FC DALLAS CLUB GUIDE
History, Stadium, Players, and More!
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FC Dallas
FC Dallas is an American professional soccer club based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The club competes as a member of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS).
FC Dallas History
FC Dallas is a professional soccer club based in Frisco, Texas, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of American soccer. Originally founded in 1996 as the Dallas Burn, the club was one of the ten charter teams of MLS. The team’s early years were marked by a series of ups and downs, reflecting the growing pains of the league as a whole. Playing their games at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the Burn experienced a mix of successes and challenges. Despite a lack of significant silverware, the team established a solid foundation and a loyal fan base. In these initial seasons, the club managed to make the playoffs regularly but struggled to make a substantial impact, failing to advance past the early rounds.
The early 2000s marked a period of transformation and rebirth for the franchise. In 2004, the team underwent a significant rebranding, changing its name from the Dallas Burn to FC Dallas to reflect a more traditional soccer identity. This change coincided with a move to a soccer-specific stadium, Toyota Stadium, located in Frisco. The new stadium and rebranding symbolized the club’s commitment to becoming a staple of North American soccer and provided a boost to the team’s profile and performance. The rebranding ushered in a new era for the club, aiming to establish a stronger connection with the soccer community and to honor the sport’s traditions.
The mid to late 2000s saw FC Dallas continue to develop its identity and solidify its place in the league. The team began to focus more on developing local talent through its youth academy, which has since become one of the most successful in the United States. This period was characterized by the emergence of future stars and a more consistent performance in the league, although the quest for major trophies remained elusive. The club’s efforts to build through youth and develop a distinctive playing style began to bear fruit, laying the groundwork for future success.
The early 2010s were marked by significant achievements and challenges for FC Dallas. The club reached the MLS Cup final for the first time in 2010, signaling its emergence as a serious contender in the league. Although FC Dallas did not win the championship, falling to the Colorado Rapids, the run to the final represented a major milestone for the franchise. During this period, the team continued to cultivate a strong youth system, and its commitment to homegrown talent became a defining characteristic. However, despite regular-season successes, the club often fell short in the playoffs, leading to frustration among fans and calls for change.
In recent years, FC Dallas has continued to be a competitive force in MLS, known for its strong youth academy and commitment to developing players. The club has consistently produced talented players who have gone on to succeed both in MLS and abroad. Despite this, the team has faced challenges in translating its developmental success into MLS Cup victories. However, the organization remains committed to its philosophy of nurturing young talent and playing attractive soccer. This approach has helped FC Dallas maintain its status as a respected and competitive team in the league.
FC Dallas continues to strive for excellence in MLS. The club remains focused on its youth development program, which is considered one of the best in North America. While the ultimate goal of winning an MLS Cup remains unfulfilled, the team’s dedication to its core principles and its ongoing efforts to connect with the community and grow the sport in the region exemplify its long-term vision. FC Dallas’ history, from its early days as the Dallas Burn to its current status, reflects the growth and evolution of soccer in the United States, mirroring the aspirations and challenges of the sport in the country.
FC Dallas Youth Development System
US Soccer Development Academy
U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy program is driven by a game-centric approach that allows for long-term development to occur. It is driven by the game, its players, coaches and referees through a deep understanding of what makes players successful around the world. As the sport of soccer continues to grow in the united States, young players in our country need the proper environment to compete against the elite teams of the world. The U.S. Soccer Development Academy program provides an optimum environment for the nation’s top youth soccer players by emphasizing development through training and limited, meaningful competitions. Currently FC Dallas has seven Boys Academy Teams and four Girls Academy Teams.
For the latest tryout/trial information, please click here.
FC Dallas International Competition
International competition is a cornerstone of the FC Dallas player development philosophy. Our U-14 squad often travels to Bolivia to take part in the Tahuichi International Tournament in Bolivia while our U-17s take part in an international tournament featuring Liga MX teams in Mexico City. Our U-17s compete in the Generation adidas Cup every year while our U-19s often travel to Guadalajara for Copa Chivas as well as perennial participation in the prestigious Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Super Group.
In the spring of 2010 the club took a team of players to Amsterdam to compete in the AEGON Future Cup. The FC Dallas squad, made up of a collection of U-18 and U-16 players, faced teams from AFC AJAX, FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC, FC Bayern Munich and AC Milan, among others.
