Pitch to Pro

Could the decision to have young athletes play up in age groups redefine their sports journey? Join us in this Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast as we unravel the intricacies of this crucial subject. We promise to equip you with insights into whether playing up is truly beneficial for your child's development or if it’s a parent-driven illusion. This episode spotlights the impact that an age group shift can hav...

Ever wondered how youth soccer registration could impact a young athlete's development and future in the sport? Join us on the Pitch to Pro podcast as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Scott Marksberry, head coach of the U20 Academy boys and Director of Coaching for Sporting Arkansas. Together, we explore the proposed shift from a birth year-based registration system to one aligned with the school year, a chan...

Discover the electrifying world of soccer club culture and the passionate community that breathes life into it. This episode promises to take you on an exhilarating journey through the highs and lows of building a soccer community. Learn how we strategically launched a team even amidst stadium delays and how a partnership with Bryant University created unforgettable experiences for fans. Feel the contagious energy of Rhode Island&a...

Can you imagine transforming an unused riverfront site into the sports and entertainment capital of Southern New England? Brett Johnson, the visionary owner of Rhode Island FC and Ipswich Town, shares his ambitious plans to do just that in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Join us as Brett reveals the collaborative efforts with local government and the significant investments being made to turn this prime location into a bustling hub with a...

At 33, Parker Dodson found himself lacing up soccer cleats for the first time, fueled by the excitement of a new team right in the heart of Arkansas. This week on the Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, we're celebrating the community's newfound passion for the beautiful game, thanks to the arrival of Ozark United FC. Together with our guests, we reminisce about personal experiences and the profound impact ...

Get ready to meet Brett Johnson, the visionary force behind Rhode Island FC and Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Brett gives us a front-row seat to his journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant soccer culture of London. He shares a compelling vision for the future of American soccer, highlighting the potential for the U.S. men's team to make waves on the international stage. His insights are a must-h...

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 the emotional undercurrents that d...

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 the region, despite a few minor hic...

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 international and local cultures. P...

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 their class and communication. These st...

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 how video games like FIFA on Xbox be...

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 population, and discuss the impending popul...

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 lack high-level local competition. Dis...

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 Martinovic leading us, we discuss the c...

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 that's not all—brace...

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 multiple markets is nothing short o...

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 and the emotional rollercoaster fan...

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 culture. Hear firsthand accounts of how...

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 the club's mission and vision, m...