BENTONVILLE, Ark. (April 27, 2023) – Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club is proud to announce the renewal of its affiliation with Major League Soccer's (MLS) Sporting Kansas City for the next five years. This partnership ensures that Sporting Arkansas will continue to benefit from the privileges and resources provided by Sporting Kansas City's Official Academy Affiliate program, further elevating the development of local soccer talent.

As an Official Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club enjoys myriad of benefits that contribute to the growth of its players and coaches. These include access to Sporting Kansas City's scouting network, curriculum, coaching resources, and opportunities for players to participate in guest training sessions, camps, and elite showcase events. The collaboration also fosters a direct pathway for Sporting Arkansas players to the Sporting Kansas City Academy and potentially to the MLS team.

Sporting Kansas City, a founding member of MLS, has a rich history of developing youth soccer talent through its Academy and Affiliate programs. Established in 2007, the Sporting Kansas City Academy has since become a cornerstone of the club's mission to identify and nurture promising young players. The Academy has produced numerous homegrown talents who have gone on to represent Sporting Kansas City at the highest level, earning accolades both nationally and internationally.

The Affiliate program, launched in 2012, has successfully extended Sporting Kansas City's youth development reach throughout the Midwest, fostering strong partnerships with elite soccer clubs in the region. This network has enabled the identification of top talent and offered opportunities for player development at an early age.

Scott Marksberry, Director of Coaching for Sporting Arkansas, expressed his excitement about the renewal: "We are extremely proud to continue our relationship with Sporting Kansas City as an Official Academy Affiliate. This partnership not only provides our players with access to exceptional resources and opportunities but also aligns our club with one of the most prestigious and successful youth soccer programs in the country. We are committed to developing local talent and providing the best possible environment for them to thrive, and our affiliation with Sporting Kansas City is a key component of that commitment."

Dan Popik, Vice President of Youth Sports Properties for Sporting Kansas City said: “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Sporting Arkansas. We’ve been impressed with the progress and growth the club has experienced over the past few years. They’re continuing to improve and enhance all aspects of their club to provide their membership with a top class youth soccer experience. We’re excited to continue our partnership to support the growth of soccer with Sporting Arkansas and the NW Arkansas soccer community.”

Sporting Arkansas player evaluations and tryouts for the 2023-24 season are currently underway. For more information and to sign up, visit: https://www.sportingarkansas.com/tryouts.

About Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club
Sporting Arkansas Soccer Club is a competitive youth soccer organization based in Bentonville, Arkansas, and an Official Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City. Founded in 1998, the club aims to develop athletes'; skills, character, and love for soccer by providing professional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a nurturing environment. With a focus on excellence and sportsmanship, Sporting Arkansas is dedicated to helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field. To learn more, visit www.sportingarkansas.com or follow the club on social media @SportingArkansas.