Director’s Update
DearArkansasRisingFamily,
We’re thrilled to be back on the fields after the winter break! There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a game the roar when a goal hits the net or the cheer after a big-time save. The energy is contagious, and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting season. Here’s a quick look at what’s makingthisspringextraspecial:
Summer camps are on the horizon: We’re busy planning fun, challenging, and action-packed camps for all ages. We are especially excited to host anEvertonFCcampinJuly. Theyhaveputtogetheranamazingprogram withfunfilled,actionpackedcurriculums,highqualitycoachestrainedby Everton, great equipment, and goods for the campers. A genuine, authentic connection to a professional club will mean a different and excitingexperienceforoursoccercommunity.
College commitments are rolling in: Congratulations to our high school athletestakingtheirnextbigstep!
ECNL-RL Regional qualifications: Our boys and girls teams are making wavesastheychasesummergloryontheregionalstage.
Try Out Dates - Registration is open and the dates are set! Visit our websitearkansasrising.org/tryoutstoregisterandlearnmore.
Andaswelookahead,excitementisalreadybuildinghereinArkansasforthe 2026 for the FIFA World Cup! The momentum is real, and we’re just getting started.
AlwaysRising!
MarkGibbs
ArkansasRisingSportingDirector
RECREATIONAL UPDATES
Firstandforemost,thankyoutoallofourvolunteercoaches! Recreationalsoccerwouldn’texistwithoutyousteppinguptoprovide afun,engaging,andpositiveenvironmentforourkids.Werecognize thatmanyofyouareparentsfirst,balancingjobs,family,andother responsibilitieswhiletakingonthechallengeofcoaching.Yourtime andeffortdonotgounnoticed,andwedeeplyappreciateallthatyou do.
Thatbeingsaid,wealsowanttoresetexpectationsforparentswhenit comestovolunteercoaching. Everymonth,RisingClubleadersgather toensurethatgamesarescheduled,fieldsareprepped,andreferees areassigned.Inevitably,onequestioncomesup:“Whatarewedoing tosupportouryouthcoaches?”
Often,there’ssilence.Notbecausewe don’tcare,butbecausesomuchof recreationalsoccerrelieson volunteerswhoarealreadystretched thin.Manyarecoachingmultiple teamsinadditiontoservingasleague administrators.Therealityisthat recreationalsoccerthrivesonlywhen parentsstepuptohelp.
Weunderstandthateveryparent wantstheirchildtohavethebest experiencepossible,butit’simportant torememberthatrecreationalsoccer isnotaprofessionalacademy—it’sa community-drivenprogram,ledby volunteers.
(Continuedpage5)
A First-Class Coaching Experience in Barcelona
Rising’s Girls Technical Director, Brittany Axford, is currently participating in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing the number of women in leadership roles within the soccer landscape. The first-ever all-female entry-level course for the Club Technical Leadership Pathway (CTL1) is being hosted by US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, Women and Girls in Soccer, and U.S. Soccer’s SheChampions Coaching Initiative. Formerly known as the Director of Coaching License course, the CTL1 is designed to help club technical leaders develop key competencies while aligning with their club’s mission, values, and principles. The course, which began in January and runs through April includes both virtual and in-person components. The in-person portion took place from January 30 to February 2 at the U.S. Olympic Performance Center on the campus of UNC Charlotte in North Carolina, bringing together 30 female technical leaders and four female coach educators for an immersive learning experience. (Continued page 7)
