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.
Pitch to Pro
Ep. 59 - The Golden Clash: Club América Comes to Arkansas | Pt. 2
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Northwest Arkansas is getting something it rarely gets: a true Mexican soccer rivalry, live, loud, and played at scale. We’re joined by leaders from Club América to unpack how the Golden Clash came to life and why bringing both the women’s and men’s matches to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is about more than a one-night spectacle.
We talk candidly about what it means to work inside a club with massive expectations and how they think about standards, ambition, and leadership without hiding behind the word “pressure.” That mindset fuels constant improvement across Club América’s men’s and women’s programs and it’s a powerful lens for anyone building something hard, whether that’s a soccer club, a career, or a community project. Along the way, we get into the behind-the-scenes realities that fans don’t always see: relationships, timing, partners, and the internal support systems that make big ideas executable.
Then we bring it home to Northwest Arkansas soccer. Claudia explains why women’s soccer visibility matters and why this rivalry delivers a high-level match that can inspire the next generation. We break down the March 28 doubleheader plan, why Arkansas is a smart market for a major international event, and how fan culture travels far beyond the usual Texas and California hubs. We also connect it to Ozark United FC’s USL journey and the larger question: what can a professional soccer club do for a region when community comes first?
If you care about women’s soccer, Liga MX, Club América, Tigres, the USL, or building a real soccer culture in Northwest Arkansas, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs to experience a first live match, and leave us a review with your World Cup winner pick.
Welcome To Pitch To Pro
SPEAKER_03Pitch 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.
Sponsor Spotlight PodcastVideos.com
SPEAKER_03The Pitch2 Pro podcast is proudly sponsored by Podcastvideos.com. Podcastvideos.com is Northwest Arkansas's premier podcast recording studio. Equipped with industry-leading equipment, the recording studio and services save you time, money, and hassle. They are dedicated to helping you create, record, and publish high-quality podcasts for your audience.
SPEAKER_02Be sure to check them out today at podcastvideos.com.
Meet Club America’s Leaders
SPEAKER_03Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the Pitch the Pro Podcast. I'm your host, Wes Harris, Managing Director of Ozark United FC, Northwest Arkansas's professional soccer club playing in the United Soccer League. Today I have two guests joining me from the notorious Club America in Mexico City playing in Liga MX and coming to Northwest Arkansas to play Tigres at the end of March. We'll talk about that in a second at Razorback Stadium. More on that later. Claudia IQEN. Buenas tardes y gracias por accompagnarme. Bienvenidos a nuestro programa. Okay. Thank you guys so much for coming. That's about all the Spanish I got in me. Maybe later we can talk if you talk much slower than normal. Next problem.
Redefining Pressure And Ambition
SPEAKER_03But how do you think about maintaining that status, right? Like is that daunting, or do you again don't overcomplicate it and you just kind of keep doing the next best thing that you know how to do?
SPEAKER_01I always say this. So for example, when I talk to my wife or my parents or my siblings, is uh often this word in sports, and you will heard athletes mention it like pressure. Yeah, what we experience is not pressure. Pressure is uh not knowing if you'll have food on your plate for your family at night, uh, and very happy and very privileged not having that issue. Um so I I don't think it's pressure, it's it's kind of a demand, like you know, permanent demand, and and yeah, uh that we need to be leaders, we need to be uh the best version of ourselves uh as individuals, and at the sum of it as a club. And and but this is actually something I love. Uh it's it's part of the values I got from from my family as well. Uh growing up from my studies, and uh I've always tried to be my best version. I'm not saying I am, hopefully, I'm I'm not that old, so I hope I'll I'll I'll keep improving uh and trying to. Uh, but I think the club is the same. We we want to have the best Clore America we can, and this is actually an amazing North Star to have. It's uh sometimes it could be uh I don't, yeah, yeah, like where do you start? What do you do to achieve it? It's because it's very ambitious in the in the right sense of the word, I think. But yeah, hundreds of but it's also very challenging, it's fun, it's intellectually uh uh yeah, demanding, uh and and it's exciting. Uh it's not for everyone, but I think in general, and and you know that better than we do, is is working in this industry in general is not for everyone, but like other industries are not. Like I will I couldn't survive in other industries. Exactly. I will never work in banking. No, I hope I don't have to go one day, but but but but uh but uh but you know you know what I mean.
