Pitch to Pro
Pitch to Pro is the official podcast of Ozark United FC. This will be our platform to tell our story about the club and the special place that we call home, Northwest Arkansas. This is a journey. We want to bring you along for the ride. We'll share what's going on behind the curtain, help educate the community at large about soccer, Our league, and give updates on the progress of the club along the way.
Together, we'll explore and unpack our journey to professional soccer, the magic that is NWA, our community, and talk all things soccer from on the pitch to behind the scenes, telling the story of our club.
Episodes
79 episodes
Stoppage Time Special: MLS, USL, and Beyond: Making Sense of American Soccer
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...
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7:16
Stoppage Time Special: Growth Beyond the Giants
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 transform...
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5:56
Stoppage Time Special: How Soccer is Changing Northwest Arkansas
This Stoppage Time Episode pulls a powerful snippet from one of our earliest Pitch to Pro conversations - Ep. 16 - From Local Chambers to Soccer Fields: Pioneering Progress in Northwest Arkansas.Soccer isn't just a sport; it's ...
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6:44
Stoppage Time Special: How Sports Teams Became Gold Mines
Welcome to this Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro Podcast — a fast-paced highlight from last week’s full episode. In this five-minute segment, we explore how professional sports have transformed into one of the most lucr...
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5:52
Ep. 44 - What Makes Northwest Arkansas Ripe for Pro Soccer?
Ever wonder how waste management and professional soccer intersect? Andy McNeil, a successful Arkansas entrepreneur who built multi-million dollar environmental service companies, takes us on an unexpected journey through both worlds in this ca...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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43:51
Stoppage Time Special: The Magic of Community Through Soccer
In this special Stoppage Time edition of The Pitch to Pro Podcast, we revisit one of the most heartfelt and powerful moments from a past episode—an honest reflection on the indescribable magic of Northwest Arkansas and the uni...
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8:37
Stoppage Time Special: What Makes Great Players Stand Out
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 ...
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6:50
Ep. 43 - MLS Next is Coming to NWA: What It Means for Players
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 build...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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28:15
Stoppage Time Special: The Search for Investors
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 ...
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8:24
Ep. 42 - Inside the Pivot: How Land Deals Shaped Ozark United’s Stadium Plans
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 conver...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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49:26
Stoppage Time Special: Crests & Identity
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 div...
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6:01
Stoppage Time Special: A Girl's Right to Play
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 unusu...
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8:30
Ep. 41 - Her Game Too: Fighting for Equality in Soccer - Part 2
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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32:24
Ep. 40 - New Stadium, New Dreams: Inside Ozark United FC’s Stadium Pivot
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 o...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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48:27
Stoppage Time Special: The American Fan Experience
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...
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6:31
Stoppage Time Special: The Fight Against Soccer Sexism
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 ex...
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7:22
Ep. 39 - Her Game Too: Fighting for Equality in Soccer
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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25:54
Stoppage Time Special: John Harkes' Journey from the UK to the U.S. Soccer Scene
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 ...
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8:51
Ep. 38 - John Harkes: A U.S. Soccer Legend's Journey - Part 2
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 coac...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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24:18
Stoppage Time Special: Exploring Modern Football Dynamics and Mentorship
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 thr...
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8:21
Ep. 37 - John Harkes: A U.S. Soccer Legend’s Journey - Part 1
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 ...
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28:37
Stoppage Time Special: Balancing Winning and Growth in Youth Soccer
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 e...
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8:37
Ep. 36 - Transitioning from Player to Mentor
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 journe...
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29:37
Stoppage Time Special: From College Soccer to USL, Navigating the Pro Path
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...
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6:02
Ep. 35 - Hawaii to the USL: Ryan Williams' Soccer Journey
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 t...
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32:37