Competitive programs and age groups

The U8–U10 Competitive Academy is an eight-month season (August–November and February–May) built around player development in a competitive setting with emphasis on skill acquisition. Academy teams train twice weekly with weekend games, compete in a league, and enter one to two tournaments per four-month block. Players work in a flexible tiered system within each birth year so coaches can match training groups to ability while collaborating across the age band. Academy teams use 4v4 and 7v7 formats.

The U11–U12 Competitive Program continues that eight-month calendar while adding more team development. Training runs two to three times per week with weekend matches, league play, and two to three tournaments per season on 9v9 fields. Rosters are set at the start of each season, and some squads also enter regional elite leagues such as the ASSO State League, Heartland KC League, and USYS National League.

Older players move into U13–U18 Competitive programming on full 11v11 fields, with separate high-school-age bands as players advance. The club fields multiple birth-year teams across this range, each led by licensed staff coaches listed on the club roster.

Tryouts, placement, and expectations

Teams at every competitive level are formed after players take part in training sessions led by FC Arkansas directors and staff coaches. Families interested in joining should plan on attending those evaluation sessions each year. The club expects regular attendance at training and matches across competitive programs.

Training locations

Home training and match activity center on Fayetteville-area complexes, including Lewis Soccer Complex at 1515 Lewis Avenue and Kessler Mountain Regional Park at 2600 West Judge Cummings Road.

Camps and supplemental training

Beyond team seasons, OliverSoccer partner programming offers summer camps for players roughly ages 5–12 at sites around Northwest Arkansas—including St. Joseph's Catholic School, Mount Kessler Sports Complex, and Lewis Soccer Complex—with morning or evening blocks scheduled through summer 2026. The club also promotes one-on-one and small-group sessions focused on technical, tactical, physical, and mental development.

Fees and financial aid

Annual club fees for the 2025/26 season are set by birth year and program format. U8 players (2014 birth year and younger) pay $250 all-inclusive with no separate team fee. U9–U10 academy players (2013–2012 birth years) and U11–U12 9v9 players (2011–2010) pay $350 in club fees. U13–U14 11v11 players (2009–2008 birth years) and U15–U18 high-school-age players (2007–2004 birth years) also carry $350 annual club fees in the current fee schedule.

Club fees cover items such as a non-refundable deposit, administrative systems (PlayMetrics and GotSoccer/GotSport), Arkansas State Soccer Association player registration, field and facility costs, Techne training tools, coaching education, and FC Arkansas preseason and postseason tournament participation. Team fees are billed separately and fund team-specific costs such as coach compensation and travel, league and referee fees, and tournament entry. Amounts vary by roster and are approved by club leadership before parents budget for the season.

Limited financial assistance is available for families who complete the financial aid application and supporting documentation. Aid can offset part or all of the annual club fee but does not cover uniforms, team fees, or other competitive expenses; recipients must stay in good standing with attendance and team-fee responsibilities.

Coaching leadership

Steve Oliver founded the club and holds a UEFA A license along with an IFA Goalkeeping Diploma. Aaron Kiser serves as Director of Player Development and Director of Coaching for boys, while Logan Lemaster directs coaching for girls.