FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX – March, 6th – Lonestar Soccer Club is proud to announce its official selection into the Elite Clubs National League Girls Platform (ECNL Girls) beginning in Fall 2026, an exciting milestone for our players, families, coaches, and the greater Austin and San Antonio area soccer community.
OUR PLAYERS’ SUCCESS PAVES THE WAY TO ECNL GIRLS
This invitation is a testament to the outstanding players across every level of our club, whose achievements, hard work, and unwavering commitment to Lonestar have built a foundation strong enough to earn a place within the nation’s premier female youth development platform.
“Being selected for the ECNL Girls is an honor for our players, our families, and the entire greater Austin and San Antonio area community, and it represents the highest level of youth soccer in the country. We are proud of what this moment means, and even more excited for what it will allow our athletes to become,” said Peter McCann, Head of ECNL RL Girls.
Joining the ECNL Girls and competing in the Texas Conference will provide Lonestar athletes with access to one of the most competitive and respected environments in the country, an arena that challenges players, accelerates development, and prepares them for collegiate and professional pathways.
ELEVATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS AND FAMILIES
The ECNL Girls membership expands the pathway for elite female players in greater Austin and San Antonio area by offering:
- A nationally recognized competitive platform
- Increased exposure to college and professional scouts
- A development model aligned with the highest standards in youth soccer
- A clear, proven pathway from ECNL RL Girls to ECNL Girls National competition
“Competing at the highest level of youth soccer will challenge and inspire our staff and players in new ways, and we’re excited to see them rise to the occasion,” said Jackie Pope, ECNL RL Girls Coach.
CELEBRATING OUR COACHES, LEADERSHIP, AND ECNL GIRLS PARTNERSHIP
Lonestar’s acceptance into the ECNL Girls reflects the professionalism, integrity, and excellence of our coaching staff and leadership team, and the strength of one of the largest and most comprehensive player‑development platforms in the country. With thousands of girls progressing through our development pyramid each year, Lonestar has built a system designed to identify talent early, nurture growth at every stage, and prepare athletes to compete at the highest levels of the game.
Our coaches’ commitment to long‑term development, character‑building, and daily excellence has created a culture that consistently produces confident, capable, and competitive players. This depth and quality across our pathway played a central role in earning ECNL Girl’s recognition.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the ECNL leadership and staff for their collaboration, professionalism, and support throughout this process. Their partnership and dedication to elevating the youth game have been instrumental in helping Lonestar take this next step.
“This achievement is made possible by the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence shown by our players and coaches at every level of the club. Their daily effort, long‑term development mindset, and unwavering belief in what we are building together have created the foundation that allows Lonestar to reach this milestone.” said Don Cameron, Lonestar General Manager.
A WIN FOR THE GREATER AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO AREA SOCCER COMMUNITY
The greater Austin and San Antonio area continues to grow as one of the nation’s most vibrant and competitive youth soccer regions. Lonestar’s inclusion in the ECNL Girls elevates opportunities for the greater Austin and San Antonio area players, strengthens the regional soccer landscape, and reinforces the greater Austin and San Antonio area as a destination for elite competition.
“This step into the ECNL Girls reflects the belief our players and families have invested in our club and the standard our coaches work tirelessly to uphold. It’s an exciting moment for our club and a powerful opportunity for every young woman striving to compete at the highest level,” added Tom Shortland, Lonestar ECNL RL Girls Coach.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we prepare for our return to the ECNL Girls platform in the Fall 2026 season, Lonestar Soccer Club remains committed to delivering a player‑centered, high‑performance environment rooted in integrity, ambition, and community. Guided by the values upheld by both ECNL and Lonestar, competition that drives top performance, leadership that elevates standards, integrity in how we represent our club and the league, and excellence in our daily habits and long‑term development, we look forward to representing the greater Austin and San Antonio area on the national stage.
Lonestar is excited to continue developing the next generation of leaders, competitors, and champions.