ROGERS, Ark. — Ozark United FC, in collaboration with Sporting Arkansas, today announced a new girls youth programming initiative set to launch in summer 2026, expanding access to training, competition, and college exposure opportunities for players across Northwest Arkansas.
The initiative will include a Girls College ID Camp on June 20–21, 2026, along with a regional grassroots clinic series, “Girls Got Game,” hosted in partnership with local parks and recreation organizations throughout the summer.
The ID camp will bring college coaches from NCAA, NAIA, and junior college programs to the region, giving players direct access to recruiters without the need for extensive travel. Programming will include small-sided and full-field matches, as well as opportunities for players to interact with coaches and learn more about the college pathway.
“In Northwest Arkansas, families are often traveling out of market to get this kind of exposure,” said Wes Harris, managing director of Ozark United FC. “We think there’s a better way to do it; bring coaches here, keep players in their community, and make the process more accessible.”
In the United States, the primary pathway to the professional game for women continues to run through college soccer, making visibility to college programs a key step for players pursuing the next level.
The “Girls Got Game” clinic series will focus on younger players, ages 5–10, with a rotating schedule of sessions hosted across multiple Northwest Arkansas communities. The clinics are designed to introduce the sport while providing a consistent and supportive early experience for girls entering or continuing in soccer.
The clinic will include coach education components and resources for parents and local organizations, helping create more consistency in how the game is introduced and supported across communities.
Sporting Arkansas will support coaching and on-the-ground execution of both the ID camp and clinic series.
“This is a natural extension of the work already happening across clubs in this region,” said Scott Marksberry, director of coaching at Sporting Arkansas. “By aligning with Ozark United FC, we’re able to create more touchpoints for players and families and keep more of that development pathway here in Northwest Arkansas.”
Ozark United FC’s long-term youth development goal is to build a complete pathway for players at all levels, from grassroots participation through advanced competition and exposure opportunities.
“This level of programming doesn’t happen without the right partners,” said Warren Smith, co-founder of Ozark United FC. “We’re grateful to Unilever, America’s Car-Mart, and Arkansas Children’s for believing in what we’re building and helping us expand access and opportunity for players across Northwest Arkansas.”
Additional details, including registration information and clinic locations, will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit 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.
ABOUT SPORTING ARKANSAS:
Founded in 1998 and based in Bentonville, Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club is the premier player development club in Northwest Arkansas and an Official Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City. The club is dedicated to developing athletes’ skills, character, and love for the game by providing professional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a nurturing environment. For more information, visit www.sportingarkansas.com or follow the club @SportingArkansas.
Media Contact:
Andrea Ritchie
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AM Group