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One of the few athletic com- plexes in Bella Vista doesn't belong to the city or the POA, but some Bella Vista kids will use it. The fields across from Cooper Elementary School belong to Sporting Arkansas, a soccer club affiliated with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. Bentonville Parks Depart - ment has a recreational soccer program open to Bella Vista residents, but Sporting Arkan- sas is a little different. "They're ready for a different level of soccer," Max Habered- er, director of coaching, said about his players. Sometimes it's the parents who notice something about their child and sometimes it's a coach or the player himself. The club works closely with the Parks and Rec program developing a different path for some players. "We want them to love soc - cer," Club President Jessica Dixon-Neal said. A player who truly loves soc- cer will progress quicker, they agreed. The league gives them exposure to more in-depth skills, although it's always age appropriate. They also keep it fun, Dixon-Neal said. The league is open to kids from 4 to 18. Everyone tries out so they can be placed at the appropriate level. Few players are turned away un - less there aren't enough in a specific age group to complete a team. The biggest difference be- tween Sporting Arkansas and the recreational leagues is the coaches, Habereder said. All of his coaches are trained pro- fessionals. Some are former players who went through the Sporting Arkansas program as well as high school teams. The coaches of many school teams also work part time for sporting Arkansas. It's up to the coach and the parents of the players to de - cide how much or how far the team will travel. The younger teams stay much closer to home, Dixon-Neal said, but there may be a trip to Tulsa or Fort Smith. The complex in Bella Vista is actually larger than the one where the club's offices are in Centerton, so many of the tournaments take place there. Practices and regular games are also more often in Bella Vis - ta which is composed of four full-size fields and four small fields for the younger players. While league soccer is more expensive than the Rec pro- gram, there's also a scholar- ship program to help out. "We can always find a way for a kid who really wants to play," Habereder said. Uniquely Bella Vista 10C F Wednesday, June 27, 2018 The Weekly Vista State Farm Home Of ce, Bloomington, IL When I say "good," you say "neighbor." P097313 Now that's teamwork. Call me for your insurance needs and see how it feels to be on a #1 team. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® Robert P Lewis, Agent 2832 Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR 72714 Bus: 479-855-6049 robert.lewis.b2zk@statefarm.com Full Service Liquor, Wine, Beer, & Ready-Made Cocktails & Accessories… 479-876-2220 31 Cunningham Corner (just west of DQ) OPEN: 10am-8pm • Mon-Wed & 10am-9pm • Thurs-Sat Yuengling Beer Available Now www.bvwsonline.com 640 W. Lancashire Blvd. BELLA VISTA, AR In Business in Bella Vista 35 Years! BUSINESS HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Saturday till last Appointment Susan Wozniak Owner/Stylist WALK-INS WELCOME • Perms • Color • Manicures • Spa • Pedicures • Facial Waxing • Razor Cuts • Men • Women & Children Telephone: 479-876-1104 Lynn Atkins/The Weekly Vista Although the soccer fields near Cooper Elementary don't belong to the city of Bella Vista, the POA or the school district, many Bella Vista children will play on them thanks to Sporting Arkansas. Sporting Arkansas a 'different level' of soccer Lynn Atkins latkins@nwadg.com