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The three-year commitment will fund soccer programs at the elementary and middle school levels across Garland ISD

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GARLAND, Texas (May 28, 2025) — Atlético Dallas announced today a $75,000 pledge to the Garland ISD Education Foundation to expand access to youth soccer across the Garland Independent School District. The three-year gift will support the development of after-school and extracurricular soccer programs at both the elementary and middle school levels, creating new opportunities for students to participate in the sport.

The idea for the pledge was inspired by the club’s recent sponsorship of Caldwell Elementary’s after-school soccer program. That initiative—launched in partnership with Garland ISD and the Education Foundation—drew overwhelming participation and community support.

“Our visit to Caldwell Elementary showed us what’s possible when students have access to the game,” said Matt Valentine, Co-Founder and Chairman of Atlético Dallas. “We’re honored to build on that momentum by partnering with the Garland ISD Education Foundation to make soccer more accessible to more kids across the district.”

The donation will be distributed by the Garland ISD Education Foundation and will help fund equipment, coaching stipends, transportation, and other program costs over a three-year period.

“This generous pledge from Atlético Dallas is more than a gift—it’s an investment in our students,” said Lisa Cox, President of the Garland ISD Education Foundation. “We’re thrilled to partner with an organization that understands the power of sport to shape character, boost confidence, and open doors.”

Garland ISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo López, who attended the Caldwell Elementary event earlier this year, said he was inspired by the students’ excitement and sense of pride in representing their school on the field.

“When I attended the after-school soccer program at Caldwell Elementary, I saw firsthand the joy and engagement these programs bring to our kids,” said Dr. López. “I told the Atlético Dallas team that I wanted to see this replicated across our district—more programs at the elementary level, and expanded opportunities at our middle schools for every student who wants to play. Thanks to their support, that vision is now within reach.”To learn more about the Caldwell Elementary soccer program that inspired this pledge, visit:
https://www.atleticodallas.com/news/2025/02/24/news-caldwell-elementarys-young-soccer-stars-gear-up-for-success-thanks-to-usl-dallas

ABOUT ATLÉTICO DALLAS

Atlético Dallas is a professional soccer team coming in 2027 as part of the USL Championship. Atlético Dallas was co-founded by lifelong friends and soccer enthusiasts Matt Valentine and Sam Morton with a mission to build community through professional soccer. The organization is committed to making soccer a sport for everyone and to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.

MEDIA CONTACT: Amber Freeland 214-919-5256 media@atleticodallas.com

En Español

ATLÉTICO DALLAS SE COMPROMETE CON $75,000 PARA LA FUNDACIÓN EDUCATIVA DE GARLAND ISD PARA FORTALECER PROGRAMAS DE FÚTBOL INFANTIL

Compromiso de tres años apoyará programas de fútbol en escuelas primarias y secundarias de Garland ISD

GARLAND, Texas (28 de mayo, 2025) —Atlético Dallas anunció hoy un compromiso de $75,000 a lo largo de tres años para beneficiar a la Fundación Educativa de Garland ISD, con el objetivo de ampliar el acceso a programas de fútbol infantil en todo el distrito escolar. Esta inversión estratégica permitirá el desarrollo de actividades extracurriculares y programas después de clases en las escuelas primarias y secundarias del distrito.

La idea para este compromiso surgió tras el exitoso patrocinio del programa de fútbol después de clases en la Primaria Caldwell, una iniciativa que recibió una respuesta entusiasta por parte de estudiantes, familias, y líderes comunitarios.

“Nuestra visita a la Primaria Caldwell nos mostró lo que es posible cuando los estudiantes tienen acceso al juego,” dijo Matt Valentine, Cofundador y Presidente de Atlético Dallas. “Nos sentimos honrados de colaborar con la Fundación Educativa de Garland ISD para continuar abriendo espacios donde más niños y niñas puedan practicar este deporte.”

Los fondos serán administrados por la Fundación Educativa de Garland ISD y se utilizarán para cubrir costos de equipo deportivo, entrenadores, transporte, y otros recursos necesarios para los programas.

“Este generoso compromiso de Atlético Dallas es más que una donación—es una inversión en nuestros estudiantes,” dijo Lisa Cox, Presidenta de la Fundación Educativa de Garland ISD. “Estamos encantados de asociarnos con una organización que entiende el poder del deporte en formar carácter, fomentar la confianza y abrir puertas.”