SPEAKER_03Like it's it's uh we're saying everybody has the right skill set for the right roles at the right places because we're not right obviously, and and I I I was using that example just like a football team.
SPEAKER_01My first date with my wife. Uh uh, I said, Yeah, I work in football. I said, Oh, but you work a lot. I said, Yes, but it's because I love it and it's very exciting. I will never do that in banking. And she said, Oh yeah, I have an inter I have an interview, I have an interview, a job interview in a bank uh on Monday, and I was like, Oh yeah, but it's not for everybody. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I I truly believe this. Like you need to find your place in the world, and and and in and it's a very complicated world.
SPEAKER_03So so you didn't know you were gonna have such a deep conversation, did you? Existential conversation on the podcast.
SPEAKER_01Definitely not. I've mentioned my wife way more times than I usually usually do because I I want my private life to stay private, but uh, but that's true. That way that's why I was using that example. And my point is that is is we're privileged to be at Club America. We're very lucky, we have worked for it. Uh, we are still working to to to to more than maintain the club where it is, we want it to grow, uh especially on the on the woman's side, but also on the men's side, we want to do more and more, and uh, and that's what we work for. But I think having the the yeah, the the possibility of waking up uh looking for such an ambitious goal every day, it's just amazing. And every day is full of surprises and different things. I'm not saying that all days are very happy and perfect, that doesn't exist. There are days that we say, okay, I need to focus on this. There are days that it's it's uh overwhelming and you you really don't know what should be your next step. But then because we have this support internally, we have this fantastic team to work with, really brilliant people like the team I have the privilege to lead. Uh I'm amazed by by the brain they have, like like you you just met Pedro, of course, but but Batiste, who is uh accompanying us in this trip, like Jorge, Regina, uh you know, like all the team, uh Edgar, obviously on the content side, like like I don't want to be unfair and there is a lot more people, but but all of his team. Yeah, exactly. It's it's not because I'm talking about the team I lead, but but uh in the rest of the club, like like uh and Claudia knows, like obviously the rest of the leadership team, like they're amazing. They're I get inspired by people at the club all the time and at every level, and I think this is probably the highest privilege we have. Is we get inspired by people all the time. And uh again, I'm sure we're gonna talk about the game, but yes, we will. Like, like I swear. But the game's the whole point of that. The game happened because we came here for a business meeting with um uh one of our uh sponsors in in the US, uh Latinous Beauty, which is a haircare product, and uh with their leadership team, and I was here with uh Joaquin Valcarcel with our CEO, and uh the idea came after we met some people of the University of Arkansas uh at dinner, and then we visited the stadium and the facilities and got just blown away because we honestly we have no idea, I'm not gonna lie. No, it's fine. And and we said, This is this is crazy. And we met Colby. Yeah, and then we saw the women's facilities, and we say, okay, we need to bring the women's team here. That's how it started. And then we say, Okay, we need to bring everyone and do a game at the American football stadium. And uh and and that without the push and and that that idea from from our CEO from Joaquin, it will never have happened, or from our sponsor pushing us and doing the introductions as well, and just dreaming of doing big things together. So I think that's yeah, that's just fantastic. Like, I don't think I can complain, like, like, you know, like it's it, yeah, we're really privileged. It is sometimes overwhelming, but I think everything interesting in life is like such as like everything on your private life that is interesting, it's also sometimes overwhelming. And and I sure I became a dad less than two years ago, and and congratulations, thank you. And uh it is definitely overwhelming sometimes, and but but it's the most amazing thing. So I I think it's just the way it works. Yeah, I I sorry for the very long answer.
