Soccer is a popular sport in Arkansas, with many young people participating in youth leagues and high school teams. The state has a strong soccer culture, with numerous clubs and teams available for players of all ages and skill levels. A guide to soccer in Arkansas can help players and parents navigate the various options and find the right fit for their needs.
Arkansas soccer has a rich history, with many successful college and professional players hailing from the state. The sport continues to grow in popularity, with more and more young people taking up the game each year. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in soccer in Arkansas. From youth leagues to adult clubs, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting community.
History of Soccer in Arkansas
Soccer has a long and rich history in Arkansas, dating back to the 1970s when the Arkansas State Soccer Association (ASSA) was founded. However, the sport struggled to gain popularity in the state until the 1990s when the United States hosted the World Cup. Since then, soccer has grown in popularity, and the ASSA now boasts an enrollment of 25,000 players each year in the Natural State.
In 2009, the University of Arkansas launched a women’s soccer program, which has since become a prominent part of the state’s soccer scene. The Razorbacks have consistently been a competitive team in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and have made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Aside from the Razorbacks, there are also several other notable soccer teams and organizations in Arkansas. The Little Rock Rangers are a semi-professional soccer team that competes in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The team was founded in 2016 and has quickly become a fan favorite in the state.
In addition to the Rangers, there are also several youth soccer clubs throughout Arkansas, including the Arkansas Comets, Arkansas United, and the Little Rock Futbol Club. These clubs provide opportunities for young players to develop their skills and compete at a high level.
Overall, soccer has come a long way in Arkansas since its early days. With the continued growth of the sport at all levels, it is clear that soccer will continue to be an important part of the state’s sporting culture for years to come.
Youth Soccer in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to a thriving youth soccer community, with many opportunities for children to get involved in the sport. From recreational leagues to competitive programs, there are options for players of all ages and skill levels.
Leagues
There are several youth soccer leagues in Arkansas that offer opportunities for children to play the sport. The Arkansas Competitive Soccer League is one such league and is the pathway to the State Cup. The USYS National League is available for highly competitive teams in older age groups, with discussion around both Frontier and MidSouth conferences. The Red River NPL may be an option for older teams looking for a US Club pathway.
Coaches
Coaches play a crucial role in youth soccer in Arkansas. They are responsible for teaching players the fundamentals of the game, helping them develop their skills, and instilling a love of the sport. Many coaches in Arkansas are volunteers, and they often receive training and support from organizations like the Arkansas Soccer Association.
Parents
Parents also play an important role in youth soccer in Arkansas. They are often responsible for getting their children to practices and games, supporting them from the sidelines, and volunteering to help with team activities. Parents can also help their children develop a love of the sport by encouraging them to practice and play outside of organized team activities.
In addition to leagues, coaches, and parents, there are many other entities involved in youth soccer in Arkansas, including referees, administrators, and organizations like the Arkansas Soccer Association. Overall, youth soccer in Arkansas provides children with a fun and engaging way to stay active, develop their skills, and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
College Soccer in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to several colleges and universities that offer soccer programs. College soccer in Arkansas is a great way for aspiring soccer players to continue their athletic career while pursuing higher education. In this section, we will discuss two important aspects of college soccer in Arkansas: the University of Central Arkansas and scholarships.
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. UCA is home to the UCA Bears, the university’s athletic teams, which include a men’s and women’s soccer team. The UCA Bears soccer teams compete in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference.
UCA has a strong soccer program, with both the men’s and women’s teams consistently ranking among the top teams in the conference. The UCA Bears men’s soccer team has won several conference championships, and the women’s team has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament.
Scholarships
For many student-athletes, scholarships are an important aspect of college soccer. Scholarships can help offset the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses associated with attending college. There are several scholarship opportunities available for soccer players in Arkansas.
One resource for soccer scholarships is the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA offers both full and partial scholarships to student-athletes who meet certain eligibility requirements. Another resource for soccer scholarships is the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which offers scholarships to student-athletes who compete in NAIA sports.