El Superintendente de Garland ISD, Dr. Ricardo López, quien estuvo presente en el evento de la Primaria Caldwell, expresó su entusiasmo por ampliar estos programas en todo el distrito.

“Cuando visité el programa de fútbol en la Primaria Caldwell, vi con mis propios ojos la alegría y entusiasmo que este tipo de actividades genera en nuestros estudiantes,” dijo el Dr. López. “Le compartí al equipo de Atlético Dallas mi deseo de ver más programas como este en nuestras escuelas primarias, así como oportunidades ampliadas en las secundarias para que todos los estudiantes puedan participar. Gracias a su apoyo, ese sueño está más cerca de hacerse realidad.”

Este compromiso refuerza la visión de Atlético Dallas de que el fútbol es más que un deporte—es una herramienta para promover la equidad, el crecimiento y la unidad. La inversión en el desarrollo juvenil es una piedra angular del proyecto del club mientras se prepara para su primera temporada profesional en 2027.

Para conocer más sobre el programa de la Primaria Caldwell que inspiró este compromiso, visite: https://www.atleticodallas.com/news/2025/02/24/news-caldwell-elementarys-young-soccer-stars-gear-up-for-success-thanks-to-usl-dallas

SOBRE ATLÉTICO DALLAS

Atlético Dallas es un equipo profesional de fútbol que juega dentro del USL Championship  sancionada por la Federación de Fútbol de Estados Unidos. Atlético Dallas fue fundado por dos amigos de toda la vida y apasionados del fútbol Matt Valentine y Sam Morton con la misión de construir una comunidad por medio del fútbol profesional. La organización está comprometida en hacer del fútbol un deporte para todos e inspirar a la nueva generación de atletas y líderes.

CONTACTO: Emily Garzaro 214-919-5258 media@atleticodallas.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Garland, TX – Caldwell Elementary is making history as the only elementary school in Garland ISD with its own soccer club, offering fourth and fifth graders a rare chance to develop as athletes and leaders. Thanks to a generous partnership with USL Dallas, these young players are getting a major boost. 

Inspired by the club’s mission, USL Dallas is equipping every student-athlete with the gear they need to play with confidence. Each player will receive new soccer shoes, shin guards, and balls, while the program will gain match jerseys, training cones, additional balls, goalie jerseys, and gloves, ensuring the club’s success for years to come. 

To celebrate this game-changing donation, USL Dallas will host a special event at Caldwell Elementary on Wednesday, February 26, at 4:30 p.m. Students will be surprised with their new gear before taking the field for a short match to showcase their skills. Adding to the excitement, Alina Garcia Mendez from the Mexican League Women’s Team will make a special appearance to surprise the young players and share a few words of encouragement. The event will also include appearances from Lakeview Centennial High School’s cheerleaders, drill team, and the Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School’s dance company, reinforcing the district’s strong support for the growing soccer pipeline. 

“As soon as we heard about this program, we knew we had to do something to make sure they had everything they needed to build a successful program,” said Matt Valentine, founder and chairman of USL Dallas. “Soccer is such a beautiful sport, but there aren’t many opportunities at this age to play on a team unless you are on a club team. We are honored that we can give this to them and hopefully start a trend among elementary schools.” 

“Matt and I met on a soccer field as kids, so we know firsthand how important it is to build that foundation and passion at a young age,” said Sam Morton, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of USL Dallas. “We want to see these kids grow as athletes and students, and soccer is a wonderful way to build lifelong skills.” 

The Caldwell Elementary soccer club was founded by first-year teacher Gisele Carone, whose passion for the game and the enthusiasm she saw at recess led her to create a space for students to play. Growing up in Brazil, Carone experienced firsthand how soccer can shape young lives, and she wanted to bring that same opportunity to her students. With support from parents and teachers, the club quickly took off, helping students build skills, confidence, and friendships. 

“I’ve always believed soccer is more than just a game,” Carone shared. “It teaches teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. And now, it’s giving our students a chance to shine—academically, socially, and athletically.” 

Media representatives are invited to attend for interviews and coverage of students receiving their new gear. To RSVP, please contact Typhani Braziel at tnbraziel@garlandisd.net or Amber Freeland at amber.freeland@usldallas.com. 

