America’s Car-Mart is now involved with a different kind of pitch; not one associated with shareholders nor vehicle buyers.

The buy-here, pay-here dealership chain announced on Thursday that it’s one of the inaugural Youth Academy founding partners of Ozark United FC, joining Unilever and Arkansas Children’s.

As part of the club’s youth development program and pathway, these organizations will support efforts to expand access to soccer, elevate player development, and strengthen community engagement across Northwest Arkansas.

Earlier this year, Ozark United FC and Sporting Arkansas announced a joint effort to launch six boys’ academy teams competing in MLS NEXT’s new competition tier. The teams, ranging from under 13 to under 19, will play under the Ozark United FC banner in the Pioneer Conference, attend USL Academy showcase events such as USL Pathway Classic, and other elite competitions.

Officials said players will receive high-level training, access to national showcase events, and opportunities for exposure to college and professional scouts. A girls’ program is also in development, with more details to be announced in the coming months.

“We’re proud to partner with organizations that share our belief in the power of sport to change lives,” America’s Car-Mart president and CEO Doug Campbell said in a news release. “This partnership is about more than soccer; it’s about creating opportunity, building confidence, and fostering a community for young people who deserve every chance to succeed.

“By investing in youth development, especially in underserved areas, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive future on and off the field,” Campbell continued.

According to the news release, each founding partner will support both Academy operations and community-focused initiatives designed to break down barriers and increase youth participation in soccer. This collective commitment represents a shared investment in the health, growth, and opportunity of the next generation across Northwest Arkansas.

Highlights of each partner’s involvement include:

—Unilever will feature its Degree brand on the front of the boys’ home and away kits, while Dove will appear on the girls’ kits, as part of Dove’s self-esteem project initiative to help keep girls confident and playing the sports they love.

—Arkansas Children’s will appear on the sleeve of all home and away match kits, reflecting their commitment to youth sports as a powerful way communities help kids thrive physically and mentally.

—America’s Car-Mart will support grassroots youth clinics and community engagement initiatives, with a focus on underserved youth.

All three partners will also participate in hosting regional ID camps and clinics aimed at identifying and developing local talent.

“We’re fortunate to be building this club in a region where community-minded, high-impact organizations thrive,” Ozark United FC co-founder Chris Martinovic said. “These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to using soccer as a vehicle for good — on the field and in the community.”

Ozark United FC co-founder Warren Smith added, “We are grateful to Unilever, Arkansas Children’s and America’s Car-Mart. The corporate community’s response to our efforts has been unmeasured, and we are excited to have our first partnerships in growing the beautiful game and helping the community effort.”