FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where does the MLS NEXT new competition tier fit within the MLS NEXT system?
MLS NEXT is recognized as the top boys’ youth soccer platform in the U.S., featuring MLS Academy teams and elite youth clubs competing in regional league play and national events.
Within this structure, MLS Academies and elite non-MLS clubs compete in both combined and separate league tables, providing games between the non-MLS clubs and the MLS Academies and vice versa.. A useful comparison would be Premier League teams competing in both their league and UEFA Champions League/Europa League.
In January 2025, MLS introduced a new competition tier just below the original division. Ozark United FC will compete in this tier within the Pioneer Conference, playing against elite teams from Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas while also participating in regional MLS NEXT tournaments with the option to send eligible age group teams to MLS NEXT Fest, one of the premier college and professional scouting events in the U.S.
Why is MLS NEXT coming to Northwest Arkansas?
Once players reach a certain level, finding consistent, high-quality competition in Arkansas becomes difficult. This league gives top NWA players a structured schedule against elite competition instead of relying on scattered friendlies to get those high-level competitive games. By bringing together the best players in NWA to consistently train and play together this will push and elevate the game locally and propel our region within the U.S. soccer landscape.
Additionally, this league provides:
- Ability for players to play high school soccer
- Consistent exposure to college & pro scouts
- Higher training & competition standards
- A clear development pathway for players in our region
Where will games be played? How much travel is involved?
Ozark United FC’s MLS NEXT teams will play in the Pioneer Conference, which includes clubs from Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
Most high-level youth leagues in NWA already require travel to Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and beyond. The key difference here is that MLS NEXT allows for more structured scheduling, helping reduce travel strain by grouping multiple teams in the same location for match weekends.
Players will also have access to national MLS NEXT events, offering even greater scouting exposure and development opportunities.
Who will coach the Ozark United FC MLS NEXT teams?
The club will launch an open search process to recruit top coaching talent. Interested coaches should stay tuned for updates.
What will the program cost families?
Fees will be comparable to other high-level leagues in NWA—but with the added benefit of:
- Better competition & development opportunities
- Increased exposure to scouts & recruiters
- A structured player pathway that previously didn’t exist in our region
Additionally, Ozark United FC is actively investing to offset costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented players from participating.
Is this just a money-making initiative?
No.
Ozark United FC is financially contributing to reduce player costs, and Sporting Arkansas operates as a non-profit. All fees collected go directly toward operational expenses – covering league participation, coaching, travel, and facilities.
By partnering with Sporting Arkansas on this program, we’ve been able to reduce financial barriers for players who wouldn’t normally have access to elite programs like MLS Next.
What should parents know if they are hearing conflicting narratives?
We encourage families to focus on facts, not speculation.
- MLS NEXT is the highest-level boys youth soccer league in the country, and this new competition tier gets NWA’s foot in the door to that ecosystem
- NWA is ready for this next step and the new competition tier in MLS NEXT provides a structured, high-level competitive pathway
- Players will gain unprecedented access to national scouting & recruitment
This program isn’t for everyone—it’s designed for players ready to compete at the highest level available in our region.
The club encourages everyone to explore all options available and choose the best program for them.
Is Ozark United FC only partnering with Sporting Arkansas? What about other clubs?
Sporting Arkansas has been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to NWA and has built a strong track record of success.
However, Ozark United FC has also engaged with other local clubs and youth organizations about future partnerships. We remain open to collaborations with those who share our vision of elevating the game in NWA.
What is the status of the Ozark United FC pro club?
Ozark United FC remains fully committed to launching professional men’s and women’s teams in Northwest Arkansas.
Expanding our academy program is part of a larger strategy to develop a strong soccer infrastructure in the region. We also have major updates coming soon regarding our stadium site—stay tuned!