Ozark United FC

Ozark United FC
Full nameOzark United Football Club
FoundedJuly 12, 2023; 15 months ago (2023-07-12)
StadiumOzark United Stadium (tentative)
Rogers, Arkansas
Capacity5,000
FoundersChris Martinovic
Warren Smith
LeagueUSL Championship
Websitehttps://www.ozarkunited.com/

Ozark United Football Club is an upcoming American professional soccer team based in Rogers, Arkansas. Founded in 2023, the club plans to have a men's team in the USL Championship before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a women's team in the USL Super League debuting in late 2026.

History

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On July 12, 2023, the USL awarded an expansion team to the city of Rogers, Arkansas that will represent the Northwest Arkansas region.[1][2][3] The founders are Chris Martinovic and Warren Smith.

The club plans to build a new, 5,000-seat stadium located in Rogers, just north of the Pinnacle Hills Promenade. On July 19, 2023, the City of Rogers officially approved the rezoning of the stadium site.[4] USL Arkansas is expected to buy the land through an agreement with Rogers philanthropist Johnelle Hunt, the landowner.[5]

A "Name the Team" campaign created by ownership to hear fan suggestions for team names and branding happened in October 2023.[6] The development of the club's name and branding identity will be led by Stone Ward, an advertising agency with offices in Rogers, Chicago, and Little Rock.[7]

On January 5, 2024, USL Arkansas announced the launch of a Founding Fans panel, a group of 36 fans who will "be instrumental in shaping the club’s defining elements – its name, crest, and logo, ensuring that every aspect resonates with the spirit and values of USL Arkansas’ supporters and community."[8]

On May 16, 2024, USL Arkansas announced the launch of a U20 Academy team, a new initiative to cultivate local soccer talent. The team will play in a combination of USL Academy competitions, including USL Academy Cup and other USL-sanctioned events, as well as the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), beginning play in the fall of 2024.[9]

On August 15, 2024, USL Arkansas announced a partnership with Charly, a leading soccer brand from Mexico, to become the official kit and training apparel provider for the club. The partnership will equip USL Arkansas with on-field match and training kits, as well as an extensive range of merchandise.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Professional Soccer Landing in Northwest Arkansas". Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  2. ^ "Pro soccer teams and a new 5,000-seat stadium are coming to Northwest Arkansas". Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  3. ^ "USL Arkansas plans soccer club in Northwest Arkansas". Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "Rogers approves rezoning for new professional soccer stadium". USL Arkansas. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  5. ^ "Warren Smith updates USL backing, branding, naming". USL Arkansas. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  6. ^ "USL Arkansas Invites Community to "Name The Team" in Latest Campaign". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  7. ^ "USL Arkansas Partners with Stone Ward to Shape a Dynamic Soccer Brand in Northwest Arkansas in Latest Campaign". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  8. ^ "USL Arkansas Partners with Stone Ward to Shape a Dynamic Soccer Brand in Northwest Arkansas in Latest Campaign". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  9. ^ "USL Arkansas Academy". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  10. ^ "USL ARKANSAS PARTNERS WITH CHARLY AS OFFICIAL APPAREL PROVIDER". USL Arkansas. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
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