Boys Academy Teams To Compete In New MLS NEXT Competition Tier
ROGERS, Ark. – Ozark United FC, in collaboration with Sporting Arkansas, is excited to announce plans to significantly expand its youth academy program for the 2025-26 season, including the addition of more age groups, new platforms, and participation in USL Academy events.
As part of the expansion, the club will add six boys academy teams competing in a new MLS NEXT competition tier. The teams, playing under the Ozark United FC banner, will compete in the newly created national youth platform at the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U19 levels.
“Joining the MLS NEXT new competition tier is a major achievement and a first-of-its-kind opportunity to provide a true elite player development pathway for talent in our region,” said Scott Marksberry, Director of Coaching at Sporting Arkansas. “We are extremely proud of our players, coaches and club staff for their dedication over the years to earn the opportunity to develop and compete among the very best youth soccer clubs in the United States.”
The six Ozark United FC boys academy teams will compete in the MLS NEXT new competition tier’s Pioneer Conference, featuring clubs from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Each team will also be eligible for national events, including MLS NEXT Fest, one of the nation’s premier events for college and professional scouts.
“Our partnership with Ozark United on the U20 program showed the power of player-focused collaboration to raise the bar and redefine what elite development can look like in our state,” Marksberry said. “Today marks an even bigger step forward. We are excited to continue our work to grow the game and help aspiring young players across Northwest Arkansas chase their dreams.”
Ozark United FC co-founder Warren Smith echoed the excitement: “We are proud to expand our partnership with Sporting Arkansas. From leadership to coaching, their organization continues to set a high standard and push soccer forward in Northwest Arkansas,” said Smith. “We appreciate their initiative in bringing us on as a partner and allowing us to contribute to their growing program. Securing a place in MLS NEXT’s new competition tier is an incredible achievement, and we commend Sporting Arkansas for once again creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact under the Ozark United FC academy program.”
Ozark United FC will also look to participate in USL Academy showcase events in eligible age groups. Open tryouts for all teams will be held this spring. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
This expansion underscores Ozark United FC’s and Sporting Arkansas’s shared commitment to growing the game and investing in the future of soccer in Northwest Arkansas.