In addition to NCAA and NAIA scholarships, many colleges and universities offer their own athletic scholarships to student-athletes. These scholarships may be based on athletic ability, academic achievement, or a combination of both.
Overall, college soccer in Arkansas offers a great opportunity for student-athletes to continue their soccer career while pursuing higher education. With strong programs like the University of Central Arkansas and scholarship opportunities available, Arkansas is a great place for aspiring soccer players to consider when choosing a college or university.
Adult Soccer in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to several adult soccer leagues and clubs that provide opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate in the sport. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Clubs
One of the most popular adult soccer clubs in Arkansas is the Arkansas Competitive Soccer League (ACSL). The league is designed to provide competitive soccer for men and women in central Arkansas. They offer several divisions of competitive soccer in both 11v11 and 7v7 formats. Players of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome to join.
Another notable club is the Central Arkansas Recreational League (CARL). This league is designed for players who are looking for a more relaxed and social atmosphere. They offer both co-ed and men’s leagues, and players of all skill levels are welcome.
For those looking for a more competitive experience, the Arkansas State Soccer Association (ASSA) offers an adult soccer league that is part of the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) National League. The league is open to both men and women and offers a high level of competition.
Leagues
In addition to the clubs mentioned above, there are several other adult soccer leagues in Arkansas. The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department offers an adult soccer league that is open to players of all skill levels. They offer both co-ed and men’s leagues and have a hard cap date for scheduling tournaments.
The Rogers Parks and Recreation Department also offers an adult soccer league that is open to players of all skill levels. They offer several different divisions, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Open Division, Over 35, Over 45, Co-Ed, and Women’s Division.
Overall, there are plenty of options for adult soccer players in Arkansas. Whether you are looking for a competitive league or a more relaxed and social atmosphere, there is a club or league that will meet your needs.
Soccer vs. Football in Arkansas
In Arkansas, soccer and football are both popular sports, but they have distinct differences. Soccer is played with a round ball and focuses on using feet to move the ball down the field and score goals. Football, on the other hand, is played with an oval-shaped ball and involves a lot of physical contact between players.
While football is often seen as the more popular sport in Arkansas, soccer has been growing in popularity in recent years. This is due in part to the success of the University of Arkansas women’s soccer team, which has won several conference championships and made multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
One major difference between soccer and football in Arkansas is the level of participation. Football is played at the high school and college level, while soccer is played at all levels, including youth leagues, high school, and college.
Another difference is the fan culture surrounding the two sports. Football games in Arkansas draw large crowds and often involve tailgating and other pre-game festivities. Soccer games, while still popular, have a more subdued atmosphere and are often attended by families and youth soccer teams.
Despite these differences, both soccer and football are important parts of the Arkansas sports landscape. Whether you prefer the physicality of football or the finesse of soccer, there is something for everyone in Arkansas’s sports scene.
Conclusion
Arkansas has a thriving soccer community with numerous opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to get involved. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there are plenty of resources available to help you improve your game and connect with others who share your passion for soccer.
One of the best places to start is with local soccer clubs and organizations. Arkansas Rising Soccer Club is a popular choice for youth players, offering a comprehensive curriculum to guide players throughout their soccer journey. The club hosts both fall and spring seasons, and players have the opportunity to participate in tournaments and other events throughout the year.
For college-bound players, the NCSA Arkansas Men’s Soccer Resource Guide is a valuable resource for connecting with college coaches and teams. The guide provides links to athletic scholarships and other opportunities to play soccer at the collegiate level.
For those looking to improve their skills on their own, there are plenty of resources available online. The Beginners Guide to Soccer is a great place to start, offering an overview of the rules and positions in soccer. Best of Arkansas Sports also offers tips and advice for practicing with backyard soccer goals and other equipment.
Overall, the soccer community in Arkansas is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of opportunities for players to get involved and improve their skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s never been a better time to get involved in soccer in Arkansas.