SPEAKER_03No, listen, look, you know, these uh I I love just coming in and learning about people and hearing their stories. Um, and so don't don't apologize. Like there's so many good nuggets in there for not just um not just football, right? But like I think you just you have such a great perspective and refreshing perspective about just thinking about your work, your life, and how are you fitting in? It's the people around you, it's can you support each other? And are you in the right environment to success to succeed and thrive? Um, do you have that support for below, equal, and above you? Um and you know, there's there's so many parallels there that can that people can take and and I personally will take as well, and and just try to remind myself because uh this is uh it is a big task. What we're what we're doing here as well, um you know, rewind 110 years and and that's where we are, right? So um you know, we'll get we'll get there. We're doing we're doing all the things, guys, I swear. Uh but you you mentioned it, so let's
How Golden Clash Became Real
SPEAKER_03talk about it. Golden Clash, and I'll pivot back to Claudia for a second. Is this I don't let me ask a question. Is this the first women's match in the USA for Club America? Or maybe no? Okay. Good. I should know this, but like I'm I'm maybe in the state of Arkansas, probably.
SPEAKER_00You mean yeah, in the state of Arkansas it is, but uh I'm probably too I'm I can probably say that uh it's not our first. I love that it's not our second. It's like our I I've lost I've lost the count, to be honest. So that's a that's a big joy for us.
SPEAKER_03I apologize for my ignorance, but that's amazing. So I love to hear that even in just the eight years uh or 10 years of the program, you got well, it also tells me you understand who your fan base is, too. Right?
SPEAKER_01Um the first one was 2022.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, well, against a professional team because we need uh in college.
SPEAKER_01Oh, okay, yeah, yeah, yeah. The first professional one was in 2022. And from there, we have done a lot. A lot.
SPEAKER_03No, that's great. Yeah, that's great. So talk about what you know you're looking forward to about, you know, let's talk about a what is the golden clash, let's remind people. Um, you know, Quentin gave uh a great background on on kind of how it happened. So kind of Claudia, if you can kind of walk us through what the golden clash will be, and then Quentin can add his thoughts as well. But from a women's perspective, you know, you guys are gonna go up against T Grace and uh have some fun on the pitch, and obviously a little bit before a little bit before and after. Come on, soccer's supposed to be fun, guys. Soccer's supposed to be fun. Come on.
Women’s Rivalry And Bigger Visibility
SPEAKER_00And like you mentioned at the beginning, it's uh big rivalry in the pitch, but outside of it, we're we're all good and and both great teams, and and you you need to expect uh from this game that it's gonna be huge because it's uh well to call it like that is the derby from the women's side.
SPEAKER_02Yeah.
SPEAKER_00I I'm I might call it like that because there's been a lot of finals between these two clubs. Uh it's always a a a big and and good spectacle. Uh uh spectacle, yeah. You got it right. You got it right. I it sounded weird.
SPEAKER_03You you guys like by the way, I want to give you guys so much credit for just how easily you're just flowing. And I know English is spoken everywhere, and like you kind of have to, sorry. Um, but truly, it's so weird speaking a different language than your native tongue and then like having it echo. I mean, you got I'm telling you guys what you know, but not all of it. You I want to I want to share that you're doing an excellent job. I appreciate it. And and you absolutely had the word right spot on spectacle.
SPEAKER_00Oh yeah, it's gonna be a good one because uh like we mentioned uh women's game is is growing a lot, and these two teams are investing a lot. It's a it is a good uh thing that we bring this to the US because like Quentin mentioned in the beginning, this is uh an area that it's not we always go to uh California, Texas, uh and now being here in Arkansas, I think it's it's a good uh place for people to get involved with the team, to know the level of the team, because sometimes they don't even know if if we're we are a good team or we perform well, and they're not used to Mexican soccer, well, Mexican women soccer. So uh they can perceive the the level and and see that it's a good a good level, and the players are are at the at their top. So it's it's gonna be a great match. We're we're happy to be here, we're excited um for this match, and uh yeah, I want to invite to all the people and and not only uh from our concept from all the way around.
SPEAKER_03And you will, by the way.
SPEAKER_00You know you will, but I I want to reiterate like you will regarding the the women's side, we want to inspire the new generations, like like we mentioned. That's another thing that it's in our in our heads all the time because we know the potential of women's football, we know the the capacity of of building new connections and and bring people in. So yeah, that we're more than excited for that.
