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!