Pitch to Pro is the official podcast of USL Arkansas. 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 ...
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Experience the inspiring voyage of USL Arkansas, revealed by co-founder Chris Martinovic and your host, Wes Harris, as they recount the club's unforgettable public debut on July 12, 2023. Learn about the overwhelming community support from local leaders and league officials, which truly made the launch event a milestone. Discover how essential publ…
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Stoppage Time Special: Sports Teams and Local Spirit with Warren Smith
7:55
7:55
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Ever wondered how professional sports franchises can not only survive but thrive through challenging times? Today, we've got the answers straight from the source. Join us as Wes sits down with Warren Smith, the mastermind behind the success of USL Arkansas and other prominent sports teams. Warren's journey from a serendipitous entry into profession…
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Ep. 24 - Transfer Window: Inside the High-Stakes World of Soccer's Transfer Market
22:45
22:45
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22:45
Ever wondered how soccer clubs manage to pull off those jaw-dropping player transfers? Master the intricate world of soccer transfers in our latest episode of Pitch to Pro. We kick things off by dissecting the different transfer windows, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the summer and winter periods. Learn why these windows are much more than d…
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Stoppage Time Special - Passion and Potential: Soccer’s Growth in Arkansas
9:25
9:25
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9:25
Have you ever felt the electricity of 70,000 roaring fans in a stadium? Get ready to immerse yourself in the fervent fandom of Atlanta United as we recount the unforgettable atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. From the emotional highs of standing among passionate supporters to the game-changing chants that rally the team, we promise to transpo…
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Stoppage Time Special: The Stories Behind Iconic Soccer Crests
9:26
9:26
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9:26
Ever wondered how the symbols on a soccer club's crest encapsulate its entire history and ethos? Join us as we explore the fascinating design elements that make soccer crests more than just logos. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of how clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United embed their rich heritage into every detail. From royal…
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Stoppage Time Special: Unforgettable Goals and Coaching Dreams
7:35
7:35
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7:35
On this Stoppage Time Special, Host Wes Harris sits down with special guest Irvin Camacho. The duo discuss how Northwest Arkansas is rapidly becoming a hotbed for the sport of Soccer, and this episode delves into the factors that are kicking things to the next level. From the influence of the 1994 World Cup to the anticipated frenzy of future globa…
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Ep. 22 - Part 2 - Building a Vibrant Northwest Arkansas with Nelson Peacock
17:39
17:39
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Curious about the future of Northwest Arkansas and how it's being shaped by key players in the region? Join us as we sit down with Nelson Peacock, the president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. Nelson shares his insights on the council's data-driven strategies, the influence of local giants like Walmart, Tyson, JB Hunt, and the University…
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Stoppage Time: The Marshall Islands' Journey to Form Their First National Soccer Team
9:07
9:07
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What if you could be part of history by helping to establish a national soccer team? In this week's Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro, we share the remarkable story of the Marshall Islands' quest to form their first-ever national soccer team. You'll hear from me and Lloyd as we recount our serendipitous journeys into this project, from stumblin…
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Ep. 21 - Part 1 - Building a Vibrant Northwest Arkansas with Nelson Peacock
20:28
20:28
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What makes Northwest Arkansas a magnet for talent and opportunity? Discover the secrets behind this burgeoning region with Nelson Peacock, President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. On this episode of Pitch to Pro Podcast, Nelson takes us on his incredible journey from his humble beginnings in Arkansas, through pivotal roles in Washington…
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What does it take to build a soccer community from the ground up and launch a brand that everyone can rally around? Join us in this special Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, where we revisit some of our most exhilarating moments, conversations, and stories. In this episode, we discover the intricate art of branding with insights fr…
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Ep. 20 - Soccer's Unyielding Spirit in Northwest Arkansas: A Conversation with Al Schaefer
27:44
27:44
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27:44
What fuels the soccer passion of Northwest Arkansas? Join us as we chat with Al Schaefer, the driving force behind Smoke and Barrel and the head of the local American Outlaws supporter group chapter. Discover how this Army brat turned Austinite found a home in Northwest Arkansas and championed the local soccer scene with unyielding dedication. We d…