SPEAKER_03It's so important um for kids to be able to visually see the thing that they maybe want to be, or gives them a spark of something that they may want to be, right? Whether it's a scientist or an astronaut or a soccer player, right? And so that's why um the the expansion of, and again, a whole nother podcast, but the expansion of and the global broadcast and the globalization of of soccer and football and the broadcasting around the world for all these different leagues, the World Cup, et cetera, world uh women's sports, that's why it's so important. Um, and for these media companies to invest in uh ahead of the its time, forget the balance sheet for a second, because it will come. And I think it's been proven, right? And it's so important to continue to provide that visualization for people and then experiences like this at the Golden Clash for especially girls and not having as much representation and being able to see that at a high level at a big event like this in an area like Northwest Arkansas, like that's for me, I'm I'm I get chills. Like I'm so excited, I really am. I love to see this type of event coming, but especially that the women are going to be a part of it because I and a dad of of three, but I have two girls. And to be able to, I take them to the University of Arkansas women's games and I show them, you know, they they do love to play. I don't I don't force them, I swear. Um they said they wanted to play. Uh, but for them to be able to see that, it like, and there's seven and five, about to be eight and six, but they they still get it at that age, you know. And you know, my middle, my eight-year-old says she wants to be a pro soccer player. Don't we all? But uh I I I love that. And we're so looking forward to uh being able to to watch you guys on the field. Hopefully for a victory. So on the on the you know, keep keep going on the on the overall event and kind of why I I know why it makes sense, and and you kind of give the background with the sponsor, and and you've got the university here, you've got Walmart, and it's just this nice uh uh, you know, convergence of the three. Um, but also we are in a little bit of a interesting kind of Dallas, Kansas City, Memphis, like triangle, you know, where in there is a lot of Club America fans that kind of have this opportunity to come to this really cool event.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, 100%. And and I think what you both just mentioned, like for us, having the women's team here was not uh non-negotiable. Like it was part of of the of the project since day one. Actually, it started with the women's team and it it it which happens Club America uh a lot is sometimes there are projects that start with the women's team and and we kind of bring the men's team on on top of it uh afterwards, which
March 28 Doubleheader Game Plan
SPEAKER_01all the complications that that can happen, but that's also the the fun part. But uh the game, so maybe just to remember the date, it's on March 28th. What's the date again, Quentin? March 28th. Uh an Espanol portfolio. Uh uh 28 March. There you go. I can do it. I can do it in French as well. But uh so yeah, that that's uh we'll have a double header, the women's team first, and then the men's team against uh Tigres. Uh the two games will finish before the Mexico national team against Portugal, men's game uh in Mexico, so people will have time to go back home to watch Mexico as well. Uh that's planned. Very good. So so very very happy about that uh to have the game again. It it started like like a dream, a kind of a crazy idea, so to speak, to do so. And then we realized uh as Claudia mentioned perfectly, like like we used we used to play in the same places all the time. It it's pretty logical why we do that, and and because of the community that's present there and and the amount of fans we have. But then, for example, so uh in Leaks Cup, I think it was two years ago, I'm not sure. I went in 2026, so maybe it's region, uh, I don't remember, but the summer, uh, we play we play uh the group stage against St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio. So not known for being the places with the biggest Latino community, obviously, but it was packed with Clover Maker fans. So Columbus was actually the place where the US national team used to play against Mexico because there were no not the same community to support the Mexican team. It's not working anymore. Like they figured it out, guys. Yeah, if if if if you check, uh we're at the hotel concentration. Sorry, I had to uh and and we had uh and we had the fans gathering uh at the hotel uh the night before the game doing fireworks and everything like it. So there is this big street in