Growing up in a soccer-centric family, Neil and his siblings played at various competitive levels, with his brother Trip making history as the most-capped player on the U.S. Deaf National Team. For the Neils, soccer was more than a pastime, it was a defining element of their upbringing and the foundation for Charlie’s future. Dallas Trinity FC was the culmination of their collective family vision and passion for the game.
The Rise of Women’s Soccer and Identifying an Opportunity
While men’s soccer in the U.S. has grown steadily, the women’s game has taken a more turbulent path. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) finally gained stability in the last decade, showing the sport’s viability and broadening its fan base. Despite Dallas being a youth soccer powerhouse, the city lacked a professional women’s team. Within that gap, Neil and his team saw an opportunity.
From a leadership perspective, Neil draws from his diverse career experiences, from playing professional baseball to working in sports investment and operations. He recalls the leadership culture he observed with the St. Louis Cardinals, particularly the way experienced players like Yadier Molina mentored younger athletes. That commitment to development is something he hopes to replicate with Dallas Trinity FC, ensuring that young players grow within a structured and supportive system.
Why Dallas Trinity FC?
“You have this amazing growth and movement behind women’s soccer and we’re living here in a home market in Dallas where more young women play youth soccer here than any other market in the country. We thought, ‘Maybe there’s a great opportunity to fill that gap and bring professional soccer home to Dallas.’”
The city’s deep sports culture, coupled with an established soccer infrastructure, made it an ideal location for a new franchise. “You’ve got a great infrastructure of youth, talent, knowledge of the game, and a city that loves sports.” Neil said, explaining the many aspects that made Dallas the ideal place to build the Trinity FC Brand.”
Finding the right home for the team was a challenge, but the historic Cotton Bowl emerged as the ideal venue. With a natural grass field and a central location, it provided a direct connection to the city’s soccer history. Additionally, the Cotton Bowl’s accessibility via public transit and ongoing renovations made it an appealing choice. “The Cotton Bowl is an amazing historic gem whose story we felt fit very well with our own,” Neil said of the location.
Recognizing the significance of investing in women’s sports, city officials backed the move, aligning with broader efforts to enhance Dallas’s sports landscape.
“We’re investing in our players. I think that that investment will show itself with how they’re playing, and how they’re playing will lead to people buying into who they are, and being inspired and investing in our community.”
Charlie Neil
President – Dallas Trinity FC
Scoring with Community Engagement
One of the key elements necessary for success is strong community engagement. “Firstly, we need support of our local audience,” Neil said. “Come out to a match, come see what this is all about. Come be inspired by these women. They will inspire you.”
Beyond the immediate impact of ticket sales and merchandise, fan presence helps validate the sport’s relevance, demonstrating to corporate sponsors that there is value in investing in women’s teams. This, in turn, creates a cycle where increased financial backing allows for improved facilities, better player care, and a stronger overall product.
Listen to the Podcast Episode
Playing It Forward
Beyond business strategy, Neil is deeply committed to using sports as a vehicle for positive change. Neil says Trinity FC’s goal is “first and foremost, empowering women.” The organization is guided by this question: “How are we creating opportunities, empowering them to share ideas, fulfill those ideas, and be the best versions of themselves?” Then, he says, “We think about our youth population.”
Dallas Trinity FC has already engaged with local organizations such as Dallas ISD, the Girl Scouts, and the Boys and Girls Club. By fostering relationships with these groups, the club hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes and create opportunities for young girls to see themselves in professional sports. Neil acknowledges the profound impact that attending a game can have on a child’s aspirations, a sentiment rooted in his own experiences as a young sports fan: “I still have vivid memories of going to sporting events and maybe getting an autograph and how much that kept me motivated and focused on what I wanted to become.”
The organization’s partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center forms yet another valuable tie within the community – and provides top-tier physical care for Trinity players simultaneously. Neil calls them “a phenomenal partner.” He explains, “There are nuances to player care and we feel really great about UT Southwestern’s ability to identify them.” Neil says UT Southwestern provides proactive care for Trinity athletes, rather than reactively responding to health issues or injury.
This is not Neil’s only connection with UT Southwestern. Neil recently joined The Cary Council, a community leadership group that supports early-stage research at UT Southwestern, in collaboration with Southwestern Medical Foundation. Neil has been a member of The Cary Council since 2024.
The Ultimate Goal
At its core, Dallas Trinity FC is about more than just winning games; it’s about building a legacy for women’s sports in Dallas. By emphasizing “progress over promotion,” as Neil puts it, Dallas Trinity FC is laying the foundation for sustained success, ensuring that women’s soccer in Dallas is not just a momentary trend but a lasting institution.
As fans, sponsors, and the broader community rally behind this movement, the future of women’s sports in Dallas has never looked brighter.
