Fans have embraced Dallas Trinity FC, which showcases women’s soccer at the highest level. Now, the family behind that team is on a mission to turn its momentum into a movement for future female athletes.
“Nearly half of our roster has some connection to North Texas,” said Charlie Neil, president and co-founder of Dallas Trinity FC. “So, in a way, we hope this team is a gift to those athletes and to the next generation.”
Since its inception, Dallas Trinity FC has called The Hockaday School its training headquarters. During practices and team meetings, Daisies have had an opportunity to see the sport’s top players put in the work necessary to compete.
In June, the team will host a summer camp for boys and girls of all ages and ability levels. Beginners will learn fundamentals, experienced players will sharpen their skills, and everyone will benefit from professional coaching from Dallas Trinity FC staff in a positive, encouraging environment.
Charlie explained that bringing the team to Dallas has been the fulfillment of a longtime dream. The entire Neil family has been involved in introducing professional women’s soccer to their hometown.
“Our mom runs the foundation, our father, Jim Neil, serves as CEO, my brother, Trip, is COO, my sister Dori runs our marketing team, and my little sister Jenny handles special projects,” said Charlie. “We’ve all loved this sport for a long time, but there was nothing like this when we were growing up. We felt like the time was right and knew the Dallas market would embrace a women’s professional soccer team.”
By many indicators, the Neils’ instincts were spot on. Last October, Dallas Trinity FC set a record for women’s sports in Texas, attracting 22,838 spectators to the State Fair Clásico at the Cotton Bowl.
“It was the largest crowd for a women’s sports event in Texas,” said Charlie. “We hosted América Femenil from Mexico and even invited competitive eating superstar Joey Chestnut to set a record of his own during halftime.”
In a landscape like professional women’s sports, where funding and opportunity don’t typically mirror what’s available to men, the possibilities created by Dallas Trinity FC are crucial.
“Growing up, we loved supporting all of the Dallas men’s teams like Burn, Sidekicks, and now FC Dallas,” Charlie said. “But my sisters didn’t have anything like that. That never sat right with us. So, we wanted to give the next generation something they could aspire to and create what we call a club for all.”
Author