Columbus, and uh it was pipeless clone like a fan. So great experience. And then we started thinking, then the women's team went to uh Louisville to play the Women's Cup. Um that's I think actually when we played for the first time against a US team. So I think shout out to Louisville. Yeah, yeah, yeah. The tournament was great, and honestly, in the stands, maybe for games you had two to three thousand people, and 90% of those were Clarom Ricky fans coming to Kentucky. So, you know, like it's great. And we start realizing we say, yeah, we should go some other places also, and and also bring the brand, bring the quality of the soccer that that Clau mentioned, like the best team in in the region or one of the best teams in the region sports-wise. So to compete and to show also to people what soccer is about and what football is about as well. And uh then with the opportunity we had in Northwest Arkansas when we saw the stadium, it was like a no-brainer. It was like yeah, you need to play in that stadium, like you need to have an international soccer event, and if it can be used that will be amazing. And it started working on that, and we know we're gonna deliver, as you mentioned, an experience for our fans in Northwest Arkansas, in Arkansas, but also in all the states that are nearby, and we know our fans are gonna drive to come, but also for Tigres, so for our rival for that game, and and and we work very closely with uh they're a big fan base in Texas. So, of course, uh from Dallas and everything like that, that will be very interesting to experience. So, yeah, it's gonna be different. The atmosphere is gonna be great. We're very proud and very happy to bring Mexican football, to bring men and women football to bring the some of the top quality football you can experience, an international game tool in Osworth, Arkansas, is pretty exciting because it would be the first one in history. Which and to give you an example, we played with the women's team in Dallas against Dallas Trinity from USL. Um, and we broke the record for a women's sports game audience uh attendance in the in Texas. And that was amazing. So cool. This was in October last year, yeah. So so cool. It's the kind of experience. So thinking of doing the first international soccer game in Northwest Arkansas, it in Arkansas, actually, it's pretty exciting as well. So that's that's a kind of milestones in market that we look for as well, uh, as a team and as a club. And uh again, very happy about it. And and uh and kudos to to to our CEO, to Joaquin, for for uh pushing us and making this uh a reality.
SPEAKER_03That's awesome. And uh we're really looking forward to it again, March 28th. Um what do you think? I mean, I this is going to be able this is gonna do so much for us, by the way. Um, selfishly, just being able to put on and and there's so many people. Um we have a very unique community. Where a lot of us are not from here originally and we're from all over the world. Um, but then there's still a very strong local base that you know maybe are new to the game. And having the opportunity to go to this event and have that level of football being played, as you guys well know, football is, and I tell this people to people all the time, it is unlike anything else that you've ever experienced live as a sporting event. Especially a Mexican crowd. So um I'm counting on it, by the way. And and because people get in can get to experience that and then understand that that's I mean, obviously it's gonna take us a while to get to your level, but that's what type of environment we're trying to emulate and and we aspire to bring to our home matches and you know in just a few short years here. So I think and and kind of building upon that, the the growth of of the USL beyond you know the major markets of of MLS, you're kind of talking about something similar, which is the USL has found some some joy in and and some success, is that the US is a really big place. Uh and there is a ton of people that are starving for pro sports and not have to drive four or five hours away to go and and see it live. Yes, it's great on TV, but it's such a different experience live. And people they they want that, they crave that experience and that togetherness of of experiencing that, you know, with other people. Um what I I guess I I'm I'm very roundabout kind of going to what do you think, you know, this match and and what we're doing with Ozark United, like and everything you know about Northwest Arkansas, what do you think a pro club like like us is you know could do for the region, or or you know, how how do you think that that fits in?
Building A Pro Club Through Community
SPEAKER_03I don't know. That's a very weird, broad question to ask.
