Rogers-based Ozark United FC recently announced its inaugural Youth Academy founding partners are Unilever, Arkansas Children’s and America’s Car-Mart.
As part of the club’s youth development program, these organizations will support the work to “expand access to soccer, elevate player development and strengthen community engagement across Northwest Arkansas,” according to a news release.
Earlier this year, Ozark United FC and Sporting Arkansas announced a joint effort to launch six boys’ academy teams, ranging from U13 to U19. Players will receive training, access to national events, and exposure to college and professional scouts, the release shows. A girls’ program is also in development, with more details to be announced in the coming months.
Each founding partner will support Youth Academy operations and “community-focused initiatives designed to break down barriers and increase youth participation in soccer, particularly in underserved areas,” according to the news release.
Following are highlights of each partner’s involvement:
• Unilever will include its Degree brand on the front of the boys’ home and away kits, while Dove will be on the girls’ kits.
• Arkansas Children’s will be on the sleeve of all home and away match kits.
• America’s Car-Mart will support youth clinics and community engagement initiatives, with a focus on underserved youth.
The three partners will also participate in hosting regional ID camps and clinics aimed at identifying and developing local talent.