Pitch to Pro

Discover the true essence of community engagement and branding through the insightful experiences shared by our guest, Warren, who has navigated these waters multiple times. We promise you'll learn how mission, vision, and values can profoundly influence an organization's identity and resonate beyond corporate walls to genuinely connect with the heart of a community. This episode unveils...

Discover the essence of community-driven soccer as Ozark United FC takes center stage in Northwest Arkansas. Join us for an electrifying conversation with special guests Brett Parker, Warren Smith, and Chris Martinovic as we walk you through our brand reveal party, which captivated nearly 700 attendees. This monumental event highlighted the vibrant unity and excitement our new club is bringing to...

Imagine moving from the bustling streets of Shanghai to the serene, charming town of Bentonville. Join us as our guests share their heartfelt stories of cultural adjustment and the joy they found in Bentonville’s welcoming community. From initial shocks to discovering a town teeming with diverse events and supportive residents, you'll hear personal anecdotes that showcase the unique blend of...

Get ready to uncover the heart and soul behind the next generation of soccer talent! This week on the Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro, we're spotlighting the emotion, dedication, and raw potential witnessed during our recent three-day player identification and evaluation event. Hear firsthand how these young athletes not only showcased their incredible skills but also moved us with thei...

Parker Dodson's journey from the heart of traditional American sports territory in Arkansas to a passionate soccer fan is nothing short of fascinating. Growing up in a community where basketball, baseball, and football dominated, Parker's late blooming love for soccer stands out. He shares his early struggles with understanding the sport that wasn't mainstream in his hometown, and h...

Can a region experiencing rapid demographic shifts navigate the complexities of inclusive growth and sustainable urban planning effectively? Join us as we revisit this critical question in our latest episode, highlighting the transformative landscape of Northwest Arkansas. We unpack the region’s demographic evolution, where underrepresented minorities now constitute about one-third of the populati...

What happens when a community rallies to create a structured soccer pathway for its youth? Join us on Pitch to Pro as we welcome Scott Marksberry, the head coach for the U20 USL Arkansas Academy team, to uncover the burgeoning soccer scene in Northwest Arkansas. Scott sheds light on the region's success in nurturing young talent while also addressing the hurdles faced by older players who lac...

Curious about the massive undertaking of building a new stadium from the ground up? This Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast promises to provide all the insights you need! Join us as we highlight our journey towards the ambitious 2026 goal, featuring compelling stories and unforgettable moments that capture the essence of our soccer community's drive and passion. With Chris Mart...

Ever wondered how soccer agents navigate the high-stakes world of player transfers? Find out as we unravel the complexities of negotiations, transfer fees, and buyout clauses in our latest episode. We promise to shed light on the pivotal role agents play in securing top deals for their clients, while also deciphering how these financial mechanisms influence club strategies and player movement. But...

Ever wondered how professional sports franchises can not only survive but thrive through challenging times? Today, we've got the answers straight from the source. Join us as Wes sits down with Warren Smith, the mastermind behind the success of USL Arkansas and other prominent sports teams. Warren's journey from a serendipitous entry into professional sports to becoming a heavy hitter in...

Ever wondered how soccer clubs manage to pull off those jaw-dropping player transfers? Master the intricate world of soccer transfers in our latest episode of Pitch to Pro. We kick things off by dissecting the different transfer windows, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the summer and winter periods. Learn why these windows are much more than dates on a calendar and how they impact both clubs...

Have you ever felt the electricity of 70,000 roaring fans in a stadium? Get ready to immerse yourself in the fervent fandom of Atlanta United as we recount the unforgettable atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. From the emotional highs of standing among passionate supporters to the game-changing chants that rally the team, we promise to transport you to the heart of this incredible soccer cult...

Experience the inspiring voyage of USL Arkansas, revealed by co-founder Chris Martinovic and your host, Wes Harris, as they recount the club's unforgettable public debut on July 12, 2023. Learn about the overwhelming community support from local leaders and league officials, which truly made the launch event a milestone. Discover how essential public listening sessions have been in shaping th...

