the area, we would have killed for something like this," Tello explains, his enthusiasm palpable as he describes what the MLS Next program will mean for talented young players in Northwest Arkansas. After developing MLS draft picks at the collegiate level, Tello brings a wealth of experience in identifying and nurturing elite talent.

What exactly separates good players from great ones? While technical skills matter, Tello emphasizes that decision-making ultimately defines elite players. During the upcoming evaluations, he'll be watching for more than just skill—he wants to see intensity, intelligence, and approach. "If Sporting Kansas City was here watching your eval, how would you react?" he challenges potential players, setting the bar high from the start.

The conversation reveals a coach who measures success not just by wins or player advancement, but by meaningful impact on young people's lives. "If I can just be an imprint on one player, one family, and that's the player that goes pro, or becomes another successful member of our community... that's to me the most important thing at this point in my career."

Ready to be part of Northwest Arkansas's soccer revolution? Player evaluations begin next week for this groundbreaking program that promises to transform the region's soccer landscape. Don't miss your chance to join the journey from pitch to pro.

Money makes the beautiful game possible, but what happens behind the scenes to fund a professional soccer franchise? This revealing Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro pulls back the curtain on the complex investment structures that can make or break a soccer club.

We dive deep into the critical role of the primary investor in professional soccer, exploring US Soccer's strict requirements and the valuable lessons learned from past failures. The tragic story of the North American Soccer League (NASL) serves as a cautionary tale—despite attracting global stars like Pelé in the 1970s, the league collapsed because owners couldn't sustain the initial years of inevitable financial losses. Contrast this with MLS, where committed investors who weathered years in the red now own franchises worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The episode reveals our exciting new partnership with Prospect Park, a group with extensive experience working with family offices nationwide and specific expertise in USL investments. They'll lead our search for a primary investor for the Northwest Arkansas project, with the goal of securing this crucial piece within approximately a year. Once identified, potential investors undergo rigorous vetting by the USL, ensuring they have the financial stability to weather challenges like we saw during COVID-19. Most importantly, we share why our project has become more attractive to investors since shifting to a new development model featuring a mixed-use facility on new land.

Whether you're a soccer fan curious about the business side of the sport, a potential investor, or someone interested in sports franchise development, this episode provides valuable insights into how professional soccer continues to grow in America. Subscribe to Pitch to Pro for more behind-the-scenes looks at bringing professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas, and share your thoughts on what aspects of soccer business you'd like us to explore next.

The seed for Ozark United FC was planted as "a crazy thought" in co-founder Chris Martinovic's mind years ago, and today, that seedling has grown into a full-fledged plan to bring professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas. In this candid conversation with Managing Director Wes Harris, Martinovic gives listeners unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes journey of building a professional sports franchise from scratch.

What stands out most is the unexpected enthusiasm from all corners of the community. "I had no idea how excited people would get about it," Martinovic reveals, noting that even self-proclaimed non-soccer fans expressed excitement at the prospect of professional sports entertainment in NWA. The conversation illuminates how the project has evolved from its initial conception, including the exciting announcement of an expanded stadium site that doubles the land footprint and transforms the vision into a sports-anchored mixed-use development.

The financial realities of sports ownership take center stage as Martinovic explains the investment model that drives professional teams. Unlike traditional businesses, sports franchises aren't primarily cash-flow generators but rather appreciate significantly in value over time. This perspective has shaped their approach to finding the right investors, culminating in their newly announced partnership with Prospect Park, a group with extensive connections to family offices and experience in professional sports investments.

Throughout the discussion, the passion for community building shines through. "This is Northwest Arkansas's club, this is your club, this is not our club," Harris emphasizes, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project. From "closet soccer fans" finding their community to children playing pickup games with makeshift goals, the soccer culture in NWA continues to grow organically alongside the more formal development plans.

The vision extends beyond just professional matches to hosting World Cup base camps, creating pathways for youth development, and contributing thoughtfully to the region's growth. But to get there, they need continued community support. Wear the gear, attend events, show up to council meetings - these seemingly small actions make a tremendous difference in demonstrating community buy-in to potential investors and local officials.

Ready to be part of this journey? Follow Pitch to Pro on social media and visit ozarkunitedfc.com to stay updated and find ways to support Northwest Arkansas's path to professional soccer.

Check out this Stoppage Time Special from Ep. 18: What Makes a Good Soccer Crest?

What's the difference between a forgettable logo and an iconic football crest that fans proudly tattoo on their bodies? Our latest Stoppage Time segment dives deep into the art and science behind the badges that represent the world's most beloved clubs.

A truly great crest tells a compelling story that resonates with supporters on a visceral level. It's not just about aesthetics – though shapes, colors, and symbols all play crucial roles. The most powerful badges serve as visual ambassadors for a club's mission and values while simultaneously celebrating the unique character of their local community.

We explore how traditional shield designs pay homage to medieval heraldry while modern circular badges create a sense of unity. The psychology behind color choices reveals fascinating insights: reds and oranges convey aggression and passion, blues represent loyalty, greens connect to nature, and occasionally, a club like Inter Miami boldly embraces pink to establish a distinctive identity. From Chelsea's lion to Barcelona's bull, symbolic elements enrich each crest with deeper meaning, often drawing from regional folklore or landmarks that ground the club in its hometown.

