Episodios

  • Stoppage Time Special: How a Jersey Told the Marshall Islands’ Story
    Aug 14 2025

    Our latest Stoppage Time episode reveals the extraordinary efforts of a volunteer team spanning three continents who are determined to ensure the Marshall Islands' place in football history.

    The urgency is palpable as Woody Watson explains why this initiative matters: "A nation that possibly might not exist in some capacity in 10 years is able to get their first matches played, is able to have something out there that says, yes, we got this done in time." These islands, barely feet above sea level, represent ground zero for climate change impacts.

    We dive into the story behind the award-winning "No Home Kit" – a brilliant white uniform with portions that appear to have dissolved away, symbolizing the gradual erosion of the Marshall Islands' landmass. This powerful visual metaphor recently earned international recognition in Spain, bringing critical exposure to the Marshall Islands' plight and generating donations for sustainability efforts.

    Perhaps most remarkable is that this entire initiative runs on passion alone. A team of 20-25 dedicated volunteers across multiple time zones has created something truly impactful without any compensation. From broadcasting specialists donating camera equipment to coaches with international experience, these individuals overcome significant logistical challenges to work together toward a common goal.

    What starts as a sports development story transforms into something much more profound, a testament to human resilience, global collaboration, and the power of football to shine a light on our planet's most urgent crises. Listen now to discover how the beautiful game is becoming a lifeline for a nation on the brink of disappearing.

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    6 m
  • Ep. 47 - Marshall Islands’ First Match: History in NWA
    Aug 7 2025

    The beautiful game of soccer has reached nearly every corner of the globe, but until now, one nation has remained on the sidelines. The Marshall Islands stands as the last UN-recognized country never to have played a match, a distinction about to change thanks to an extraordinary grassroots effort with surprising ties to Northwest Arkansas.

    Woody Watson, VP of North American Operations for the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, shares the remarkable journey that began when his wife discovered an AP article about UK-based soccer enthusiasts working to bring the sport to the Marshall Islands. What caught Watson's attention was the connection to his new home in Northwest Arkansas. Springdale hosts the largest Marshallese population outside the Pacific, a community established when islanders relocated for employment opportunities following nuclear testing in their homeland.

    The federation has developed multiple initiatives beyond the men's national team, including women's programs, youth development, and coach education. But what makes their story particularly compelling is the urgency behind their mission. With many Marshall Islands atolls sitting just feet above sea level, rising oceans threaten the very existence of the nation. Their award-winning "No Home Kit" campaign, featuring a white jersey with portions dissolved away to symbolize their eroding homeland, uses soccer as a platform to raise awareness about climate change.

    The upcoming Outrigger Cup represents more than just the Marshall Islands' sporting debut; it's a race against time to establish a national soccer identity before climate change potentially alters their homeland forever. As Watson poignantly notes, they're "expediting this program because a nation that possibly might not exist in some capacity in 10 years is able to get their first match played." Through the dedication of volunteers working across multiple time zones, this small Pacific nation is about to make sporting history while highlighting one of our planet's most pressing challenges.

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    21 m
  • Stoppage Time Special: The Next Generation of Fans
    Jul 31 2025

    In this special Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, we dive into one of the show’s most personal and vivid storytelling moments: a heartfelt memory about watching MLS veteran Jack Jewsbury in action. The segment from Episode 46 with Ross Cully features reflections on how an unassuming trip to Portland turned into a deep lesson in soccer culture, as he recalls traveling with his young son to see Jewsbury captain the Timbers in front of the legendary Timbers Army. Their experience went beyond just watching a match. It was about being enveloped in the color, chants, and traditions that define Portland’s fan culture, even coming away with Jewsbury’s captain's armband as a priceless souvenir.

    The episode also explores Jewsbury’s career trajectory, from college at SLU to the Kansas City Wizards and ultimately Portland, painting a vivid contrast between the early, sparse crowds at Arrowhead Stadium and the electric, sold-out atmosphere in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a testament not only to the growth of MLS but to the way authentic supporter culture can transform a city’s sporting identity. The conversation brims with admiration for the local traditions, like the chainsaw-cutting of the victory log, underscoring why the Timber's matchday experience is often held up as the gold standard in American soccer.