The next year FCD took a full U-18 team and a full U-16 team to Madrid for a week of international friendlies against teams from Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and others. The FC Dallas Academy teams have also played host to a number of international powers right here in Frisco, including Tigres from Mexico, Chelsea from England and FC Barcelona from Spain.
FC Dallas Academy teams have played on 4 continents and competed in the countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Canada, Spain, England, Germany, Qatar, and others.
FC Dallas Competitive Environment
The Academy program features teams from the top youth clubs from around the country. Development Academy teams play approximately 30 regular season games to ensure all games are meaningful and highly competitive. Games are played according to FIFA’s Laws of the Game and officiated by a pool of the nation’s top young referees in order to prepare players for the next level of competition. National Team scouts regularly attend Academy games, so players are evaluated over the course of the season and in their natural positions, allowing for better player assessment.
In 2008, more than 100 players from Academy clubs were included in U.S. Youth National Teams and almost 800 graduates from the inaugural Academy class participated in college soccer the following fall. Virtually all college programs use the Academy program as a scouting vehicle and the program has received increased attention from professional scouts representing domestic and international clubs. Since 2008 the FC Dallas Academy has won 4 USSDA National Championships and no other club has won more than 2.
FC Dallas Player Development System
The FC Dallas Player Development system consists of six levels, with each level crossing over with the one below and / or above. The goal of the program is to ensure that each step is connected, giving players an opportunity to develop and advance with a clear pathway to professional and/or collegiate soccer.
- FC Dallas professional team (MLS)
- North Texas Soccer Club (USL One)
- FCD Academy (boys U-12-U-19) (girls U14 – U19)
- FCD Premier and DPL (16 Elite Development teams, U11 – U19)
- FCD Select (U11 – U19)
- FCD Juniors (U7 – U10)
FC Dallas Player Development Model
FC Dallas continually strives to be the best soccer club in the Americas by implementing a player-centric and not team-centric or coach-centric model. We are able to focus our attention on player development and put less emphasis on team success by connecting our teams together with this common curriculum, and training methodology, and encouraging player movement and training opportunities within the club. We also continue to stress individual creativity and free play over regimented team structure and team results. By following the The FCD Way©, our model for successful player development, we strive to build our player’s self-esteem and creative abilities and accelerate the learning process.
College placement for our players remains a priority and we annually place a large number of High School Seniors into college programs by developing technically sound players, educating them on the college recruitment process via our college preparation program, and networking with our existing college contacts. An ever increasing number of players have opportunities to interact with the FC Dallas first team, on and off the field. Our goal is and will continue to be to develop better people and put them into MLS and top tier college programs. At FC Dallas, we aim to develop a strong, supportive, and growing fan base for our brand and for all members of the FC Dallas family.
FC DALLAS – PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
The Professional team was founded in 1996 and is owned by Hunt Sports Group. As an original franchise in MLS, the Dallas Burn played its games in the Cotton Bowl until 2004. In 2005 the club rebranded and changed its name to FC Dallas, which now plays all home games at Toyota Stadium, a 20,000 seat soccer specific stadium located in Frisco, TX, and new home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
North Texas SC- USL League One
The USL League One team was founded in 2019 and is owned by Hunt Sports Group. As a minor league affiliate to the first team it allows younger players to get professional minutes in-between the Academy and the First Team. North Texas SC will play its games at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX his year after winning the USL League One Championship in its first year.
To learn more about North Texas Soccer Club, please click here.
Tryout/trial information for North Texas Soccer Club can be found by clicking here.
FC DALLAS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
The FC Dallas Development Academy program consists of seven elite youth teams that play in the U-12, U-13, U-14, U-15, U-17 and U-19 categories of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy league. The Academy Program was created to identify and develop top talents and promote them to the FC Dallas professional team. Many current and former players have been selected to represent the US National Team at the U17, U18, U20, U23, and full team level.
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy program features MLS Academies and teams from the top youth clubs from around the country. Development Academy teams play approximately 30 regular season games to ensure all games are meaningful and highly competitive. Games are played according to FIFA’s Laws of the Game and officiated by a pool of the nation’s top young referees in order to prepare players for the next level of competition.
