New Strategic Alliance in Central Texas Youth Soccer

What’s happening: Lonestar Soccer Club and Classics Elite Soccer Academy are announcing a groundbreaking alliance today, aiming to reshape youth soccer in the “Austin/San Antonio Metroplex.”

Why it matters: This collaboration unites two of the largest clubs in the State to focus on advancing soccer at all levels — from recreational to professional — and streamlining the path for player development within central Texas.

History: Marking two decades of dedication, both clubs, established in 2004, step into their next era united to foster the advancement of soccer in the region.

The details:

• Integrated Programs: Our alliance enables both clubs and their respective boys’ and girls’ programs to consistently engage at every level—from recreational to Select, across ECNL platforms, and up to collegiate and USL/USL-W play. 

• Commitment: Comprehensive development of our players remains our shared focus.

• Leadership Continuity: Existing leadership teams remain, with a special committee formed to oversee the strategic alliance.

• Infrastructure Leverage: Facilities and technologies from both clubs will be shared for optimal resource utilization.

• Coaching and Staffing: All existing coaching, operational and administrative staff will continue in their existing roles across the two organizations.

What they’re saying:

John Buckler, President of Lonestar Soccer Club: 

“Lonestar is moving into our second ’20 years’ of serving the youth soccer players of central Texas with this major announcement.  Classics Elite Soccer Academy was also founded in 2004, the same year as Lonestar, and has continuously provided the best youth soccer experience available in San Antonio.  Our Lonestar and Classics Elite leadership teams have come together to offer the most integrated program available in the overall combined geography.  Our common goals, vision and commitment will allow us to continue supporting the ongoing evolution of soccer for our families.”

Marco Barros, President of Classics Elite Soccer Academy: 

“We are happy and excited to announce and be part of this great strategic Alliance with Lonestar Soccer Club.  This will allow us to provide more opportunities for our players and families and increase their visibility in front of hundreds of college coaches and recruiters.  This relationship and conversation started nearly 18 years ago and now creates better programs and a larger pool of players across all levels of play.  The existing leadership for CESA will continue to manage and deliver the various programs and maintain continuity for all members.  A special Alliance committee has been formed to provide oversight, direction and alignment on leverage opportunities between LSC and CESA, program expansion, in addition to future joint activities/events for the combined Alliance membership.”

Brian Monaghan, Executive Director of Soccer at Lonestar Soccer Club: 

“The collaboration between forward thinking clubs, Lonestar Soccer Club, Classics Elite Soccer Academy and the affiliation with SAFC, to form a unique soccer Alliance is going to provide youth soccer players from Austin to San Antonio an integrated opportunity to develop and grow through every competitive level of the game.  This includes starting as a beginner and possibly ending up as a collegiate/professional player through the Alliance and USL/USL W pathway.”

What’s next: Parent meetings and Q&A sessions are planned for detailed alliance information. The clubs pledge continuous communication and updates on future improvements and staffing.

The big picture: We are extremely excited about the future and look forward to building the best youth soccer club in the country while developing well-rounded young adults through our soccer experience!