    Beyond nostalgia, the segment turns reflective and even strategic, highlighting why these kinds of experiences matter for investors and club-builders in emerging markets like Northwest Arkansas. Ross notes how going to matches in Kansas City with his own kids, and even his initially skeptical parents, showed the sport’s multigenerational appeal and the surprise fans often feel when they realize soccer’s live atmosphere can be more intimate, accessible, and engaging than bigger, more corporate American sports experiences. It’s a compelling argument for how clubs can win over communities by delivering something that feels both special and inclusive.

    Finally, the episode closes by linking personal memories to a broader vision: the changing demographics and rising youth interest in soccer in the U.S. We discuss how younger generation’s fandom, from the jerseys they wear to the games they want to attend, reveals a generational shift that smart clubs and investors need to embrace. This Stoppage Time moment isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a call to see the potential for soccer to unify diverse communities, create lasting memories, and help grow the game in regions like Northwest Arkansas.

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    7 m
  • Ep. 46 - KC and Portland Showed Ross Cully What NWA Soccer Could Be
    Jul 24 2025

    What happens when passion for soccer meets the explosive growth of Northwest Arkansas? Ross Cully, founder and CEO of Harvest Group and early investor in Ozark United FC, reveals the powerful vision behind bringing professional soccer to this dynamic region.

    Ross shares his personal connection to the beautiful game, from youth leagues in Missouri to watching his former teammate Jack Jewsbury captain the Portland Timbers. That experience opened his eyes to soccer's unique ability to unite communities through an electric matchday atmosphere unlike anything else in American sports. As a father of four, Ross recognizes how younger generations embrace soccer differently than previous ones did, a demographic shift that makes this the perfect moment for professional soccer to thrive in Northwest Arkansas.

    Beyond the business opportunity, Ross articulates how Ozark United FC represents something more meaningful: a chance to give back to a community that has given him so much. The club's vision extends beyond the pitch to create a vibrant destination combining soccer, housing, retail, and community spaces that will enhance Northwest Arkansas's appeal for current and future residents.

    The success of this vision relies on community support at every level. Whether you're following social media accounts, purchasing merchandise, attending events, or exploring investment opportunities, each action builds momentum toward making professional soccer a reality in Northwest Arkansas. For those interested in contributing to this community-transforming project, Ross encourages reaching out with questions about sponsorship or investment.

    Join us on this journey as we unite Northwest Arkansas through the beautiful game and create unforgettable sporting moments for generations to come.

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    38 m
  • Stoppage Time Special: When Growth Changes the Game
    Jul 17 2025

    This Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast features a focused look at the role of vision in entrepreneurship, regional development, and professional sports ownership, all through the lens of Northwest Arkansas’ rapid transformation. In this short segment from Episode 45, we revisit a conversation with Ross Cully that highlights how NWA’s explosive growth has forced local leaders to recalibrate their benchmarks, no longer comparing the region to peer markets it has now surpassed.

    You’ll hear reflections on what it means to think beyond the present, both for cities and businesses. As NWA evolves, local leaders are wrestling with the need to plan infrastructure and policy around who the region wants to become in 20 years, not just who it is today. That forward-thinking mindset also parallels the entrepreneurial journey, where taking leaps before others see the potential is often what sets long-term success in motion.

    Ross shares the early days of building The Harvest Group, a story filled with grit, risk, and the necessity of persuading others to believe in a vision that didn’t yet exist. These same principles carry over into the creation of Ozark United FC, where club founders are again being asked to forecast trends and commit to an idea ahead of the market.

    This clip captures the tension and excitement of growth, the burden and privilege of leadership, and the deep need for clarity of vision, whether you're shaping a company, a sports club, or an entire region’s future. It’s a snapshot of the ideas driving NWA’s momentum and the people courageous enough to lead it.

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    5 m
  • Ep. 45 - An Investor’s Vision for NWA
    Jul 10 2025

    Ever wonder what happens when entrepreneurial vision meets professional sports? Join us for an engaging conversation with Ross Cully, founder and CEO of Harvest Group and investor in Ozark United FC, as he shares his two-decade journey in Northwest Arkansas.

    Ross takes us back to his first encounter with NWA at Nolan Richardson's basketball camp, through his arrival with Procter & Gamble, to his decision to plant roots and build a thriving business in the region. What began as qualities like natural beauty and genuine relationships has evolved into a place now nationally recognized for its cultural amenities, outdoor recreation, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    The transformation is stunning. Where Ross once had to explain where Northwest Arkansas was located during his business travels, he now meets people who enthusiastically share their experiences visiting Crystal Bridges or riding the region's world-class bike trails. This evolution mirrors the changing competitive landscape for NWA, which now benchmarks itself against larger markets across the country.