National Team Scouts regularly attend Academy games, so players are evaluated over the course of the season and in their natural positions allowing for better player assessment. It has already dramatically impacted the player development process in the United States. In 2008, more than 100 players from Academy clubs were included in U.S. Youth National Teams and almost 800 graduates from the inaugural Academy class participated in college soccer the following fall.
Virtually all college programs use the Academy program as a scouting vehicle and the program has received increased attention from professional scouts representing domestic and international clubs. In addition, as a result of this competition platform, FC Dallas has signed 26 players to the first team roster through the MLS Homegrown Initiative.
To learn more about the academy, please click here.
FC DALLAS YOUTH CLUB
FC Dallas Youth has 177 boys and girls Select teams ages U11 to U19 with over 3,000 players. Teams are located throughout the Dallas area and play at all levels including Divisions I, II, and III in Classic League, Lake Highlands Girls Classic League, Junior Development League, Plano Premier League, PIT, and Arlington. Our teams continue to excel both locally and nationally. FCDY players represent our program in the most prestigious programs including (but not limited to) ODP, id2, DPL, Development Academy, various National Teams, and have also been drafted to play professionally both here in Dallas, and for International Clubs worldwide. FCDY has many teams that annually participate in Dallas Cup. Many FCDY players move on to top U.S. colleges each year and represent their universities at the highest collegiate levels.
For all youth club programs and how to get involved, please click here.
FC DALLAS JUNIORS
FC Dallas Juniors Program is one of the largest in north Texas and has over 700 boys and girl’s players aged U7 to U10 located throughout the Dallas area. The Juniors program focuses primarily on individual skill development. The goal of the Juniors program is to prepare players for a club soccer environment for their later years. It is designed for the more competitive player, and the more committed families. It has licensed coaches, and has more travel /expenses involved. The Juniors program is “Pre – Select” soccer for boys and girls ages U7 to U10. Typically it’s for those players that excel at the recreational level and desire an additional environment that is more competitive with advanced coaching. It is, however open to all players. After graduating from our Juniors program, select soccer begins at U11.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Training groups are constantly forming throughout the year and anyone can attend Juniors practice sessions at anytime, regardless of the time of year and of soccer club/soccer association affiliation. Interested players should arrange to attend practice sessions with a team(s) and receive an assessment as to their development level within the FC Dallas program. Once an appropriate level has been found, players can then join our program full time!
Please contact our FC Dallas Juniors Directors:
Boys, John Thomas jthomas@fcdallas.com
Girls, Ashley Gordon agordon@fcdallas.com
Additionally you can find a list of age group and area coaches on the Junior Boys and Junior Girls Team pages.
To learn more about additional dates and fees, please click here.
FC Dallas Affiliates
The FC Dallas Youth Soccer Club Affiliate Program provides local, regional, and national soccer clubs the opportunity to be closely connected to development initiatives with FC Dallas. The program provides organizations with insider access to our professional team and coaching staff, player development model, training methodology, curriculum, website, camps, clinics, and college program. The Program aims to provide significant access to the FCD coaches and players while also offering unique ticket packages, on-site support, uniform packages, camp and training programs, tournament registration discounts, and travel opportunities. These programs and partnership initiatives are very attractive and of great value to potential clubs, teams, and players.
Our goal is to promote the sport of soccer and to strengthen the bonds between local communities, individual clubs, and the professional FC Dallas MLS team and brand.
FCDY AFFILIATES:
| FC Dallas Alamo Area | FC Dallas Central Arkansas |
| FC Dallas East Texas | FC Dallas El Paso |
| FC Dallas Emerald Coast | FC Dallas Laredo |
| FC Dallas Monterrey | FC Dallas Puerto Rico |
| FC Dallas Rio Grande Valley | FC Dallas Texoma |
| FC Dallas West Texas |
FC Dallas Camps
FC Dallas has the highest rated U.S. Soccer Development Academy in the nation, and has ignited the careers of multiple MLS players including current FC Dallas players Reggie Cannon, Jesse Gonzalez, Moises Hernandez, Paxton Pomykal, Jesus Ferreira, Thomas Roberts, and Brandon Servania. As the first step in identifying potential players for the FC Dallas Academy and ECNL, the FC Dallas School of Excellence Soccer Camps are designed to maximize the potential of all aspiring young players. There is no better way to develop elite-level players than by training alongside the professionals on the world class facilities at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Our exclusive training curriculum, known as the FCD Way has been designed by the FC Dallas Professional Coaching Staff and includes sessions used by the FC Dallas first team. FC Dallas is committed to changing the landscape of US soccer by developing, training and producing technically proficient and tactically sound players. Our soccer camps have been attended by thousands of players from all over the USA and several international countries, with players going on to play at the State, Regional and Collegiate Levels.
