AUSTIN, Texas - Austin FC, the 27th Club in Major League Soccer (MLS) scheduled to begin league play in Spring 2021, announced plans to launch a non-exclusive partnership designed to further enhance Lonestar Soccer Club’s commitment to Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as well as girls and boys U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy (USDA) initiatives in the greater-Austin region.
Through this cooperative arrangement Austin FC continues to fulfil commitments to the City of Austin with the development of amateur soccer in the region, in particular through direct financial support and coaching education opportunities for WPSL and Girls’ USDA programming.
“Lonestar Soccer Club has made significant contributions to the growth of amateur soccer in Central Texas and we are grateful to begin working with their successful organization at the WPSL and USDA levels,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “As Austin FC continues to invest in soccer for all ages we are eager to work with clubs such as Lonestar to support youth soccer development in the greater Austin region.”
Averaging over 250 supporters per match, Lonestar WPSL represents the highest level of women's soccer in Austin and one of the newest sports teams in the cities of Austin and Round Rock. Lonestar WPSL plays at the new, state-of-the-art Round Rock Multipurpose Complex, a stadium that makes the Lonestar WPSL experience a top destination for women's soccer in Austin.
In addition to supporting Lonestar’s WPSL and Girls USDA platforms, the cooperative programming will also extend to Lonestar’s Boys USDA as various Lonestar Boys USDA teams will have the opportunity to train alongside Austin FC Academy teams at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. Austin FC Academy will work closely with Lonestar’s USDA teams to offer access to Austin FC’s instructional and playing philosophy and provide a professional pathway for Lonestar’s aspiring players.
"This unique, cooperative relationship between Lonestar Soccer Club and Austin FC will ensure that all youth players within our club are in the best environment in order to develop,” added Allen Fincher, Executive Director of Lonestar Soccer Club. “Austin FC's support of our boys' and girls' programs, coupled with comprehensive collaboration at the highest levels, reinforce the vision that Austin FC has for the future of soccer in Austin. This vision, that will bring invaluable insight into the cutting-edge training and playing philosophy of Austin FC, aligns perfectly with our youth club's pathway for each and every player."