This segment sets the stage for the full exploration of iconic crests from Europe's top five leagues in Ep. 18. Whether you're a design enthusiast, football history buff, or simply curious about the visual identities that inspire such passionate devotion, you'll gain a fresh appreciation for the badges that transform sporting organizations into beloved cultural institutions. Subscribe now and join our journey through football's most meaningful symbols!

Want to hear more? Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.pitchtopro.com/episodes/what-makes-a-good-soccer-crest/

Check out this Stoppage Time special from Ep. 41 - Her Game Too: Fighting for Equality in Soccer - Part 2!

Gender equality in soccer remains an uphill battle, especially in communities where women's participation is still considered unusual. "I don't know many women my age who watch soccer... it's me and my dad, that's all I know about soccer fans," shares Jenn Ramczyk, one of the co-founders of Her Game Too USA, highlighting how isolating the experience can be for female enthusiasts in certain regions of the country.

The Her Game Too movement is confronting these challenges head-on with strategic priorities for 2025. Education stands as their foremost mission—creating awareness that soccer truly belongs to everyone, regardless of gender. This need becomes painfully evident when we hear about an eight-year-old girl being told by a boy her same age that "she wasn't allowed to play the game." Such early manifestations of gender exclusion demonstrate why education must target both girls and boys from the youngest ages.

Funding grassroots programs forms the second pillar of their strategy, recognizing that early positive experiences are where children develop their love for soccer before societal barriers intervene. The third initiative focuses on forging partnerships with clubs at every level—from local recreational leagues to professional organizations—without financial barriers to participation. These partnerships manifest through visible symbols like the Her Game Too patch on jerseys and dedicated fixtures that elevate women's matches.

Perhaps most powerful is the conversation around female coaching representation. When young girls see themselves reflected in leadership positions, they're more likely to believe soccer is truly their game too. Unfortunately, female coaches continue facing skepticism about their abilities solely based on gender, with comments like "I don't want my child coached by a girl" still pervasive in youth soccer. Changing this mentality forms a critical component of creating truly inclusive soccer environments where all participants can thrive.

Want to support the movement for gender equality in soccer? Tune in to our full episodes and discover how you can become part of creating positive change in your local soccer community!

When Jenn Ramczyk was questioned about her soccer knowledge in a Chicago pub, she didn't just walk away – she challenged the skeptics loudly enough for others to hear. This moment exemplifies the mission behind Her Game Too USA, an initiative she co-founded with Natasha Brand and Amy Kate Sokoll to create safe spaces for women in soccer.

The grassroots movement, which began in the UK in 2021 before launching stateside in 2022, addresses uniquely American challenges in women's soccer. Beyond combating sexism, Her Game Too USA tackles the alarming dropout rate of girls around age 10, when recreational opportunities diminish and competitive pathways narrow. This critical juncture often determines whether young female players continue their soccer journey or abandon it entirely.

Despite limited resources, the organization has secured partnerships with clubs across the country – from DeKalb County United in Illinois to USL teams like Flatirons Rush and Louisville FC. Most impressively, on the UK side, they've landed a partnership with EA Sports, allowing gamers to select Her Game Too jerseys in-game. The organization has also earned an endorsement from soccer legend Hope Solo.

Looking toward 2025, the co-founders emphasize education as their primary focus – teaching boys and girls alike that soccer belongs to everyone. This mission extends beyond players to developing more female coaches, an area where representation profoundly impacts young girls' relationship with the sport. Ramczyk noted, "If you coach with passion for the game, regardless of your skill level, that's going to rub off on the children."

For those inspired by Her Game Too's mission, involvement opportunities abound – becoming club ambassadors, partnering as organizations, or volunteering specialized skills like blog writing. With women's sports experiencing unprecedented attention, Her Game Too USA stands ready to ensure this moment becomes a movement that transforms how women experience soccer at every level.

Ready to support women in soccer? Visit hergametoo.com to learn how you can join this vital movement transforming the beautiful game for everyone.

Warren Smith has been watching Northwest Arkansas evolve for decades. What started as family visits in the 1990s has transformed into a mission to bring professional soccer to a region he describes as having "come into its own." As co-founder of Ozark United FC, Smith brings the experience of five successful sports franchise launches to a community he believes is perfectly positioned for soccer's growth.

In this revealing conversation with Managing Director Wes Harris, Smith takes listeners behind the scenes of the club's development, sharing why their recent stadium site change represents not just a location shift, but a strategic evolution. "For us, this new location is really about creating a sense of place," Smith explains, highlighting how modern sports experiences extend well beyond game time, with fans typically wanting 4-5 hours of entertainment surrounding the event itself.

The club's grassroots approach appears to be working. With 7,500 potential season ticket holders already registered—enough to potentially sell out their planned venue before breaking ground—Ozark United is now considering a larger initial capacity. While the timeline has shifted to a 2027-2028 launch, Smith remains undeterred, noting that his first sports project took six years from concept to completion.

What stands out most is the club's commitment to building something truly embedded in Northwest Arkansas culture. From partnering with Sporting Arkansas on youth development to supporting the local Marshallese community's first international tournament, Ozark United is demonstrating that professional sports can be a vehicle for community advancement.

Smith's parting message speaks volumes about the club's philosophy: "This is your team, everybody. We need you to participate. I want to create a movement." For soccer enthusiasts and community members alike, the invitation is clear—the journey to professional soccer in Northwest Arkansas isn't just happening; it's being built together.

Ready to join the movement? Follow Ozark United FC on social media and visit their website to add your name to their growing list of supporters.