Atletico Dallas Brings a New Soccer Identity to the City

Atletico Dallas is reshaping Dallas soccer, offering a new, community-focused vision that stands apart from the established presence of FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.

Atletico Dallas Carves Its Own Path in Dallas Soccer

Atletico Dallas is more than just a new club; it represents a unique approach to the city’s soccer landscape. Co-owned by Kyle Martino and Matt Valentine, the club is preparing for its debut in the USL, intent on building a legacy that is rooted in the heart of Dallas. Unlike FC Dallas—which calls the suburbs home and is celebrated for its history, playoff runs, and development of national team stars—Atletico Dallas is committed to the city’s urban core and the communities that thrive there.

Focusing on Community and Local Talent

The club’s vision is clear: start from the streets, foster local talent, and create a team that genuinely represents Dallas County’s diverse population of nearly 3 million. As Martino envisions packed stands and a vibrant style of play, his ambition stretches beyond wins and losses—he wants Atletico Dallas to be 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,” says Valentine.

Atletico Dallas aims to fill a gap in the city’s soccer fabric, focusing on neighborhoods where organized, elite soccer opportunities are rare. This approach stands in contrast to FC Dallas’s established model, which thrives in the suburbs and produces elite talent amid a different backdrop. Valentine and Martino stress that their club is not here to compete with FC Dallas, but rather to coexist and complement the region’s soccer scene.

Room for Two Clubs in Dallas

With Dallas County’s dense and diverse population, the club believes there is ample room for two professional teams. FC Dallas remains a powerhouse in Frisco, while Atletico Dallas seeks to become synonymous with the city’s core. The club’s leaders encourage fans to support both teams, embracing the dual identity that will define Dallas soccer for years to come.

Building a Lasting Legacy from the Ground Up

Atletico Dallas’s development is still in its early stages. They have a badge, a growing fan base, and a mission to become a 100-year community asset. By prioritizing local talent and forging deep ties with urban neighborhoods, the club wants to become a beacon for footballers who grew up playing on Dallas blacktops under the Texas sun.

For those eager to follow the evolution of Dallas soccer, Atletico Dallas is a project to watch closely. The new club’s focus on community engagement and grassroots development could offer an inspiring model for other cities across the US.

Opinion: Atletico Dallas Signals a Positive Shift for U.S. Soccer

The arrival of Atletico Dallas in the USL marks a refreshing turn in American soccer. By prioritizing community roots and local players, the club not only bridges gaps within the city but also sets a precedent for what new franchises can achieve. Their distinct approach should be celebrated, and as they move forward, their success could inspire more teams to build from the ground up. This dual-club model can only strengthen the Dallas soccer scene and nurture a deeper, citywide passion for the beautiful game.

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