Soccer history is coming to Northwest Arkansas! The Ozark United FC team reveals exclusive details about the upcoming Outrigger Challenge Cup, a groundbreaking international soccer tournament featuring teams from the US Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, and most notably, the Marshall Islands, who will be playing their first-ever international match.

Set for August 13-16 at Springdale High School's Jarrell Williams Stadium, this tournament represents far more than just competitive matches. It's a celebration of underrepresented island nations and a unique cultural exchange opportunity for our community. The hosts share the compelling story of how they've organized this historic event, from coordinating international teams to partnering with local businesses and schools. What makes this tournament particularly special is its community focus; all ticket proceeds (just $5 per match) will directly benefit Springdale High School's soccer programs.

The podcast offers a comprehensive breakdown of the tournament schedule, including the Marshall Islands' historic debut on August 14th, which will follow Ozark United's U19 Academy team playing their first official match. Beyond the competition, listeners will learn about additional activities, including opening ceremonies and closing celebrations. The hosts also reveal their vision for making this an annual tradition, with next year's tournament strategically planned to coincide with the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whether you're a soccer enthusiast, cultural ambassador, or simply looking for a unique community event, mark your calendars and be part of something truly historic. Can't attend in person? The hosts share how matches will be streamed online, making this milestone accessible to viewers worldwide.

More About this Episode

From the Islands to the Ozarks: How the Outrigger Cup is Bringing Global Soccer to Northwest Arkansas

When we started Ozark United FC, we envisioned more than just building a soccer club; we wanted to create a movement rooted in community, education, and cultural connection. This August, that vision takes a historic leap forward. For the first time, international football will land in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, and it’s happening right here in Springdale.

The Outrigger Challenge Cup returns for its second year, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever before.

A Historic First: International Football in NWA

Let’s call it what it is: history in the making.

On August 14, 2025, the Marshall Islands will play their first-ever official international soccer match, right here on U.S. soil. That moment alone would be enough to stop and celebrate, but it’s just one part of an extraordinary event that brings together the U.S. Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, and the Ozark United U19 Academy all under the banner of the Outrigger Cup.

We’ll be hosting the matches at Jarrell Williams Stadium at Springdale High School, which has recently undergone impressive renovations. With its state-of-the-art field and massive display board, it’s the perfect stage for what’s to come.

For us, this is more than just another soccer match. This is about bridging cultures, uniting communities, and providing a global stage for teams that are often overlooked in the broader football conversation.

The Power of Representation: Why the Island Nations Matter

We’re not just talking about underdogs; we’re talking about entire nations whose voices are rarely amplified in the global sports world.

Countries like the Marshall Islands, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands face steep barriers to participation in global soccer. Whether it's limited infrastructure, lack of funding, or being geographically isolated, these teams often exist on the periphery of the sport we love.

The Outrigger Cup flips that narrative.

By hosting this event in Northwest Arkansas, we give these teams a stage. We give their players, some of whom have experience ranging from professional to collegiate and semi-pro levels, the chance to represent their countries with pride, surrounded by a community that genuinely cares.

Why Springdale? Why Now?

The simple answer: Because it matters.

Springdale is home to a vibrant and growing Marshallese population, one of the largest outside the Marshall Islands themselves. For years, this community has helped shape the cultural landscape of Northwest Arkansas, and now, they get to cheer on their national team in their own backyard.

Thanks to the incredible support from Springdale High School, Eric Burnett and his team have been instrumental in helping us secure the stadium and facilities. All training sessions for the week will be hosted there, and the hospitality has been second to none.

In addition, our housing partner, Mount Sequoyah Center in Fayetteville, has opened their doors to all three visiting squads, creating a rare, shared living experience that we hope will foster not just competition but camaraderie.

The Schedule: What You Need to Know

Mark your calendars:

  • Wednesday, August 13
    • US Virgin Islands vs. Turks and Caicos
  • Thursday, August 14
    • Ozark United U19 Academy in their first-ever official match
    • Marshall Islands’ historic debut
    • Festivities and cultural ceremonies kick off before the evening games
  • Saturday, August 16
    • Championship Matches at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
    • Closing ceremony and trophy presentation to follow
    • Community celebration at Mount Sequoyah that evening

All ticket proceeds go directly to Springdale High School's men's and women's soccer programs, supporting soccer in our local community.

A Local Event with Global Impact

This isn’t just about a single week of matches. It’s about planting the seeds for long-term growth both for our club and the community.

Here’s how:

  • Youth Soccer Clinics On Friday night (Aug 15), we’ll host a free clinic for 5th through 8th graders at Sonora Middle School. This is open to all kids in the area and led by experienced coaches. It’s our way of giving back and helping inspire the next generation.
  • Coaching Development We’ve launched local coaching clinics to equip aspiring coaches with the tools they need to lead. Whether you’re coaching a recreational team or dreaming of coaching at a higher level, we’re committed to supporting your journey.
  • Community Partnerships From Slim Chickens to America’s Car Mart, our local partners have helped us turn vision into reality. These aren’t short-term sponsorships, they’re multi-year commitments to build a soccer culture in NWA.
  • Building Toward 2026 With the FIFA World Cup coming to the U.S. next year, we’re already looking ahead. The third annual Outrigger Cup is scheduled to move earlier in the year, just before the World Cup. It’s our way of tapping into the growing excitement while making high-level international soccer accessible to people who may not be able to travel to major host cities like Dallas or Kansas City.

Why This Matters

Soccer is more than a game. It’s a universal language, a cultural handshake, and a force for good.

This tournament represents everything we stand for at Ozark United FC:

  • Community first
  • Global vision
  • Local investment
  • Accessible football for all

By hosting the Outrigger Cup in Springdale, we’re showing the world what’s possible when people come together with a shared mission: to grow the game and celebrate the cultures that make it so powerful.

Can’t Attend in Person? No Problem.

We know not everyone can make it to the stadium, so we’re proud to share that all matches will be live-streamed, thanks to our partners at Spiideo, who are providing top-tier cameras and software to bring the experience to fans near and far.

The Start of Something Bigger

This year’s Outrigger Cup is a first, but it won’t be the last.

With each edition, we aim to elevate the experience, welcome more teams, and draw in more fans from across the country and beyond. We’re building something sustainable, something that can grow with our club and our community.

So, whether you’re a lifelong soccer supporter, a first-time fan, or just curious about what international football looks like in the Ozarks, we invite you to be part of this journey.

Come for the soccer. Stay for the story. Support the mission.

Northwest Arkansas, let’s make history together.