LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 31, 2015) – The women’s soccer team from Northumbria University from Newcastle, England, is visiting Little Rock for matchups with University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Hendrix University, and Ouachita Baptist University. The visit is hosted by the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. Thirteen members of the women’s soccer team, accompanied by their coach and New Castle city officials, will spend a week in Arkansas’ capital city.

“Newcastle and Little Rock share much in common, such as our underlying economic base and being hubs of activity for our regions,” said Bryan Barnhouse, co-liaison to Newcastle and commissioner for the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. “We also both love sports. The Commission and our partners are happy to bring the British passion for soccer to central Arkansas.”

The three match ups will take place on the following days.

• Hendrix University, April 2 at 6 p.m.
• Ouachita Baptist University, April 6 at 4 p.m.
• UALR, April 7 at 7 p.m.

In addition to the games played with the three universities, the trip will include a meeting with Gov. Asa Hutchison, a tour of the Capitol, and a visit to the Clinton Presidential Center. Northumbria players will also be on hand for the Arkansas United Soccer Club youth matches and clinics on April 4 at Murray Park.    

The Little Rock Sister Cities Commission serves to foster relationships between the City of Little Rock and its Sister City partners across the globe by promoting cross-cultural understanding, providing regular interaction and informational exchanges, and creating economic development opportunities. The Commission envisions a future where Little Rock citizens and their international partners understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of their Sister Cities’ history, culture, and people.

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