USL News Release
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
TAMPA, Fla. – USL is pleased to announce the launch of the Mid-South Division of the USL Super-20 League, which shall begin play in 2012. The Mid-South Division is currently comprised of five inaugural clubs, the Austin Aztex, Laredo Heat, RGV Grandes, Texas Dutch Lions and Texas Football Club, with other clubs in the region expected to join the division prior to the start of the season.
“Establishing a new division in the Southwest United States offers a big opportunity for clubs to provide an additional layer of development and competition for their most advanced players,” USL Regional Representative for Texas and the Mid-South David Winner said. “We are very excited to have these five outstanding clubs become the foundation from which the division can grow in the future.”
Three of the teams in the new division currently also operate PDL teams - Austin, Laredo and RGV. For those three organizations, the Super-20 team will not only allow for player development, it will serve as a reserve side for the PDL team. Laredo has been one of the PDL’s most successful clubs, making six consecutive playoff appearances and reaching the championship game this past summer for the fourth time in six seasons.
“The benefit of having a program that can develop younger players to go on to play in the PDL, and then potentially in the professional ranks, is an invaluable one for clubs,” USL Senior Director for Youth League Development Brian D’Amico said. “Moving up the USL developmental pyramid from the Super-20 League to the PDL, and then even on to USL PRO, allows a player to develop with quality coaching and competitive games.”
The Texas Dutch Lions, affiliated with the Dayton Dutch Lions of USL PRO and the W-League, will operate in north Houston and are led by Technical Director Cor van Hoeven, a former head coach in Holland’s second division and assistant with former Eredivise club Sparta Rotterdam.
Texas Football Club is led by Director of Coaching Ed Puskarich, a former assistant coach for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer who has also played and coached in USL. Based in Dallas, TFC is one of the largest youth academies in the country.