    Drawing from his experience building Harvest Group from scratch, Ross provides invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial journey. He walks us through the distinct phases—from the scrappy survival mode of early days, through explosive growth periods, to the current challenges of scaling operations. These lessons directly apply to building Ozark United FC, reminding us that setbacks and pivots are natural parts of creating something meaningful.

    Perhaps most compelling is Ross's perspective on the entrepreneurial ecosystem developing in Northwest Arkansas. Like Silicon Valley's cycle of success and reinvestment, NWA is seeing successful entrepreneurs who are now giving back and reinvesting in the next wave of regional growth—including professional soccer.

    Ready to understand how sports, business, and community development intersect? Subscribe to Pitch to Pro and join the conversation about Northwest Arkansas's exciting journey to professional soccer!

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    25 m
  • Stoppage Time Special: MLS, USL, and Beyond: Making Sense of American Soccer
    Jul 3 2025

    As the FIFA Club World Cup captivates soccer fans around the globe, it feels like the perfect time to take a step back and revisit one of the most confusing—and often misunderstood—aspects of the beautiful game: how soccer is structured here in the United States. In this Stoppage Time episode of Pitch to Pro, we’ve pulled together highlights from Episode 10 that shed light on the U.S. soccer pyramid, including how Major League Soccer fits into the global game, why promotion and relegation don’t work the same way here, and what it means for young American talent coming through the ranks.

    With the Club World Cup spotlighting international club competition, this is a timely refresher on how American soccer clubs position themselves in the broader landscape. Whether you're a diehard supporter or a newcomer trying to make sense of leagues like MLS, USL, NISA, and beyond, this episode offers clarity—and a little history—to help ground your fandom.

    We also touch on the development path for players in the U.S., from youth academies and college programs to domestic professional leagues and overseas opportunities. Understanding this system is key not just for fans, but for aspiring players, parents, and even coaches trying to navigate the best route to the pro level.

    With a wave of high-profile soccer events coming to the U.S.—including the 2026 World Cup—there’s never been a better moment to deepen your understanding of how soccer works stateside. Consider this your pregame warmup for the years ahead.

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    7 m
  • Stoppage Time Special: Growth Beyond the Giants
    Jun 26 2025

    Welcome to this week’s Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, where we feature a powerful five-minute excerpt from one of our previous full-length conversations. In this episode, we take you deep into the economic transformation of Northwest Arkansas — a region whose growth story is often reduced to headlines about big-name companies. But there’s more to the evolution than just corporate giants, and this clip brings out the layered dynamics behind how real, sustainable regional development takes shape.

    Our guest, Mervin Jebaraj, breaks down the phases of growth, starting in the 1990s when expansion was driven directly by the region's “big three” corporations and the university. That first wave was about attracting talent to those anchor institutions. The early 2000s saw a second wave: businesses that existed primarily to serve or collaborate with those core companies began thriving. Then came a third generation — companies that supported the support companies — creating a complex, interdependent economic engine that fueled unprecedented job growth.

    But the conversation takes a turn when we explore the present and emerging future. Growth in Northwest Arkansas today is increasingly defined by lifestyle and infrastructure: healthcare, education, hospitality, and other services required to support the ballooning population. The pandemic highlighted this shift even more. Remote workers flocked to the area, bringing jobs from outside and proving that quality of life can be just as magnetic as corporate opportunity. Still, the region isn’t quite at the point where people move without a plan — like they might to New York, Austin, or LA — but it’s inching closer.

    This episode also addresses what it means to be a “self-sustaining” region — one that can attract people and businesses simply because of what it is, not just who’s hiring. Mervin paints a picture of what it would take for Northwest Arkansas to become one of those places where people show up, figure it out, and still thrive even if Plan A doesn’t work. That kind of organic, resilient growth is aspirational — and, according to this conversation, within reach.

    To close, we look at how the region measures itself. Initially benchmarked against metros of similar size, Northwest Arkansas consistently led in key indicators. So, the comparison group shifted to larger aspirational peers like Kansas City and Omaha — and the region still holds its own. This clip offers a compelling window into how smart, long-term growth is being mapped, managed, and measured. If you’ve ever wondered how a mid-sized community becomes a nationally respected economic player, this Stoppage Time episode is a masterclass in just that.

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    6 m