U.S. soccer legend John Harkes steps into the spotlight as we explore his fascinating journey from a celebrated player to an influential coach. Discover the secrets behind John’s transition to media work with "MLS Wrap" while nurturing his coaching passion through youth clubs. He generously shares his coaching philosophy, rooted in humility and creating opportunities for others, drawing from his time with esteemed mentors like Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard. John recounts his enriching experiences coaching the under-20 national team in Holland alongside the late Sigi Schmid and his professional adventures with the New York Red Bulls under the guidance of Bruce Arena.

In another compelling segment, we shine a light on the pivotal role of the United Soccer League (USL) in shaping the U.S. soccer landscape. We delve into the importance of a robust pyramid structure for both men and women, offering vital platforms for budding talents to hone their skills. Through our engaging conversation, we offer a fresh perspective on the evolution of soccer in the United States and the potential of promotion and relegation systems within the USL. Celebrate the resilience of USL clubs as they navigate challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and witness the exciting expansion of USL League One, all contributing to a thriving soccer community.

More About this Episode

John Harkes on Coaching, Community, and the Growth of Soccer in the U.S.

I had the incredible opportunity to sit down (again) with U.S. soccer legend John Harkes—a man who’s done it all, from captaining the national team to becoming a successful coach and mentor. But what stood out most wasn’t just his impressive resume; it was his passion for serving others through soccer and his vision for how the game can truly change communities.

In our conversation, we covered everything from his transition from player to coach, his philosophy on leadership, and his thoughts on the United Soccer League (USL) and its impact on American soccer. But what really hit home for me was his belief in the power of community—a belief that drives everything we do at Ozark United FC.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation and how they’re influencing our journey at Ozark United FC.

The Journey from Player to Coach: A Story of Service

If you grew up watching American soccer in the ’90s, you know who John Harkes is. He was one of the first Americans to play in the English Premier League and was a crucial part of the U.S. Men’s National Team during a pivotal time in U.S. soccer history. But John’s story didn’t end on the pitch. His journey from player to coach is one that’s driven by purpose and a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the game that gave him so much.

John didn’t just fall into coaching. After his playing days, he explored different roles in soccer, including media work with MLS Wrap on Fox TV, but his heart was always on the sidelines. “Coaching has always been the most rewarding and the most humbling,” John told me. It wasn’t about staying in the spotlight; it was about helping others grow.

This mindset was inspired by his father, who was also a coach. “The best coaches are the ones who remove their ego and serve others,” John said. It’s not about shouting tactics from the touchline; it’s about being a mentor, a teacher, and a leader. This philosophy resonated deeply with me because it’s exactly how we approach things at Ozark United FC. We’re not just building players; we’re building people.

John’s journey wasn’t just about climbing the coaching ranks. It was about learning, growing, and embracing the challenges that come with leadership. From coaching youth teams to managing in the USL, John has seen every side of the game, and his experiences have shaped his approach to coaching today.

Building from the Ground Up: Lessons from USL

One of the things I really wanted to dive into with John was his experience in the United Soccer League (USL). As someone who’s coached at all levels—including stints at FC Cincinnati and Greenville Triumph—John has firsthand insight into how important USL is for the growth of soccer in the U.S.

“We needed to strengthen the pyramid structure in American soccer,” John explained. And he’s absolutely right. The USL plays a crucial role in providing opportunities for players who might not be ready for Major League Soccer (MLS) but have the potential to develop into top talent. It’s a platform for young players to grow, learn, and compete at a high level without having to leave the country.

This is exactly why Ozark United FC is proud to be part of the USL. We’re committed to giving local talent the chance to shine, to develop their skills, and to pursue their dreams of playing professionally. But it’s about more than just developing players. It’s about building a soccer culture that the community can rally behind.

John emphasized how important this community focus is. “Community engagement is critical to the growth of your club,” he said. And at Ozark United FC, we’re taking this to heart. From grassroots programs to community events, we’re committed to being more than just a team—we’re here to be a part of Northwest Arkansas.

Why Community Comes First

One of the things that stood out most in my conversation with John was his unwavering belief in the power of community. For him, coaching isn’t just about tactics or winning games—it’s about connecting with people and creating a sense of belonging.

John learned this firsthand while building clubs in the USL. At Greenville Triumph, he helped create a club that was deeply rooted in the community. It wasn’t just about game days; it was about being present, getting involved, and showing fans that they matter. “If you’re not doing it for the community, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons,” John said.

This really hit home for me because it’s exactly why we’re building Ozark United FC. We’re not just here to play soccer—we’re here to bring people together, to inspire the next generation, and to create a club that belongs to the community. This isn’t just our journey; it’s Northwest Arkansas’ journey.

And John’s right—you can’t fake this. Fans know when you’re authentic. They know when you care. That’s why at Ozark United FC, we’re committed to being transparent, accessible, and inclusive. We want every fan to feel like they’re a part of our story because, without them, there is no club.

The Future of Soccer in Northwest Arkansas

One of the most exciting things about launching Ozark United FC is knowing that we’re making history. As the first professional soccer team in Northwest Arkansas, we have the chance to inspire, connect, and bring people together in a way that no other team has before. And we’re not just doing it for the men’s game—we’re bringing professional women’s soccer to the region too.

John talked about how powerful it is when a community can rally around a local team. He’s seen it firsthand in places like Cincinnati and Greenville, and I believe we’re about to see it here in Northwest Arkansas. “Soccer is a lifestyle, a cultural movement,” John said. And I couldn’t agree more.

This is about more than just building a soccer club. It’s about creating a legacy of pride, passion, and community that will inspire generations to come. We’re not just looking at the next season—we’re looking at the next decade and beyond.

Join Us on the Journey

Talking with John Harkes reminded me why we’re doing this. Why we’re putting in the hours, the sweat, and the passion to build Ozark United FC. It’s about community, connection, and creating something that matters.

This isn’t just our club; it’s your club. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or someone who’s never watched a game, we invite you to join us on this journey. Come out to a match, wear the colors, and feel the energy that only live soccer can bring.

At Pitch to Pro, we’ll be here every step of the way, sharing stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from the club. This isn’t just about soccer; it’s about building a community and creating a new chapter for Northwest Arkansas.

Ready to be a part of it? Follow us on social media, listen to the podcast, and join us at the matches. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Together, we’re building something incredible.

Until next time, cheers, Northwest Arkansas!