Ever wondered how the symbols on a soccer club's crest encapsulate its entire history and ethos? Join us as we explore the fascinating design elements that make soccer crests more than just logos. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of how clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United embed their rich heritage into every detail. From royal emblems to regional references, discove...

On this Stoppage Time Special, Host Wes Harris sits down with special guest Irvin Camacho. The duo discuss how Northwest Arkansas is rapidly becoming a hotbed for the sport of Soccer, and this episode delves into the factors that are kicking things to the next level. From the influence of the 1994 World Cup to the anticipated frenzy of future global events, we discuss how the demographic diversity...

Curious about the future of Northwest Arkansas and how it's being shaped by key players in the region? Join us as we sit down with Nelson Peacock, the president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. Nelson shares his insights on the council's data-driven strategies, the influence of local giants like Walmart, Tyson, JB Hunt, and the University of Arkansas, and the importance of lear...

What if you could be part of history by helping to establish a national soccer team? In this week's Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro, we share the remarkable story of the Marshall Islands' quest to form their first-ever national soccer team. You'll hear from me and Lloyd as we recount our serendipitous journeys into this project, from stumbling upon an article that sparked our...

What makes Northwest Arkansas a magnet for talent and opportunity? Discover the secrets behind this burgeoning region with Nelson Peacock, President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. On this episode of Pitch to Pro Podcast, Nelson takes us on his incredible journey from his humble beginnings in Arkansas, through pivotal roles in Washington DC and California, and back to his roots. His ric...

What does it take to build a soccer community from the ground up and launch a brand that everyone can rally around? Join us in this special Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, where we revisit some of our most exhilarating moments, conversations, and stories. In this episode, we discover the intricate art of branding with insights from Brett Parker of Stone Ward. He dives into the c...

What fuels the soccer passion of Northwest Arkansas? Join us as we chat with Al Schaefer, the driving force behind Smoke and Barrel and the head of the local American Outlaws supporter group chapter. Discover how this Army brat turned Austinite found a home in Northwest Arkansas and championed the local soccer scene with unyielding dedication. We discuss the region's rapid growth, diversity,...

Ever wondered how a region can transform almost overnight? As a former New Yorker, Randy Wilburn shares his own experiences navigating the surprising growth in northwest Arkansas. From getting used to a more relaxed driving culture to discovering hidden beach getaways inland, this episode of Pitch to Pro unfolds the region's dynamic evolution. We highlight monumental changes like the rise of...

Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of soccer, right here in the United States! This episode of the Pitch to Pro podcast promises to uncover why now is the best time to launch a professional soccer team in Northwest Arkansas. Hear all about the rising popularity of soccer across the nation, from bustling youth leagues to passionate adult fans. We break down how major events like Copa Americ...

Experience the palpable excitement as we tease out the future of soccer in Arkansas! Our latest Stoppage Time edition is a riveting snapshot of the possibilities unfolding with the anticipated launch of USL Arkansas. You'll be right at the edge of your seat as we ponder everything from potential timelines and team names to the electrifying fan experiences that could light up the upcoming stad...

Ever wondered what stories lie behind the iconic crests of soccer teams? Get ready to unravel the tales woven into the very fabric of the beautiful game's most enduring symbols. Join Wes Harris, Managing Director for USL Arkansas, as we trace the evolution of soccer crests from their humble origins in England to the powerful insignias they are today. We'll explore how these badges do mor...

Welcome to this week's Stoppage Time special of the Pitch to Pro Podcast! In this 5-7 minute highlight reel, we feature the best moments from our previous episodes, focusing this week on Episode 2 with special guest Chris Martinovic, co-founder of USL Arkansas. Dive into insightful discussions and key takeaways from our chat with Chris, covering the exciting world of soccer and his experience...