Community-wide effort will support the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation and the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County
ROGERS, Ark. — Ozark United FC, in collaboration with Arkansas Children’s, America’s Car-Mart, and Unilever, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural soccer equipment drive, Pass it Forward. The three-week campaign, which kicks off the week of October 13, aims to collect new and gently used youth soccer gear to benefit both international and local communities.
Donations will support the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, which recently played its first-ever official matches as a nation in Springdale, Ark., as part of the 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup, as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County.
“We believe in the power of sport to unite and uplift communities,” said Chris Martinovic, co-founder of Ozark United FC. “Pass it Forward reflects our club’s commitment to inclusivity, global connection, and grassroots impact, starting with something as simple and meaningful as a soccer ball.”
Throughout the month-long campaign, community members can drop off items like cleats, shin guards, soccer balls, new soccer socks, goalkeeper gloves and gear, and more at designated partner locations across Northwest Arkansas.
“This campaign is about removing barriers, giving kids access to the game, and fostering connection across borders,” said Wes Harris, OZFC Managing Director. “We’re proud to work with our partners to make it easy for the public to get involved.”
Community members are encouraged to donate clean, gently used youth soccer gear at participating partner locations from October 13 through November 1. Collection boxes will be displayed in high-traffic partner facilities, and all donated items will be sorted and distributed the week of November 10.
Drop-off locations include:
America’s Car-Mart
- Centerton — 350 W Centerton Blvd
- Fayetteville (MLK) — 2724 W Martin Luther King Blvd
- Fayetteville (College) — 3244 N College Ave
- Rogers — 2007 S 8th St
- Rogers North — 2620 W Hudson Rd
- Siloam Springs — 2120 Highway 412 E
- Springdale East — 1866 E Robinson Ave
- Springdale West — 3733 W Sunset Ave
Unilever
- Rogers — 5078 W Northgate Rd (First Floor Lobby)
OZFC’s founding academy partners, Unilever and America’s Car-Mart, will host drop-off boxes at their locations in Northwest Arkansas. To find out more information, including drop-off location addresses, or to get involved, please visit the club’s website at www.ozarkunited.com. If you’d like to donate extra-large items that may not fit in collection boxes, such as a goal, please email info@ozarkunited.com.
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ABOUT OZARK UNITED FC:
Ozark United FC was co-founded by Chris Martinovic and Warren Smith with a mission to bring professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas. The organization is committed to leveraging soccer as a force for good and aims to foster a strong sense of community in the region. Ozark United FC intends to bring a USL Championship Men’s team and a USL Super League Women’s team to Northwest Arkansas. For more information, visit www.ozarkunited.com.