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Stoppage Time: Surprising Growth and Soccer's Impact in Northwest Arkansas
8:27
8:27
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Ever wondered how a region can transform almost overnight? As a former New Yorker, Randy Wilburn shares his own experiences navigating the surprising growth in northwest Arkansas. From getting used to a more relaxed driving culture to discovering hidden beach getaways inland, this episode of Pitch to Pro unfolds the region's dynamic evolution. We h…
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Ep. 19 - The Summer of Soccer: Champions League, Copa America, & More
21:36
21:36
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21:36
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of soccer, right here in the United States! This episode of the Pitch to Pro podcast promises to uncover why now is the best time to launch a professional soccer team in Northwest Arkansas. Hear all about the rising popularity of soccer across the nation, from bustling youth leagues to passionate adult fan…
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Stoppage Time Special: Supporter Groups are the Lifeblood of a Soccer Club
10:07
10:07
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Experience the palpable excitement as we tease out the future of soccer in Arkansas! Our latest Stoppage Time edition is a riveting snapshot of the possibilities unfolding with the anticipated launch of USL Arkansas. You'll be right at the edge of your seat as we ponder everything from potential timelines and team names to the electrifying fan expe…
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Ever wondered what stories lie behind the iconic crests of soccer teams? Get ready to unravel the tales woven into the very fabric of the beautiful game's most enduring symbols. Join Wes Harris, Managing Director for USL Arkansas, as we trace the evolution of soccer crests from their humble origins in England to the powerful insignias they are toda…
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Stoppage Time Special: The Time is Now with Co-Founder Chris Martinovic
8:21
8:21
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Welcome to this week's Stoppage Time special of the Pitch to Pro Podcast! In this 5-7 minute highlight reel, we feature the best moments from our previous episodes, focusing this week on Episode 2 with special guest Chris Martinovic, co-founder of USL Arkansas. Dive into insightful discussions and key takeaways from our chat with Chris, covering th…
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Ep. 17 - Mayor Greg Hines on Shaping a Community with Sports and Entertainment
33:48
33:48
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Embark on a journey through the dynamic landscape of Northwest Arkansas with Mayor Greg Hines of Rogers, who shares the story of an area flourishing with new energy and opportunity. As we navigate the region's cultural and economic metamorphosis, Mayor Hines unveils how Rogers has become a beacon for entertainment and dining, drawing in a wave of n…
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Ep. 16 - From Local Chambers to Soccer Fields Pioneering Progress in Northwest Arkansas
32:42
32:42
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Uncover the transformative power of local chambers of commerce in this insightful discussion with JR Shaw and Steve Cox from the Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce. We're peeling back the layers of these pivotal institutions and their profound impact on fostering vibrant business environments and communities. Northwest Arkansas is on the cusp of a r…
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Ep. 15 - Part 2 - Building a Nation: Weaving the Game into the Fabric of the Marshall Islands
26:36
26:36
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Welcome back to Part 2 of our Marshall Islands Special! Embark on a historical journey with us as we delve into the groundbreaking formation of the Marshall Islands' first national soccer team, featuring insights from the Marshall Island Soccer Association's very own, Lloyd Owers and Matt Webb. As we chat with these soccer pioneers, we uncover the …
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Ep. 14 - Part 1 - Building a Nation: Weaving the Game into the Fabric of the Marshall Islands
37:06
37:06
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Embark on an illuminating quest through the soccer universe with us as we team up with Lloyd Owers and Matt Webb from the Marshall Island Soccer Federation. Our exchanges stitch together the rich fabric of soccer's influence, from Wes' role as Managing Director for USL Arkansas to Lloyd's journey from British football to the technical helm of the i…
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Ep. 13 - The Beautiful Game's Role in Nurturing Growth and Unity - with Irvin Camacho
42:40
42:40
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42:40
From the vibrant streets of Salinas, California, to the burgeoning communities of Northwest Arkansas, Irvin Camacho's journey is a masterclass in bravery and the pursuit of betterment. Embark with us on an intimate exploration of his story—a tale of family, determination, and the transformative power of setting down roots in a place that offers bot…
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Ep. 12 - Local Economies and the World's Game Transforming Arkansas Culture
37:04
37:04
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37:04
Embark on a journey through the economic landscape of Northwest Arkansas with Mervin Jebaraj, the insightful Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research. Mervin, charting a fascinating path from Dubai all the way to Fayetteville, unpacks his comprehensive analysis of local and global economic strategies. As he casts a light on what to…