SPEAKER_01It's great that it will bring me to the actual game now that we have uh so I kind of try to explain where it came from and why we did it, but not what the actual goal of the of the doubleheader. And Kyle, please uh jump in. But you mentioned it, it's about community, and and and you you I'm very, very happy and and and proud that you mention you guys are actually gonna help us because uh not that you need it, but for us, it's about that. Like we know the power of soccer, of sports in general, but of soccer particularly, and you mentioned it to connect people, and and uh connecting people, having people experience, being able in their town, either to me it's irrelevant to if they are from here or not. I don't I mean a French guy living in Mexico for the last almost 12 years, so I don't know what it you know like uh and I feel Mexican in a lot of aspects. So yeah, um she's a doctor. And uh so so for us is that is is we want people to feel happy about being here, proud of living here, experience what soccer can bring, and and having this community around around soccer. Because sometimes, and that's happened in all stadiums worldwide. You go to a soccer game and and and people that have nothing in common apparently, or maybe should not be or will not be in the real life, so to speak, sitting together, are sitting together and cheering for the same same team or competing against each other in in a sportsmanship way, and that's amazing. So, what can you bring? I think you need to keep building the momentum and and continuing on that to bring people together because a professional team, a team in general, but a professional team won't exist if it doesn't have the support of the community. And I think that's what you're building. You're building the community, and and and I think it's it's a very smart move because when you actually start with the team and competing, you will already have a fan base. And and I think uh to me in the US, a very good example. Um, so I think on the actually, I think on the women's side and NWSL you have more, but for example, in MLS, I think uh Portland Timbers, uh the like the atmosphere at the stadium, like the the the what they have created is is just insane. In NWSL, of course, the example of of not maybe in all in the stance, but the project as itself, like Angel City, obviously is very interesting. Yeah, uh the project of Washington Spirit is just insane. Yeah, so so you you really have, you know, but they have built on community and and what they are created, it and and that's the same we want to bring here. And I think it's the same that you're building as well from from what from what we have been lucky enough to see. So I love that.
SPEAKER_03Uh, fun fact, you mentioned the Timbers. So our co-founder, Warren Smith, he um he got into sports in minor league baseball in Sacramento, California. He got asked to uh the league, the uh Portland Beavers were in administration, uh, and the league asked them to take them over. And they came with a little team called the Portland Timbers that was playing in the USL at the time. And they didn't know a single thing about soccer. And they actually uh they played in a baseball stadium uh in the Beavers stadium that was publicly owned. Uh so it was a public ownership of the stadium, the team, right? And so they got up there and they said, um, okay, we know how to turn around the baseball team. We know exactly what to do. There's, you know, spending money in the wrong places, whatever. We easy. Okay, we'll we'll get it right. We don't know anything about soccer. Let's just fold it, let's close it. He literally tried to close the timbers. Can you imagine? And the mayor wouldn't let him. Uh and it's not just him, it was his team, right? Uh, because they didn't know, they didn't know anything. They didn't know they were like, who are we to turn this around? Right? Like, who are we to to say what to do? We don't know anything about the sport. Um, and the mayor said, uh, I have like 600 Timbers Army people that will, you know, mob my office if that happens. So please give it a year. Give it a year, do what you can and see what we can do. And that's how he became a soccer fan, is because he went out to bars and restaurants and just had a beer with the with the fans. And what do you guys want? Right. And how can we turn this thing around? What do we what do you need? What can we do? How can we help? And it was the relationship that is so different between the fan and the club in soccer. And you guys know this, and you, especially on the marketing side more than anybody, it's so different than any other sport. It's so unique, and you can't understand it until you are at a live match, really. Um, but that is a a fun, as you said earlier, parentheses. Uh uh, but can you like yeah, one of the most successful you know clubs in in the US and known for their environment and their passion and their fan base, and they were like that close to so it's it's it's too funny, but um, and it is also what got Warren into soccer, which has been the majority of his career. And he played one game of soccer in his career and it was for a minute and he broke his leg and he never played again. But it but he's he's like done this four or five times in the USL, so it's pretty funny. But um let's let's wrap this up here. We're getting uh you know a little long-winded on on my end, so I apologize. But one of the final things I wanted to talk about, and I I really appreciate all your words and and uh just to kind of reiterate on your point, it's all about the people, it's all about community, it's all about doing good together, lifting up our community. I mean, that's it's literally in our mission statement, is it like is to uplift our communities for football, uh, make it a better place to live, work, and play. Um, that's that's why we exist. It's not to win soccer matches on the field on the pitch, right? So um it helps. Right. Success on the pitch helps, guys. Like winning, like, yes, it does. Um we're gonna be co-hosts of the largest sporting event in the world
World Cup Support And Closing
SPEAKER_03this summer. Mexico, US, and Canada with the World Cup. Is it are you guys involved in any of the planning? Is it a little bit nuts? Uh give me give me like a little tiny tidbit of of what's going on there.
SPEAKER_00But I I have to mention that hopefully we'll be co-hosts in 2020 2031.
