Ever wondered what truly separates exceptional soccer players from the rest? The answer might surprise you.

In this Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, we dive deep into player development, purpose, and the exciting soccer landscape emerging in Northwest Arkansas. The conversation explores how finding meaning beyond your career creates a foundation for success, not just in soccer, but in life. When you're self-aware enough to identify what truly matters, you can align your career path accordingly.

The spotlight then turns to the groundbreaking MLS Next program in Northwest Arkansas, an initiative creating unprecedented opportunities for local talent. "We want people to know, man, Arkansas has good soccer players," says Kevin Tello, highlighting how this program bridges the exposure gap that many talented players face in the region. For families considering this path, the program promises committed coaches, structured development, and potential pathways to collegiate and professional opportunities.

Most fascinating is the discussion about what elite coaches actually look for in players. While technical skills and athleticism matter, the distinguishing factors are often intangible: how players approach training, their intensity even in simple drills, and whether they push teammates to excel. Division I coaches increasingly evaluate prospects based on preparation habits, post-practice dedication, and interpersonal interactions, recognizing that in today's landscape, culture can be as important as talent.

Ready to discover more insights that could transform your understanding of player development? Subscribe to the Pitch to Pro podcast, the official podcast of Ozark United FC, available every Thursday on YouTube, Instagram, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Kevin Tello is coming home to Northwest Arkansas with a mission. The newly appointed Director of Ozark United FC's MLS Next Academy joins us to share his journey from LA transplant to rising Division I coach, and why he's passionate about building a professional pathway for soccer players in the region he once called home.

"When I was a player, and I've talked to other coaches that had grown up in the area, we would have killed for something like this," Tello explains, his enthusiasm palpable as he describes what the MLS Next program will mean for talented young players in Northwest Arkansas. After developing MLS draft picks at the collegiate level, Tello brings a wealth of experience in identifying and nurturing elite talent.

What exactly separates good players from great ones? While technical skills matter, Tello emphasizes that decision-making ultimately defines elite players. During the upcoming evaluations, he'll be watching for more than just skill—he wants to see intensity, intelligence, and approach. "If Sporting Kansas City was here watching your eval, how would you react?" he challenges potential players, setting the bar high from the start.

The conversation reveals a coach who measures success not just by wins or player advancement, but by meaningful impact on young people's lives. "If I can just be an imprint on one player, one family, and that's the player that goes pro, or becomes another successful member of our community... that's to me the most important thing at this point in my career."

Ready to be part of Northwest Arkansas's soccer revolution? Player evaluations begin next week for this groundbreaking program that promises to transform the region's soccer landscape. Don't miss your chance to join the journey from pitch to pro.

Money makes the beautiful game possible, but what happens behind the scenes to fund a professional soccer franchise? This revealing Stoppage Time edition of Pitch to Pro pulls back the curtain on the complex investment structures that can make or break a soccer club.

We dive deep into the critical role of the primary investor in professional soccer, exploring US Soccer's strict requirements and the valuable lessons learned from past failures. The tragic story of the North American Soccer League (NASL) serves as a cautionary tale—despite attracting global stars like Pelé in the 1970s, the league collapsed because owners couldn't sustain the initial years of inevitable financial losses. Contrast this with MLS, where committed investors who weathered years in the red now own franchises worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The episode reveals our exciting new partnership with Prospect Park, a group with extensive experience working with family offices nationwide and specific expertise in USL investments. They'll lead our search for a primary investor for the Northwest Arkansas project, with the goal of securing this crucial piece within approximately a year. Once identified, potential investors undergo rigorous vetting by the USL, ensuring they have the financial stability to weather challenges like we saw during COVID-19. Most importantly, we share why our project has become more attractive to investors since shifting to a new development model featuring a mixed-use facility on new land.

Whether you're a soccer fan curious about the business side of the sport, a potential investor, or someone interested in sports franchise development, this episode provides valuable insights into how professional soccer continues to grow in America. Subscribe to Pitch to Pro for more behind-the-scenes looks at bringing professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas, and share your thoughts on what aspects of soccer business you'd like us to explore next.