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Ep. 11 - Embracing Northwest Arkansas: A Journey of Community, Podcasting, and Soccer Evolution
42:55
42:55
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When Randy Wilburn made the leap to Northwest Arkansas, he wasn't just changing his address; he was about to uncover a treasure of community spirit and local wonders that would capture his heart. Join us as Randy takes us on a personal voyage, from his initial reluctance to the moment this region truly felt like home. We unpack the allure of the lo…
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Ep. 10 - Exploring the Heartbeat of Soccer: From U.S. Club Ambitions to FIFA's Global Stage
37:05
37:05
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37:05
Prepare to have your understanding of soccer's vast empire expanded as we guide you through FIFA's intricate world, where the heartbeats of nations synchronize with the rhythms of the World Cup. Our latest episode peels back the layers of governance within the sport and maps out the U.S.'s role in the sprawling soccer cosmos. We're not just talking…
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Ep. 9 - Uniting Under the Banner of Soccer in Arkansas
39:49
39:49
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Embark on a captivating exploration of USL Arkansas's rise, as we're joined by Brett Parker from Stone Ward to unveil the heart and soul poured into creating a club that's quickly capturing the essence of Northwest Arkansas. Get ready to go behind the scenes and witness the meticulous process of molding an identity that genuinely reflects the commu…
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From the Vault: The Time is Now with USL Arkansas Co-Founder Chris Martinovic
27:12
27:12
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27:12
USL Arkansas Co-Founder, Chris Martinovic, joins host Wes Harris as they discuss the importance of the timing around bringing a Soccer Club to Northwest Arkansas.By USL Arkansas
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Ep. 8 - Building Soccer Success from Scratch: Insights and Inspirations with Ben Freakley
41:51
41:51
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41:51
Ever wonder how successful soccer franchises are built from scratch? Tune into this episode of the Pitch to Pro podcast where we bring on our guest, Ben Freakley, an illustrious figure in the world of professional soccer. With a rich history as a former player, coach, and general manager in the United Soccer League, Ben weaves the enthralling tale …
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Ep. 7 - Soccer, Brands and Community: A Deep Dive with Brett Parker
37:37
37:37
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37:37
Welcome to another episode of Pitch to Pro, where we're pulling back the curtain on the exhilarating, high-stakes world of soccer team branding. We promise that you'll come away with a whole new perspective on what it takes to create a brand from scratch, specifically for a soccer club, and how that process can stir up a community's love and passio…
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Ep. 6 - Evolution and Impact of Soccer in Arkansas with Cesar Aguilar
32:32
32:32
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Ever wondered how a humble local soccer program can evolve into a thriving community with over 40,000 players? Well, we have a treat for you, our esteemed guest, Cesar Aguilar, who has passionately nurtured the Rogers Parks and Recreation soccer program for three decades. Witnessing its growth from a mere 18 teams to its current grandeur, Cesar tak…
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Ep. 5 - Soccer, Culture, and Community Growth with Alan Gooding and Alex Thaley of The Botanical at 8th and A
36:42
36:42
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Prepare yourself for a global journey as we kick the ball around the world, exploring the rich tapestry of soccer cultures in the United States, Europe, and South America. Our expert guides for this tour are none other than Alan Gooding and Alex Thaley, the co-owners of the The Botanical - International Sports Pub on 8th and A. Drawing from their p…
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Ep. 4 - United in Passion: The USL Arkansas Supporters Story
29:41
29:41
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In this episode, Wes Harris, the managing director for USL Arkansas, sits down with Collin Whitehead and Carlos Trevino-Frank from the supporters group leadership team. Discover the origins of the supporters group, sparked by a single tweet, and journey with Carlos as he recounts his soccer roots, influenced by his grandmother and experiences with …
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Ep. 3 - Establishing a Successful Franchise - with Club Co-Founder Warren Smith
39:29
39:29
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Warren Smith, co-founder of USL Arkansas, shares his journey into the sports industry, initially through baseball, and eventually soccer, highlighting his involvement in turning around the Portland Timbers. He emphasizes the unique and passionate relationship between soccer fans and their teams, noting how fans often feel deep emotional ownership o…
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Ep. 1 - Dreams to Reality with Co-Founder Chris Martinovic
25:08
25:08
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Club Co-Founder, Chris Martinovic, sits down with Host Wes Harris as they discuss process from turning a dream into a reality by brining professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas.By USL Arkansas
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