LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

• USSF A License
• UEFA B License (Football Association of Wales)
• FAW C Certificate
• Football Leaders Award
• Focus MBA, Football Management — FOCUS Sports Business School
• National Youth License (US Youth Soccer)
• Director of Coaching Diploma (United Soccer Coaches)
• US Soccer Licensed Instructor

EXPERIENCE

• Executive Director — Arkansas Rising Soccer Club
• US Soccer National Instructor — United Soccer Coaches
• US Soccer Grass Roots Instructor —  U.S. Soccer Federation
• Youth Academy Director - Huston Dash
• Focus MBA, Football Management — FOCUS Sports Business School

BIO

Mark Gibbs serves as the Executive Director of Arkansas Rising Soccer Club, bringing decades of experience in player development, coaching education, and club leadership. A passionate advocate for growing the game in Arkansas, Mark oversees all club operations, program development, and long-term strategic planning.



Mark’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering coaches, developing complete players, and creating positive soccer environments that serve both athletes and families.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

• M.S Sports Admin - Arkansas State
• B.S Kinesiology - Ouachita Baptist University
• USSF

EXPERIENCE

• Director of Boys Competitive Teams — Arkansas Rising Soccer Club
• Administrative Assistant — Arkansas United Soccer Club
• Men’s Assistant Soccer Coach — Ouachita Baptist University

BIO

Brandon joined Arkansas Rising in 2023 and oversees all aspects of member programming and the boys competitive program. Originally from Lewisville, Texas, he is passionate about creating positive soccer environments that help players grow on and off the field. He brings over seven years of experience in soccer operations, coaching, and player development. Before joining Rising, he spent four years with Arkansas United Soccer Club and also served as the Men’s Assistant Soccer Coach at Ouachita Baptist University, where he played collegiately as a midfielder.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

USSF A License – U.S. Soccer Federation

National Youth License – U.S. Soccer Federation

US Grassroots Instructor – U.S. Soccer Federation

Coerver Youth Diploma – Coerver Coaching

Goalkeeper Level I & II Diplomas – United Soccer Coaches

EXPERIENCE

Girls Technical Director - Arkansas Rising Soccer Club 

Director of Soccer Operations / Girls Director of Coaching - Arkansas United

Academy Technical Director - Arkansas United

Regional Director - Coerver Coaching Southeast

Assistant Director of Coaching - Little Rock Futbol Club

Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach - University of Arkansas at Little Rock 

BIO

Brittany Axford serves as the Girls Technical Director for Arkansas Rising Soccer Club, overseeing all aspects of player and coach development within the girls’ program. With over 15 years of coaching, leadership, and curriculum design experience, Brittany is passionate about helping players reach their potential through intentional development and a positive learning environment.

Since joining Arkansas Rising, Brittany has helped shape the club’s technical direction—launching the AR Rising brand, building a unified playing philosophy, and mentoring over 35 coaches to deliver consistent, high-quality training. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, growth, and the long-term success of every player and coach within the Rising community.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

USSF -Club Technical Leadership (CTL) Level 1

Bachelor of Arts in Literature – University of Arkansas at Little Rock

EXPERIENCE

Director, Recreational Soccer - Arkansas Rising

Director of Children’s Ministry - Saint James United Methodist Church

Interim Director of Coaching / Boys Academy Director  - Little Rock Futbol Club

English Teacher & Head Boys Soccer Coach - Pulaski Academy

BIO

Sean Dunbar leads Arkansas Rising’s Recreational Soccer program with a passion for community, development, and growing the game for players of all ages. With over 15 years of experience in youth sports leadership, education, and ministry, Sean has built a career around connecting people through learning, teamwork, and service.

Since joining Arkansas Rising in 2022, Sean has guided the Recreational program through significant growth, improving communication, volunteer support, and player experience across Central Arkansas. His heart for people and his commitment to quality programming continue to shape the positive, family-focused environment that defines Rising’s community.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

• B.S. Clinical Exercise Sciences and Biomechanics - Harding University
• American College of Sports Medicine - CPT
• USSF Class D
• USA Track and Field - C1

EXPERIENCE

• Assistant Director & Coach — Arkansas Rising Soccer Club
• Director of Coaching — Upstart Athletics
• Director of Intramurals — Bentonville Schools
• Assistant Soccer Coach — Republic High School
• Clinical Exercise Specialist — CoxHealth

BIO

Luke Lines serves as the Assistant Director for Arkansas Rising Soccer Club, supporting the Grassroots and Rising Stars programs. He focuses on player development, communication, and creating training environments that help every player grow with confidence.

Before joining Arkansas Rising, Luke had a brief collegiate career as a defender and 400m specialist at Harding University. He later served as Director of Coaching for a youth soccer academy in Northwest Arkansas, a Pediatric and Trauma Specialist at Mercy Urgent Care, and Director of Intramurals / Teacher within the Bentonville School District. His background in healthcare, athletics, and education gives him a well-rounded approach to coaching and leadership.

LICENSE OR

CREDENTIALS

USSF

EXPERIENCE

New Paragraph

BIO

New Paragraph