FC DALLAS OFFERS MULTIPLE UNIQUE LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT:
- Youth Player Development:
(Level 1) Designed for players aged 6-9 - Junior Academy Player Development:
(Level 2) Designed for youth academy players aged 6-9 - Advanced Player Development:
(Level 3) Designed for players aged 9-16 - Elite Boys Residential Camp:
(Level 4B) Overnight camp for serious male players aged 11-16 - Elite Boys Goal Keeper Camp:
(Level 4GK) Overnight camp for serious GK’s aged 11-16 - Elite Girls Residential Camp:
(Level 4G) Overnight camp for serious female players aged 11-16 - Elite Girls Goal Keeper Camp:
(Level 4GK) Overnight camp for serious GK’s aged 11-16 - College Combine Camp:
Minicamp ran by college coaches for high school aged players looking to play soccer in college
Training sessions are open to any player, regardless of soccer club affiliation, who is interested in improving their skills and learning proper techniques utilized by the professional team. These are programs offered by the professional team and therefore do not require skills releases.
FOR QUESTIONS OR TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS CLARKE AT 469-365-0021 OR E-MAIL CCLARKE@FCDALLAS.COM OR VISIT THIS LINK FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.
FC Dallas Girls’ Academy
The FC Dallas Girls Development system consists of five levels, with each level crossing over with the one below and / or above. The goal of the program is to ensure that each step is connected, giving players an opportunity to develop and advance throughout the system:
- FC Dallas WPSL team
- FCD Girls’ Academy (Girls U-14-U-19)
- FCD Premier (Elite Development teams, ages U-11-U-19)
- FCD Select (ages 11-19)
- FCD Juniors (ages 7-10)
FC Dallas Recruitment Trials
For the latest FC Dallas tryout/trial information, please click here to visit FC Dallas’s official tryout web page.
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FC Dallas Colors & Badge
FC Dallas’ team colors are red, white, and blue, reflecting the colors of the Texas flag and symbolizing the American spirit. The primary color is red, which dominates the team’s home jerseys and is a significant part of the club’s identity. White and blue serve as complementary colors, featured prominently in the team’s away kits and other branding materials.
The FC Dallas badge is distinctive and full of symbolism. It features a bull, which represents the strength and spirit of Texas. The bull is set against a shield, which is a common element in soccer crests, symbolizing unity and defense. The shield is primarily red, with white and blue accents that tie back to the team’s core colors and the state’s heritage. Above the bull, there are 11 lines that represent the 11 players on the field, symbolizing teamwork and solidarity. The name “FC Dallas” is displayed prominently on the badge, reinforcing the team’s identity and connection to the Dallas area.
FC Dallas Kit
FC Dallas’ kits, like those of many soccer teams, change slightly with each season, but they generally adhere to the club’s traditional color scheme and design elements. The primary kit typically features a predominantly red design, reflecting the team’s primary color and earning them the nickname “the Toros.” This home jersey often includes white and blue accents, such as stripes, trim, or other design details, which complement the main red color and tie the kit back to the team’s overall color scheme.
The away kit for FC Dallas usually contrasts with the home kit. Traditionally, this has meant predominantly white jerseys with red and blue details, though the exact design can vary from season to season. These away kits maintain the team’s color identity while offering a distinct look from the home attire.
In addition to the primary and away kits, FC Dallas, like other MLS teams, might also have a third kit, which is typically used for special occasions or in specific matches. This kit can vary more widely in design and color but usually remains somewhat consistent with the team’s branding and color scheme.
