As the Managing Director of USL Arkansas, I find myself reflecting not only on what this club means to our community but also on my recent experiences at the USL’s summer showcase in Colorado Springs a couple weeks ago. Our commitment to Northwest Arkansas (NWA) goes far beyond the game of soccer; it’s about embracing our shared values, connecting people, and making a lasting impact in the place we call home.
Reflecting on the USL Summer Showcase
My time in Colorado Springs was both enlightening and energizing. The midweek match on a Wednesday evening, with a fantastic and engaged crowd, showed me once again the incredible power of soccer to bring communities together. It was a thrilling reminder of what we aspire to bring to NWA.
The growth of the league in such a short time and the palpable excitement from everyone I met, from league executives to owners and industry partners, fueled engaging and inspiring discussions. But perhaps most encouraging was the culture of camaraderie and collective success that permeates the league. The sense of “rising tides lift all ships” is not just a nice saying, but rather a lived ways of working with each other for many of the various clubs. The numerous offers of support and collaboration from other clubs only reinforced the sense that we’re all in this together.
Our Commitment to NWA
USL Arkansas is not just a soccer club; it’s a part of the fabric of our community. From the onset, we aimed to create something more than just a sports team – we envisioned a platform that celebrates our region’s uniqueness, fosters community connections, and promotes the beautiful game in a way that resonates with NWA.
Our commitment to the community is seen in our meticulous planning and our drive to make every detail resonate with what NWA represents. From our local engagement initiatives to our thoughtful stadium design, we aim to make USL Arkansas a beacon of pride and joy for everyone in our region.
What Else is Going On?
In our ongoing effort to engage and excite our community, we have some exciting developments:
● Listening Session Campaign: We’re still going strong with incredible turnouts and discussions. For instance, the Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce meeting on 8/17 with the Hispanic community in Spanish garnered incredible support.
● Merchandise Plans: We’ve heard you! Many fans have asked where they can buy merch, and we’re working on having it available soon, so stay tuned!
● USMNT Friendly against Uzbekistan in St. Louis – 9/9/2023: Join us for a Watch Party (details to be determined) as the U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Uzbekistan in St. Louis. Let’s gather and celebrate the game that unites us all.
As we move forward, our focus remains on building a club that reflects the heart and soul of NWA. Together, we will shape the future of soccer in our region, and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates!
Warm regards,
Wes Harris, Managing Director of USL Arkansas