Pitch to Pro

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&apos...

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 a...

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 le...

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 scra...

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 ...

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 Gam...

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...

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 ...

Soccer's ascent in America has been remarkable – once considered a foreign oddity, it now captivates millions across the country. This Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast explores this transformation through the eyes of passionate supporters who've witnessed the sport's incredible growth firsthand.

We dive deep into what makes supporting a national team different from club allegiance. While clu...

Soccer has a unique power to unite people across boundaries, but two significant challenges threaten this unity: the pressure adults put on young players and the barriers women face as fans. This special Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro explores these crucial conversations through highlights from Part 1 of our conversation with Her Game Too.

When it comes to youth soccer, Jenn and Natasha share a critical insight: we&...

Natasha Brand and Jenn Ramczyk never had the opportunity to play organized soccer as young girls. Now, they're transforming the landscape for women across America as co-founders of Her Game Too USA.

Growing up in England, Natasha recalls how soccer simply "wasn't for girls" - schools divided sports strictly by gender, leaving girls to play informal street games without proper pathways into the sport. Me...

What if the journey of American soccer mirrors a thrilling western adventure, complete with risks, leaps of faith, and a relentless pursuit of growth? Join us in this Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro as we unpack the riveting tale of John Harkes, who navigated the soccer landscapes from the UK to the U.S. Amidst the vibrant, chaotic, and rapidly evolving soccer scene in America, John shares his firsthand experiences and insigh...

U.S. soccer legend John Harkes steps into the spotlight as we explore his fascinating journey from a celebrated player to an influential coach. Discover the secrets behind John’s transition to media work with "MLS Wrap" while nurturing his coaching passion through youth clubs. He generously shares his coaching philosophy, rooted in humility and creating opportunities for others, drawing from his time with esteemed mentors...

What does it take to leave a lasting legacy in the world of soccer? In this episode, we feature the extraordinary journey of a former professional soccer player who has seamlessly transitioned into media and coaching. Hear firsthand how the threads of family and community support have woven a tapestry of character and humility throughout his career. Experience the warmth of a soccer family—where not only did he shine on the field, ...

Join us for a captivating conversation with US soccer legend John Harkes as we explore his incredible journey from the playgrounds of Kearny, New Jersey—affectionately known as "Soccer Town, USA"—to the world stage. Discover how the tight-knit community of Kearney, fueled by immigrant passion, played a pivotal role in shaping his career and the broader landscape of American soccer. From childhood games under the watchful ...

Imagine witnessing a young athlete achieve their dreams and thinking, "If they can do it, so can I." This week on the Pitch to Pro podcast, we're joined by a former high-level player turned coach, who shares his compelling journey through the evolving soccer landscape in Northwest Arkansas. Ryan Williams breaks down the significance of intellectual engagement for young athletes, especially the 2012 age group, and how...

Join us as we chat with Ryan Williams, an inspiring figure in the world of soccer coaching and development. Once a professional soccer player, Ryan now channels his passion for the sport into coaching, sharing insightful stories from his journey. He candidly discusses the transition from player to coach, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Ryan's experiences with college teams have shaped his philosophy, ma...

Ever wondered what it takes to leap from college soccer to the professional arena? Join us for a special Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, where we sit down with a player who has navigated that very path, from college soccer to the USL Championship. Our guest shares invaluable insights into the world of professional soccer, shedding light on the differences in skill level and player mentality that set college athle...

How does a young boy from Hawaii end up shaping the future of soccer talent in Northwest Arkansas? Meet Ryan Williams, a passionate soccer leader and former professional player, who shares his fascinating journey from learning the game at age three to making waves in the USL Championship. Ryan’s story is one of dedication and resilience, from training under the legendary Scott Marksberry to lifting a PDL national championship with ...