The kits not only feature the team’s colors and badge but also include sponsor logos and the MLS badge, aligning with the standard practices of professional soccer teams globally. The design of FC Dallas’ kits aims to represent the team’s identity and heritage while providing a modern and stylish look for the players and fans.
FC Dallas Stadium
FC Dallas plays its home matches at Toyota Stadium, located in Frisco, Texas. The stadium, which opened in 2005, was one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the growth of Major League Soccer and the sport in the country. Designed specifically for soccer, Toyota Stadium provides an intimate atmosphere that brings fans close to the action, enhancing the matchday experience.
The stadium has a seating capacity of around 20,500 and includes features such as a full-service restaurant, club seating, suites, and a private club. The design and orientation of the stadium were carefully planned to ensure an excellent view of the field from all seating areas, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for fans.
In addition to hosting FC Dallas matches, Toyota Stadium is a versatile venue that accommodates a variety of events, including concerts, high school football games, and other sporting events. The complex also includes 17 professional-grade soccer fields, which are used for training, tournaments, and community events, underscoring the club’s commitment to soccer development at all levels.
Toyota Stadium is not just a venue for sports; it’s a community hub in Frisco, contributing to the growth of soccer in the region and providing a home for fans and players alike. The stadium’s location in Frisco, a growing city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, reflects the club’s deep ties to the community and its role in promoting soccer in North Texas.
FC Dallas Club Culture
FC Dallas’ kit, like those of many soccer teams, is an important part of its identity and culture. The primary kit traditionally features a dominant red color, reflecting the team’s primary color and energy. This home jersey usually combines red with white and blue accents, tying in the colors of the Texas flag and the club’s overall branding. The away kit typically contrasts with the home colors, often using more white or blue, and sometimes introducing secondary colors or designs that reflect the team’s heritage and local culture. The kits may also feature elements inspired by the club’s badge, such as the bull or the shape of the shield, integrating the team’s symbols into the fabric of the uniform.
Toyota Stadium, located in Frisco, Texas, is the home of FC Dallas. Opened in 2005, this soccer-specific stadium was one of the early examples in MLS of a venue designed specifically for soccer. It has a seating capacity of around 20,500 for soccer matches but can accommodate larger numbers for other events. The stadium provides an intimate atmosphere that brings fans close to the action, enhancing the matchday experience. Toyota Stadium is not just a venue for FC Dallas games; it also hosts a range of other events, including concerts and other sports events. Additionally, it’s the site of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which adds to its significance in the soccer landscape of the United States.
The club culture of FC Dallas is deeply rooted in the community and the development of local talent. The team is known for its commitment to youth development, with one of the most successful academy systems in MLS. This focus on nurturing young talent is a core part of the club’s identity and culture, emphasizing long-term growth and the promotion of local players to the professional team. The fans, often referred to as the “FC Dallas family,” are known for their passionate support and community engagement. The club encourages a family-friendly environment, making matchdays accessible and enjoyable for fans of all ages. Supporters’ groups, such as the “Dallas Beer Guardians” and “El Matador,” add to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at Toyota Stadium, demonstrating the diverse and spirited nature of FC Dallas’ fan base.
FC Dallas Home City
FC Dallas is based in Frisco, Texas, a city within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Frisco has rapidly grown from a small town to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and high quality of life. The city’s growth has been accompanied by a surge in retail, dining, and entertainment options, making it an attractive place for residents and visitors alike.
Frisco has become a significant hub for sports in Texas, with facilities like The Star, which is the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters and practice facility, and the Comerica Center, home to the Texas Legends basketball team and a venue for various entertainment events. The city’s emphasis on sports and wellness is evident in its parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
The presence of FC Dallas in Frisco strengthens the city’s reputation as a sports city. Toyota Stadium not only hosts the club’s home matches but also serves as a venue for high school football, concerts, and other community events, further embedding it into the local culture. The partnership between the city and the club exemplifies Frisco’s commitment to promoting sports and providing opportunities for community engagement and development.
Overall, Frisco offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience, making it a thriving backdrop for a professional sports team like FC Dallas. The city’s continued growth and development, coupled with its support for sports and community activities, reflect the dynamic and vibrant environment that surrounds the club.
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