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
71 episodes
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
Stoppage Time Special: The Growth and Future of Soccer in Northwest Arkansas
Join us for the Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast as we dive into the inspiring transformation of soccer in Northwest Arkansas. Our guest, a seasoned coach, reminisces about the humble beginnings of just two soccer clubs in the ...
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5:28
Ep. 34 - From First-Generation Roots to Coaching Pioneer
Nelson Medina returns with more captivating tales from the pitch, expanding on his journey from a first-generation American rooting himself in San Diego to an esteemed soccer career with the Nomads, Oklahoma City University, and the Oklahoma Ci...
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28:30
Stoppage Time Special: The Tactical Evolution of American Soccer
Our latest Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast features an illuminating conversation with a seasoned player and coach who has witnessed the remarkable growth of soccer in the United States. Ever wondered how the game transitioned ...
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6:51
Ep. 33 - U.S. Youth World Cup Roots: A Former National Team Player’s Mission in NWA Soccer
Nelson Medina's soccer journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the Director of Coaching and Player Development at Arkansas Comets FC, Nelson joins us to share his unique experiences growing up as a Portuguese American in San Diego, playing wi...
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33:41
Stoppage Time Special: Trends In Mixed-Use Developments
Discover how the world of sports is reshaping entertainment and hospitality landscapes in this captivating Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast. Ever wondered how Sports Illustrated and major sports leagues are transforming the tra...
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7:27
Ep. 32 - Sports Venue Development: The Battery, Titletown & Beyond
Discover the fascinating world where sports meet real estate with our esteemed guest, industry expert Josh Boren. Josh takes us on a journey through his career, from his pivotal experiences during the Great Financial Crisis to his collaboration...
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43:12
Stoppage Time Special: The Impact of Playing Up in Youth Sports
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...
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8:32
Ep. 31 - Youth Soccer Registration Reform
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 Ac...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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1:06:56