“Having USL Dallas and the district’s support means everything,” Carone added. “Our kids are experiencing something they never thought possible, and that’s what it’s all about.” 

About USL Dallas 

USL Dallas is a USL Championship club sanctioned as a men’s Division II professional team by the U.S. Soccer Federation. USL Dallas was co-founded by lifelong friends and soccer enthusiasts Matt Valentine and Sam Morton with a mission to build community through professional soccer. The organization is committed to making soccer a sport for everyone and to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders. For more information, visit usldallas.com. 

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Garland, Texas (Jan. 27, 2025) – New details are being released about the City of Garland soon becoming a professional soccer hub. Mayor Scott LeMay announced during his State of the City address Jan. 27 that the City is in final negotiations to develop a professional and youth soccer complex located at President George Bush Turnpike and Holford Road. This news comes after the November 2024 announcement by USL Dallas that it will be bringing a men’s Championship League team to Garland. 

Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, with three men’s leagues and two women’s leagues. USL Dallas joins a lineup of 24 teams in the Championship League and is sanctioned as a men’s Division II professional team by the U.S. Soccer Federation.  

“I remember the City’s first meeting about bringing professional sports to Garland,” said Mayor LeMay. “That meeting took place in September 2021. Lots of hours of planning, what ifs and why nots have gotten us to where we are today.” 

Recognizing the power of sports to unite people across cities, states and even countries, Garland’s proposed professional and youth soccer complex delivers on residents’ desire to create a destination. It would be a crown jewel of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, laying the foundation for a broader mixed use entertainment district.  

Not just an attraction, however, it would also be a home for the Garland community. Proclaimed a soccer city by Mayor LeMay, the Garland Soccer Association is in its 53rd year of existence. 

“That’s tens of thousands of kids that have been impacted over the years,” he explained. “This summer, we will also host our sixth annual DFW Asian American Soccer Tournament with more than 30 teams from multiple countries competing. And our third annual First Responders Soccer Tournament will bring together police and fire teams from all over North Texas.” 

Additionally, the Garland Independent School District’s soccer programs continue to grow year-after-year. A big part of the USL Dallas mission will be to empower young athletes and inspire the next generation of leaders. In fact, the United Soccer League is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway. 

“We are so excited for the chance to bring professional sports to the City of Garland and East Dallas,” said Matt Valentine, founder and chairman of USL Dallas. 

“This partnership to build a top tier sports complex could be a huge draw for both professional and community soccer in North Texas.” 

From the community to USL Dallas to all of North Texas, Garland’s proposed professional and youth soccer complex is expected to foster a new level of excitement. Its multipurpose amenities would include the USL Dallas headquarters and practice fields, as well as community soccer fields, a public plaza and a 5,000 to 10,000 seat stadium. The City of Garland anticipates a 2027 opening, which will kick off USL Dallas’ inaugural season.  

City Council is considering the future of this project at its Feb. 4, 2025, regular meeting. To livestream the Council meeting, visit GarlandTX.gov. And to stay connected with USL Dallas on the journey to its first game, visit USLDallas.com. 

ABOUT CITY OF GARLAND  

As the 13th most populous city in Texas, Garland is centralized and easily accessible to anywhere in the metroplex. It also boasts one of Texas’ most affordable housing markets, as well as a nationally acclaimed school district and a uniquely diverse culinary scene — from food trucks to fine dining to cuisines from around the world. With more than 63 parks and nature preserves, a revitalized Downtown Square, and live music, cultural festivals and special events happening all of the time, Garland is a one-of-a-kind destination to live, work and play. Additional amenities include Lake Ray Hubbard, Firewheel Town Center outdoor shopping mall, Granville Performing Arts Center, Hawaiian Waters waterpark, Lakewood Brewing Company and a PGA-caliber golf course. 

ABOUT USL DALLAS 

USL Dallas is a USL Championship club sanctioned as a men’s Division II professional team by the U.S. Soccer Federation. USL Dallas was co-founded by lifelong friends and soccer enthusiasts Matt Valentine and Sam Morton with a mission to build community through professional soccer. The organization is committed to making soccer a sport for everyone and to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.   

ABOUT UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE 

Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes three men’s leagues: the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition. With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.