SPEAKER_0331, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Yeah.
SPEAKER_03For the women's world cup. Yeah, 100% correct.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, definitely. Um, so the club became the first club in history to become uh host city supporter. So we're actually host city supporter of uh Mexico City for the World Cup. So obviously, we're participating in in the activities of the city around the World Cup, the official one with FIFA, so the fanfest and and uh the the cultural museums activations and other activities. So we're very happy and very proud about it as well. Obviously, it makes sense for us because like so Maradona in 86 with the Argentino national team uh actually trained our club facilities uh before winning the the World Cup at the at the before Azteca Stadium, not Banhorte Stadium. Uh Pelé won with Brazil as well, the World Cup before that at the same stadium, our stadium, and now it's gaining under uh heavy renovations to host and to be the only stadium in the world to host a third World Cup. Uh so Maracana in Brazil will have two, and the Banhorte Stadium will be the only one with three. Yeah. Uh so we are very proud of this, and and being able to play at that stadium before that and after is is is just amazing. So I know we are all focused, not at the at the club is not our main responsibility, obviously, but yeah, but we support our friends from the stadium uh to to have the stadium ready uh for for their inauguration game, uh Mexico-Portugal, and and then for the World Cup. Um yeah, it's it's pretty exciting, definitely, and and uh hoping that the Mexican national team will do a great job and and we're rooting for them and and yeah, and show the quality of of the Mexican footballers because honestly, it's it's uh it's uh an amazing country of football. And I can say it even more than I'm not in Mexico, you are, and I'm gonna be rooting for France, obviously, for a certain final in the road, but yeah, so so yeah.
SPEAKER_03Yeah. Okay, last question. And it's okay if you pick Mexico, that's fine. Who's gonna be who's gonna win World Cup?
SPEAKER_00Twenty pick Mexico, you know that.
SPEAKER_03I I mean I know I said it's okay. It's okay to call the home, it's okay to call the home a call.
SPEAKER_01And I'm gonna take my now. I I know I'm rooting for France, and I think France has good chances, but there are others.
SPEAKER_03It's an interesting one for me this year because for me, it's a year where I don't think there's a really out and out like favorite or couple of favorites. It's very kind of on par with each other for like the top 10 to 15. And there's even some dark horses in there and like the 20s.
SPEAKER_01Because you have so many teams and so many games. Yeah, it's the first one with so many games. I think you'll have big surprises.
SPEAKER_03We better make it out of our group. That's all I have to say.
SPEAKER_01I think that's I think I think Mexico and the US we must.
SPEAKER_03We have it like if we don't, I'm like, guys, what are we doing? We're not gonna get it for another 75 years. Like, but listen, uh, Claudia Equenton Gracias. Uh I I really appreciate you both joining me today. I really, really enjoyed our conversation. And I mean, we could sit here and talk for hours about football. Definitely. Uh, we cannot wait to see Club America take the pitch against Tigris on again on March 28th at the University of Arkansas, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Uh, where can people go to find tickets and more information about the match?
SPEAKER_01So either on uh Club America slash boletus uh or on the university uh web website as well, they can purchase the ticket directly there and uh and they'll get information obviously on our social networks, Arobas America. And uh let's do the next podcast in Mexico City so you can come to a game, experience the atmosphere of the stadium, and then I don't know, maybe do one with some of our players or something.
SPEAKER_03Brush up on my Spanish. If I'm going to Mexico City, I gotta speak Spanish. No, no, no. I will not be worried. Uh thank you. That's that's quite kind of you. Uh listen, thanks again for tuning in to this episode of Pitch the Pro. We hope you guys enjoyed it. Uh be sure to head to pitch to pro.com or Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts for more content. Follow us at Pitch the Pro on all major platforms. And until next time, cheers, Northwest Arkansas.
SPEAKER_02Thanks for joining us on this episode of the Pitch the Pro podcast. Be sure to tune in again in two weeks for the next installment and check out the stoppage time series for a recap of today's episode. Be sure to find us at Pitch2Pro on YouTube, Instagram, and everywhere you get your podcasts. Until next time, Northwest Arkansas, cheers.