Warren Smith has been watching Northwest Arkansas evolve for decades. What started as family visits in the 1990s has transformed into a mission to bring professional soccer to a region he describes as having "come into its own." As co-founder of Ozark United FC, Smith brings the experience of five successful sports franchise launches to a community he believes is perfectly positioned for soccer's growth.

In this revealing conversation with Managing Director Wes Harris, Smith takes listeners behind the scenes of the club's development, sharing why their recent stadium site change represents not just a location shift, but a strategic evolution. "For us, this new location is really about creating a sense of place," Smith explains, highlighting how modern sports experiences extend well beyond game time, with fans typically wanting 4-5 hours of entertainment surrounding the event itself.

The club's grassroots approach appears to be working. With 7,500 potential season ticket holders already registered—enough to potentially sell out their planned venue before breaking ground—Ozark United is now considering a larger initial capacity. While the timeline has shifted to a 2027-2028 launch, Smith remains undeterred, noting that his first sports project took six years from concept to completion.

What stands out most is the club's commitment to building something truly embedded in Northwest Arkansas culture. From partnering with Sporting Arkansas on youth development to supporting the local Marshallese community's first international tournament, Ozark United is demonstrating that professional sports can be a vehicle for community advancement.

Smith's parting message speaks volumes about the club's philosophy: "This is your team, everybody. We need you to participate. I want to create a movement." For soccer enthusiasts and community members alike, the invitation is clear—the journey to professional soccer in Northwest Arkansas isn't just happening; it's being built together.

Ready to join the movement? Follow Ozark United FC on social media and visit their website to add your name to their growing list of supporters.

More About this Episode

Building a Soccer Legacy in Northwest Arkansas: Ozark United FC’s Journey to Pro Soccer

Ozark United FC isn’t just about soccer; it’s about community. Co-founder Warren Smith and Managing Director Wes Harris have a vision that transcends the game itself. As Smith puts it, “This is your team, everybody. This is your team.” It’s not just a slogan—it’s the ethos guiding every decision made by the club. Whether it’s selecting a stadium site or engaging with local communities, Ozark United is building a club that reflects the spirit and diversity of Northwest Arkansas (NWA).

Smith, a seasoned sports entrepreneur with a track record of successful soccer projects—including Sacramento Republic FC and San Diego Loyal SC—is no stranger to the complexities of building a professional team from the ground up. His passion for soccer and community development converges perfectly with NWA’s evolving identity, making this project as much about fostering local pride as it is about playing at the professional level.

Why Northwest Arkansas?

For many, the idea of a professional soccer club in NWA might seem unconventional. But Smith, who has seen the area’s transformation since the 1990s, believes that the region’s growth and changing demographics make it an ideal candidate.

Smith explains, “60% of the population here is not from NWA. Soccer is their number one sport from wherever they’re from. The age groups are young, the income levels are strong, and people have a great attitude about living here.”

NWA has seen rapid expansion, attracting people from diverse backgrounds who bring a love for soccer with them. The project taps into this cultural shift, creating a community-focused club that feels authentically local while still appealing to soccer enthusiasts from across the globe.

Creating a Home for Soccer: The Stadium Dilemma

One of the most significant challenges for Ozark United FC has been finding the right place to call home. The club initially identified a location that seemed promising but soon realized it was too restrictive for their vision. After reevaluating and engaging with community feedback, they selected a new site that offers more flexibility and better connectivity.

The new stadium will be more than just a place to watch soccer—it’s set to be the centerpiece of a Sports Anchor District, designed to foster entertainment and community engagement beyond match days.

Smith emphasizes the importance of creating an experience: “People want to be entertained for four to five hours, not just the two hours of the match. That means having retail, restaurants, and activities around the stadium.”

This vision mirrors successful projects like Sacramento Republic FC’s Bonnie Field, where modular design and community involvement turned an underutilized space into a vibrant sports hub.

Building Community through Soccer

The club’s efforts go beyond professional matches. Ozark United FC has partnered with Sporting Arkansas to support youth soccer initiatives, fostering a grassroots connection with the sport. They’ve also actively reached out to the local Marshallese community, a significant cultural group in NWA, supporting events like the first international Marshallese soccer tournament held outside the Marshall Islands.

Smith sees these community initiatives as essential to the club’s long-term success. “We want to make a difference for them,” he says. “When you build a club by the fans and for the fans, it becomes something much bigger than just a soccer team.”

The Road to Pro: Financial and Logistical Hurdles

Starting a professional soccer club from scratch is not for the faint-hearted. Ozark United FC has faced its share of challenges, from navigating city zoning approvals to securing investment. Professional sports teams operate on razor-thin margins, and getting financial buy-in from local investors has required demonstrating the viability of the project.

Smith and Harris have focused on proving the business model through grassroots engagement, ticket sales, and sponsorships. They’ve successfully built a database of 7,500 potential season ticket holders, with projections indicating they could fill 5,000 seats upon launch. Additionally, they’re pursuing sponsorship deals to further solidify financial stability.

The next major milestone involves securing a principal owner, someone who can take on 35% of the project’s financial commitment. Smith is optimistic, pointing to progress with investment firms specializing in sports and real estate, which will help attract high-caliber partners.

What’s Next for Ozark United FC?

While the initial goal was to kick off the first professional season in 2026, the reality of stadium development and financial structuring has pushed the likely start date to 2027 or 2028. Yet, this doesn’t mean that soccer won’t be present in NWA before then. The club is ramping up community outreach, hosting events, and maintaining visibility through local partnerships.

The club’s vision also includes developing a soccer complex, which would provide much-needed field space for youth and adult leagues, benefiting the entire region. Smith and Harris are working closely with community leaders and planners to make this vision a reality.

A Movement, Not Just a Club

Ozark United FC’s journey is as much about community building as it is about soccer. As Smith eloquently puts it, “Imagine building a brand that’s built by fans and for fans—it’s just a magical experience.”

The club’s grassroots approach—listening to fans, involving local stakeholders, and fostering pride in the NWA community—sets it apart. From youth soccer partnerships to amplifying the voices of the Marshallese community, Ozark United FC aims to be more than just a sports team.

The message to the community is clear: Get involved. Make your voice heard. This is your club. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or just discovering the sport, Ozark United FC wants to bring you along on this exciting journey.

As the club continues to make strides toward its goal of professional soccer, every fan, supporter, and community member has a role to play. When Ozark United FC finally takes the field, it will represent more than just a team—it will be the embodiment of a community coming together through the beautiful game.