BENTON, Ark. — The Arkansas Wolves semi-pro soccer team, based in Benton, was established in 2018. They hope to expand soccer interest in the state and allow athletes to play it at a high level.
"Back in 2018, I noticed a problem where we didn't have enough development for guys trying to look to play at the next level. " General Manager and Founder Sean Paul Jones said.
The Wolves play in the NPSL and the UPSL. The Wolves organization even has a youth and women's team. This team has players from all over the world, and the athletes have embraced the Benton community.
"Benton is a very unique community we are not just playing for ourselves," Wolves center midfielder Kaffie Kurz of Liberia said. "We represent the community. They see us at Walmart... sometimes they say hi and we say hi. We are getting used to everybody, so it's really good for the team morale as well."
Wolves forward Maurice Theart of South Africa has been enjoying the culture and experience.
"Arkansas has really given me the opportunity to play at the next level," Theart said. "The fan base and the culture here is just great. They have really grown exponentially over the past three or four years, and I'm really happy to be a part of it."
The Wolves currently hold an 8-1-1 record and are now getting ready to host the conference semifinals at at C.W. Lewis Stadium against Side FC. The Wolves hope to get the win and create a great environment for fans to embrace soccer in the area.
Kickoff from C.W. Lewis Stadium in Benton is set for 6 p.m. on Sunday. The games will be live streamed on YouTube.