Pitch to Pro

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 experiences in the USL. Don't forget to ...

Embark on a journey through the dynamic landscape of Northwest Arkansas with Mayor Greg Hines of Rogers, who shares the story of an area flourishing with new energy and opportunity. As we navigate the region's cultural and economic metamorphosis, Mayor Hines unveils how Rogers has become a beacon for entertainment and dining, drawing in a wave of newcomers. Engage with us as we celebrate the spirit of NWA's vibrant commun...

Uncover the transformative power of local chambers of commerce in this insightful discussion with JR Shaw and Steve Cox from the Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce. We're peeling back the layers of these pivotal institutions and their profound impact on fostering vibrant business environments and communities. Northwest Arkansas is on the cusp of a remarkable evolution, and through this conversation, you'll learn how the sy...

Welcome back to Part 2 of our Marshall Islands Special! Embark on a historical journey with us as we delve into the groundbreaking formation of the Marshall Islands' first national soccer team, featuring insights from the Marshall Island Soccer Association's very own, Lloyd Owers and Matt Webb. As we chat with these soccer pioneers, we uncover the deep-rooted connections between the thriving Marshallese community in North...

Embark on an illuminating quest through the soccer universe with us as we team up with Lloyd Owers and Matt Webb from the Marshall Island Soccer Federation. Our exchanges stitch together the rich fabric of soccer's influence, from Wes' role as Managing Director for USL Arkansas to Lloyd's journey from British football to the technical helm of the islands' soccer dreams, and Matt's marketing prowess shaping ...

From the vibrant streets of Salinas, California, to the burgeoning communities of Northwest Arkansas, Irvin Camacho's journey is a masterclass in bravery and the pursuit of betterment. Embark with us on an intimate exploration of his story—a tale of family, determination, and the transformative power of setting down roots in a place that offers both refuge from the hustle and a chance to thrive. Irvin's heartfelt narrativ...

Embark on a journey through the economic landscape of Northwest Arkansas with Mervin Jebaraj, the insightful Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research. Mervin, charting a fascinating path from Dubai all the way to Fayetteville, unpacks his comprehensive analysis of local and global economic strategies. As he casts a light on what to expect economically in the year 2024, our conversation takes you from the pivotal in...

When Randy Wilburn made the leap to Northwest Arkansas, he wasn't just changing his address; he was about to uncover a treasure of community spirit and local wonders that would capture his heart. Join us as Randy takes us on a personal voyage, from his initial reluctance to the moment this region truly felt like home. We unpack the allure of the local amenities and the infectious Razorback pride that will captivate anyone who ...

Prepare to have your understanding of soccer's vast empire expanded as we guide you through FIFA's intricate world, where the heartbeats of nations synchronize with the rhythms of the World Cup. Our latest episode peels back the layers of governance within the sport and maps out the U.S.'s role in the sprawling soccer cosmos. We're not just talking about goals and matches; we're uncovering the very framewor...

Embark on a captivating exploration of USL Arkansas's rise, as we're joined by Brett Parker from Stone Ward to unveil the heart and soul poured into creating a club that's quickly capturing the essence of Northwest Arkansas. Get ready to go behind the scenes and witness the meticulous process of molding an identity that genuinely reflects the community's voice. With over 2000 locals contributing their thoughts, ...

Ever wonder how successful soccer franchises are built from scratch? Tune into this episode of the Pitch to Pro podcast where we bring on our guest, Ben Freakley, an illustrious figure in the world of professional soccer. With a rich history as a former player, coach, and general manager in the United Soccer League, Ben weaves the enthralling tale of crafting the South Georgia Tormenta community from the ground up, proving that tea...

Welcome to another episode of Pitch to Pro, where we're pulling back the curtain on the exhilarating, high-stakes world of soccer team branding. We promise that you'll come away with a whole new perspective on what it takes to create a brand from scratch, specifically for a soccer club, and how that process can stir up a community's love and passion for the sport. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have ...

Ever wondered how a humble local soccer program can evolve into a thriving community with over 40,000 players? Well, we have a treat for you, our esteemed guest, Cesar Aguilar, who has passionately nurtured the Rogers Parks and Recreation soccer program for three decades. Witnessing its growth from a mere 18 teams to its current grandeur, Cesar takes us on a captivating journey, sharing memories of coaching players who have now bec...

Prepare yourself for a global journey as we kick the ball around the world, exploring the rich tapestry of soccer cultures in the United States, Europe, and South America. Our expert guides for this tour are none other than Alan Gooding and Alex Thaley, the co-owners of the The Botanical - International Sports Pub on 8th and A. Drawing from their personal experiences, these soccer aficionados share their insights about the distinct...

In this episode, Wes Harris, the managing director for USL Arkansas, sits down with Collin Whitehead and Carlos Trevino-Frank from the supporters group leadership team. Discover the origins of the supporters group, sparked by a single tweet, and journey with Carlos as he recounts his soccer roots, influenced by his grandmother and experiences with Austin FC's supporters group. Learn about the pivotal role of the supporters in ...

Warren Smith, co-founder of USL Arkansas, shares his journey into the sports industry, initially through baseball, and eventually soccer, highlighting his involvement in turning around the Portland Timbers. He emphasizes the unique and passionate relationship between soccer fans and their teams, noting how fans often feel deep emotional ownership of their clubs. The episode explores the importance of community engagement and unders...