Atletico Dallas Brings New Energy to Dallas Soccer Scene

Atletico Dallas is carving a distinct path in the Dallas soccer scene, setting itself apart from city neighbor FC Dallas and the broader Major League Soccer (MLS) legacy. The emergence of Atletico Dallas in USL has sparked excitement and fresh opportunities for local fans, weaving together ambition, community focus, and a love for the beautiful game.

Atletico Dallas: A Homegrown Vision for Local Soccer

Atletico Dallas, led by former US national team midfielder Kyle Martino and co-owner Matt Valentine, promises to deliver something new. While FC Dallas has built a strong reputation from its suburban base with an impressive MLS history, Atletico Dallas is intentionally rooting itself in the heart of Dallas County—an area of 2.8 million people, filled with vibrant diversity and untapped footballing potential.

The club’s mission is clear: create a team that is a true community asset. “We’re trying to create a community asset that’s going to last for 100 years, and that begins in the street, in the communities and areas that might be underserved,” said Valentine. Atletico Dallas wants to serve neighborhoods that lack access to elite club-level soccer, hoping to nurture talent from the city’s playgrounds and urban blacktops.

Embracing a Distinct Identity in the Dallas Soccer Landscape

While FC Dallas operates from Frisco’s high-end facilities, Atletico Dallas is set on building its team and identity from within the city itself. This approach aims to connect with fans who want their local team to represent Dallas’ urban core, rather than its suburbs. The club envisions a roster packed with local players, young athletes who have grown up playing street soccer under the Texas sun, translating their raw passion into professional opportunity.

Atletico Dallas believes Dallas is big enough for multiple professional soccer teams. Rather than competing with FC Dallas, they aspire to coexist and complement the city’s soccer culture. “There is room for two badges,” Martino explains, emphasizing that both clubs can thrive by serving different communities and styles of play.

Community-Driven Development and Long-term Goals

Atletico Dallas is committed to grassroots development and active engagement with city residents. Their philosophy centers on inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, striving to make high-level soccer a possibility for every child in Dallas’ urban neighborhoods. By fostering local talent and building strong community ties, Atletico Dallas aims to become a beloved institution that stands the test of time.

The club’s foundation is built on more than just professional ambitions; it’s about creating memories in the streets, uniting fans from all walks of life, and offering a pathway to the professional ranks that reflects the city’s true character. Their leadership is intent on preserving the unique, energetic, and dynamic atmosphere that only grassroots soccer can offer.

Atletico Dallas and the Future of Soccer in Texas

The arrival of Atletico Dallas in USL not only offers a fresh alternative for Dallas soccer enthusiasts but also signals a broader shift in the American soccer ecosystem. Their commitment to the community, coupled with a focus on homegrown talent, could serve as a blueprint for future expansion clubs across the country. By embracing the city’s diversity and placing the community at the forefront, Atletico Dallas is poised to leave a lasting mark on Texas soccer.

For fans eager to follow the growth of this exciting project and stay updated on the latest football developments, visit for more news.

Opinion: A Win for Dallas Soccer

Atletico Dallas’s emergence is a breath of fresh air for the local soccer landscape. By prioritizing community roots and offering an alternative to the established MLS model, they are set to inspire both players and supporters. If Atletico Dallas stays true to its vision, it could become a cherished symbol of Dallas pride—one that proves there is indeed room for more than one badge in this soccer-loving city.