We are in an era of explosive growth of soccer vertically in the United States and there are more clubs in North Texas than ever. In this space, I try to break down the pyramid of soccer in North Texas from MLS down to the top amateur level.
Division 1 – MLS – 1 Local Club
In any given country, Division 1 is the top professional league: Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, etc. In the United States it’s Major League Soccer.
D1 Clubs in North Texas
FC Dallas
If you’re reading this post I’m sure you knew this one. FC Dallas has been the top-level club in the area since it was founded in 1996 as the Dallas Burn. Originally a league-owned team, Lamar Hunt took over the club in 2002.
From 1967 to 1981 the North American Soccer League was the top division in the United States and the local pro side was the Dallas Tornado. The Tornado were also owned by Lamar Hunt.
Division 2 – USL Championship – 0 Local Clubs
The United Soccer League, or USL, is currently the only league operating at the Division 2 professional level with their USL Championship.
Currently, Donnie Nelson is holding the Austin Bold franchise rights in an attempt to bring a team to Fort Worth, but it’s not looking good.
D2 Clubs in North Texas
None
It’s worth mentioning that OKC Energy FC (on Hiatus), Tulsa FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, and San Antonio FC are close’ish if you feel the need for a road trip to take in some USL Championship soccer.
Division 3 – USL League One, NISA, and MLS Next Pro – 1 Local Club
The D3 level is the lowest level of “full-time” professional clubs in the United States and is the lowest level officially designated by USSF. It consists of three leagues: USL-1, MLS Next Pro, and NISA.
USL-1 was founded in 2019, MLS Next Pro was founded in 2022, and NISA started in 2019-20.
There are no NISA clubs in Texas.
D3 Clubs in North Texas
North Texas SC – MLS Next Pro
North Texas SC is the professional development club of FC Dallas. In 2019 as part of USL-1, they played their home games at Toyota Stadium in Frisco but moved to Globe Life Park (now Choctaw Stadium) in Arlington for 2022 as the club shifted from USL-1 to MLS Next Pro.
Texoma FC – USL League One
Texoma FC was founded in 2024 in the Sherman area just south of the Oklahoma border. They are slated to begin play in USL-1 in 2025. They have also started a youth setup with a USL-2 team and a USL W League team in the work.
Important Note: Every tier below this is unofficial and up for some debate. This is how I define them.
Division 4 – USL League Two, The League for Clubs, and NPSL – 3 Local Clubs
D4 is usually referred to as Semi-Pro and is not sanctioned officially by USSF as they sanction only professional teams and leagues.
The three leagues operating at this level – USL-2 (formally the PDL or Premier Development League), NPSL (National Premier Soccer League), and a brand new organization called “The League for Clubs.” (I know, not a great name.)
These leagues also have special rules that allow college players from the NCAA to participate without losing eligibility. Both leagues run on a summer-ish schedule from May to July.
D4 Clubs in North Texas
Denton Diablos FC
Launched in 2019, the Diablos play in Denton. They also play in the Lone Star Conference of the South Region in the NPSL. They sometimes run a second club called Denton Diablos Estudiantes. They also have a youth set up.
Fort Worth Vaqueros FC
Founded in 2013, they too play in the Lone Star Conference of the South Region in the NPSL. They have a (somewhat rare) free youth setup.
FC Dallas U23
It has recently been announced that FC Dallas will be fielding a team in “The League of Clubs” in 2025.
Division 5 – UPSL and NISA Nation – Multiple DFW Teams
Again, this level is not officially sanctioned by USSF. What separates these leagues from local leagues is that they are all national leagues that play at (theoretically) a higher level. They are mostly amateur or a very light-level of semi-pro.
The UPSL Texas North is for my money the highest level of amateur soccer in the area. The best of these teams on the right day can challenge teams in Tier 4 or Tier 3.
D5 Clubs in North Texas and Proximity
UPSL Texas North Conference – Premier
FC Dallas Academy – Joined UPSL in 2023. It mostly, but not exclusively, fields a team of FCD Academy U18s who need playing time.
Foro Soccer Club – Founded in 2017 as Keene FC, moved/rebranded after time on hiatus. Recently coached by former FCD mid and current North Texas SC Interim Coach Michel. Foro has been the best local amateur side for about 4 years, winning the UPSL title in the Fall of 2021 and advancing far into the playoffs. They have won this conference for quite a few season in a row.
Texas Spurs – Allen. Former Dallas Burn defender Ed Puskarich’s club. Founded in 1998, Spurs is a well-established youth club out of the McKinney area. They have a WPSL women’s side as well.
Sporting NTX – McKinney
Dallas Hornets – An extension of the MLS Next team. Not sure if it’s Academy kids or adults.
Coppell FC
Dallas Deportivo FC
FC Dallas Dynamo – No, they aren’t connected to Houston Dynamo or FC Dallas.
Villarreal North Texas – Ft. Worth. They seem to have a number of ex-FCD Academy kids.
Racing Dallas FC
FC Hurst United
Division 6 – USASA and US Club Soccer
This is the level at which 95% of all American adults play soccer. It’s 100%, in theory, amateur soccer. These are the local soccer leagues that you or I play in as adults.
In North Texas, based in Dallas specifically we have the long-running NTPSA and the more recently formed Dallas Soccer Alliance.
There are several local area clubs that have made noteworthy US Open Cup runs or performed well against bigger teams over the years. Here are a few names.
- NTX Rayados
- Dallas Roma
- Inocentes FC