GONZALES, TEXAS, USA (MAY 20, 2024) - In a groundbreaking move set to redefine soccer development in South and Central Texas, San Antonio Runners Soccer Club, a 501c3 Nonprofit Corporation, and Gonzales United Football Club have announced a strategic partnership aimed at fostering unparalleled opportunities for youth players across the region.

The collaboration will see the launch of comprehensive professional development programming for Men, Women, and Youth at Mission City Soccer Complex in San Antonio, as well as recreational and select age group initiatives in Gonzales, operating under the umbrella of Lockhart Youth Soccer Association.

"United in our vision for inclusive and accessible soccer development, we are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Gonzales United," remarked Mason Rankin, Executive Director of SA Runners. "By pooling our resources and expertise, we are poised to catalyze socio-economic growth in under-served areas outside of San Antonio, while providing boys and girls in Gonzales and beyond with unparalleled educational and professional development experiences."

The partnership will not only bolster the operations and sustainability of Mission City Soccer Complex but also establish a comprehensive development pathway for youth players in Gonzales. From Recreational to Elite levels, boys and girls aged U4-U19 will benefit from top-tier coaching and training, with opportunities extending as far as Seguin and Lockhart.

"Gonzales United is honored to join forces with San Antonio Runners in this momentous endeavor," remarked Shea Seip, Executive Director of Gonzales United FC. "Together, we will unlock doors of opportunity for players in rural communities, providing them with the tools and pathways to excel in soccer, from grassroots to professional levels. This partnership signifies a new era of empowerment for our players, parents, and coaches."

As part of the collaboration, Gonzales United FC will maintain its participation in South Texas Youth Soccer, fielding teams within Lockhart Youth Soccer Association across various age groups, with a clear trajectory towards integration into the San Antonio Runners men's and women's senior teams, competing in the United Premier Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Players and teams interested in seizing these extraordinary opportunities are encouraged to contact sarunnerssc@gmail.com for information on upcoming tryouts in the forthcoming weeks.

 

ABOUT SAN ANTONIO RUNNERS SOCCER CLUB

 

Established in 2018 at The University of Texas at San Antonio, the San Antonio Runners Soccer Club has made significant strides in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) and Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Qualifying Rounds. As a 501c3 Nonprofit Corporation, they've guided numerous players to collegiate programs and the professional level. From grassroots beginnings to national participation, the San Antonio Runners inspire athletes nationwide.

 

For more information, visit www.sarunners.com or follow @SARunnersSC

 

Contact:

Mason Rankin

San Antonio Runners Soccer Club
mrankin@sarunners.com
(210) - 617- 7590
@sarunnerssc
www.sarunners.com

ABOUT GONZALES UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Gonzales United was created to give kids in and around Gonzales county a platform to showcase their soccer skills to the world competing against top clubs at all age levels.

Contact:

Shea Seip
Gonzales United Football Club
shea.seip.gonzalesunited@gmail.com
(830) - 456 - 4857
@gonzales_unitedfc
 

ABOUT UNITED PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE

Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League now stands as the largest and most competitive pro-development league in North America. Today the league has nearly 400 clubs competing across the US and over 100 in Mexico. The 2022 Spring Men's Premier Division saw 255 clubs competing for 32 places in the National Playoff Bracket to become National Champion.

The league occupies the 4th tier of the US Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional tiers in the pyramid. With a participant average age of 22.5 years, the UPSL fills and brings structure to the large gap that exists between the youth game and the professional game, serving thousands of aspiring players and coaches as they strive to further their aspirations and fuel their passions.

Learn more about the UPSL at upsl.com. 

Read: Alex Alcala, Former UPSL Player, Signs with Manchester City FC 

Read: Former UPSL Midfielder Ali Fadal (OFC Barca) makes Valencia CF debut in Copa Del Rey 

Read: Former SA Runners: North Texas SC Signs Defender Mikey Maldonado

 

ABOUT WOMEN’S PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE

Since its establishment in 1998, the Women’s Premier Soccer League has been the pinnacle platform for advancing player development in the United States at the amateur level. Through its 25-year history, the WPSL has grown into a leading advocate for women’s soccer by creating multiple avenues for developmental opportunities, including the WPSL International Combine and the WPSL U21 league.

As of 2023, the WPSL is still the longest-active women’s soccer league in the United States and with a membership of 130 teams, it’s also the largest women’s soccer league in the world.  Its national footprint stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and down to the Gulf with teams in 31 of the 50 U.S. states. The WPSL holds a 15.7% annual growth rate and has averaged 31 expansion teams each season since 2016.

Adhering to its mission of providing the highest level of development opportunities, WPSL team rosters consist of elite female players from collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep athletes. The average age of a WPSL player is 20.7 years old. Sixty-nine percent of WPSL players are rostered on teams from their hometown’s metro area and 92% of the WPSL’s collegiate athletes play for NCAA member institutions.

Notable alumnae who’ve honed their talents in the WPSL include NCAA All-Americans, MAC Hermann Trophy recipients, Hall of Fame Inductees, Olympic Medalists, World Cup Winners, NWSL Champions, and Ballon d’Or recipients.

The WPSL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) – an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the ruling body of soccer in the United States.

Learn more about the WPSL at wpslsoccer.com 

 

2019 Fall I - 10 Cup - SAsoccer.org

2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup - The Cup.US

2018 UPSL Press Release