Programs and competitive pathways

Little Shots welcomes ages 4–5 with little or no prior experience, while Pre-Academy bridges ages 6–8 into more structured technical and tactical work. Academy serves U9–U10 athletes ready for regular training, local tournaments, and a competitive rhythm. Classic covers U11–U19 with advanced training and league play through the Arkansas Competitive Soccer League (ACSL), Heartland League, USYS Frontier Conference, and pathway options such as US Youth Soccer National League, Red River NPL, and OPL, plus regional showcases.

Ozark United Boys Academy hosts MLS NEXT for U13–U19 boys through a Sporting Arkansas and Ozark United collaboration, offering national showcases including MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Girls U13–U19 compete in the Development Player League (DPL) Mid-America Conference for regional high-level play and college exposure. U11–U12 boys and girls can also participate in the Sporting Development League (SDL), a Sporting KC Youth Soccer platform with home-and-away league matches and a Kansas City championship event.

Training, facilities, and offseason options

Home training and matches center on eight grass fields at Sugar Creek Soccer Park. Berraco offseason training (Spanish for fierce or determined) keeps U7–U19 players sharp with skill work, conditioning, mental toughness drills, and small-sided games; Summer Berraco runs for U11–U19 and Berraquito serves U7–U10 on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule. The club also runs an Individual Development Program, functional training, SAQ sessions, Finishing School, and free weekly pickup and small-sided games overseen by the technical staff.

Tryouts, registration, and fees

Annual evaluations take place each May after the spring season, with team offers following assessments; rolling tryouts may be arranged mid-year in line with Arkansas Soccer Association transfer rules. Returning players register for and attend at least one evaluation session. Families sign up through PlayMetrics links for Classic (U11–U19) or Academy (U7–U10) placements and should bring cleats, shin guards, a ball, water, and weather-appropriate training gear.

For the 2025/2026 cycle, published club fee totals (registration plus club fees, team fees separate) include MLS NEXT at $2,100 ($1,850 fall-only), GA Aspire at $1,650 ($1,400 fall-only), SDL at $1,400, Classic 11v11 or 9v9 at $1,250 ($1,000 fall-only), Academy at $975, and U7/U8 at $875. Club fees may be paid in full or in four fall installments; financial assistance is available for qualifying families and applies to the club-fee portion.

Coaching and affiliation benefits

Technical Director Scott Marksberry leads a values-driven staff that includes MLS NEXT Director Kevin Tello, Associate Directors Ryan Williams and Josie Matlick (girls programming), and more than 40 part-time coaches holding USSF licenses and/or high school, college, or professional playing experience. Sporting KC affiliation opens elite training touches, coaching education clinics, and collaborative community events for players and families across the region.

How to reach the club

Questions about programs, evaluations, or operations can go to operations@sportingarkansas.com or through the contact form at sportingarkansas.com. Registration for Little Shots, Pre-Academy summer sessions, and tryouts flows through PlayMetrics; check the club’s social channels for schedule updates when evaluation dates are announced.