There’s nothing quite like soccer to bring people together. However, in Northwest Arkansas, the game needs a home that matches the region’s passion and potential.
That changed with the arrival of Ozark United Football Club (OZFC), a professional soccer organization, with a mission to grow the game and create new opportunities for young athletes, families, and the community.
It’s a vision that resonates with us at America’s Car-Mart. Helping families move forward has always been at the heart of what we do, and now that mission extends to the soccer field. That’s why we’re proud to be an inaugural Youth Academy founding partner, along with Unilever and Arkansas Children’s, for the OZFC in Northwest Arkansas.
Together, we’re helping equip young people with the tools, confidence, and community support they need to succeed. Car-Mart’s participation helps power six boys’ academy teams, providing access to coaching, tournament participation, and connections with college and pro scouts. Alongside our partners, we’re also supporting other community initiatives, with Car-Mart focusing on youth clinics for underserved areas.
“It’s a perfect fit. Ozark United Football Club’s values align closely with our own,” says Doug Campbell, President & CEO, America’s Car-Mart. “We believe opportunities don’t just come with a set of car keys; they come from creating environments where people, especially youth, can learn, grow, and belong.”
“Soccer is the world’s game. Drop a ball, and it’s like a universal handshake,” says Wes Harris, Managing Director, OZFC. “Our mission isn’t just about winning championships. It’s all about unifying and propelling the community forward with the vehicle of soccer.”
Free Youth Clinics: Soccer for Everyone
One of the most exciting elements of the OZFC and Car-Mart collaboration isn’t just the game; it’s a shared purpose to create opportunities for young people.
Through Car-Mart’s support, OZFC offers free youth soccer clinics for kids ages 5 to 17, regardless of skill level. Led by experienced coaches, the fun, focused 15-minute drills teach both technical skills and life lessons, such as teamwork, perseverance, and the value of giving your best effort.
“These clinics wouldn’t be possible without partners like Car-Mart. Their support expands access to the game and shows a real commitment to the community. It sends a powerful message, our players and coaches feel it, and they know they’re part of something bigger,” says Wes. A lifelong soccer player, Wes sees the sport as a powerful way to give back.
Kevin Tello, TMLS Next Technical Director, shares his vision. A former assistant coach at the University of Memphis Men’s soccer team and a product of NWA soccer, Kevin is passionate about using the OZFC Academy and youth clinics to reshape the local soccer scene. “The chance to come back and give back to my community is priceless,” he says. “This means the world to me. Being able to reshape the soccer landscape for the better is an incredible responsibility and privilege for our staff. Our coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, and they’re eager to share it with the community.”
Kevin’s goal is to make OZFC the premier club for serious soccer families, while keeping camps, clinics, and other community-based programming affordable or free for the community.
In August 2025, the inaugural clinic welcomed over 250 children and their families, an incredible turnout that highlights the community’s strong demand and appreciation for such opportunities, as well as a love of the game.
“Seeing hundreds of kids on the field, learning and laughing with their families, cheering them on, that’s the kind of impact we’re proud to be a part of,” says TJ Pike, Senior Director Marketing Lead, America’s Car-Mart. “These experiences create lasting memories and open doors for kids to thrive.”
For many families, these clinics provide their first real access to experience structured, positive sports experiences, and that’s precisely what makes them so meaningful.
A Local Academy with BIG Impact – “I Want to Play!”
Additionally, the OZFC Youth Academy, a collaboration with Sporting Arkansas, is transforming the soccer landscape in NWA. By attracting top talent from across the NWA and broader region to train and compete together, the academy ensures that promising players no longer have to leave the region to pursue their soccer dreams.
“There was a time when our best players had to travel far just to play and develop,” Wes explains. “Now, they can stay, train, and flourish right here.”
With over 100 players from 24 different clubs in NWA and the surrounding region, the academy is raising the level of play across the area. The OZFC Academy teams are off to a positive start in their first season in MLS NEXT’s Academy Division, a strong sign of what’s to come. With a girls’ program on the horizon and clear paths to the pros, OZFC is just getting started.
Investing in Community, One Goal at A Time
“We live and work in the same communities as the families Ozark United FC serves. We understand the importance of support systems, whether it’s a reliable vehicle, a good coach, or someone who believes in you,” says Jamie Fischer, Chief Operations Officer, America’s Car-Mart. “Supporting these young athletes is just another way we invest in brighter futures.”
“In a world where it’s easy to feel divided, soccer brings us together,” Wes adds. “It reminds us that we’re neighbors who want the same things for our kids, including opportunity, joy, and a sense of belonging.”
Together, America’s Car-Mart (and Unilever and Arkansas Children’s) and OZFC are building something bigger than a soccer club. We’re creating a movement of growth, inclusion, and opportunity, one kick at a time.
See How Soccer is Growing in Northwest Arkansas
Go to Ozark United Football Club and America’s Car-Mart’s sponsorship.
