11/06/2025
⚽️ Big news sports fans! Rodeo Soccer Club is bringing soccer to our city ⚽️ Rodeo SC
Rodeo Soccer Club, United Soccer League Announce Professional Soccer in Celina, Texas
The new professional club will create a fully interconnected organization with Texoma
FC to support player development and maintain a regional presence
CELINA, Texas (November 6, 2025) – Rodeo Soccer Club, in partnership with the
United Soccer League (USL), today announced that professional men’s soccer is
coming to Celina, Texas.
Rodeo SC is slated to join USL League One in 2027, a growing league in the third tier of
professional soccer. The club will serve as the professional affiliate of Texoma FC,
which will compete in USL League Two in 2026, creating an interconnected pathway
that extends from youth development through pre-professional and into the professional
ranks. Since its founding in 2023, Texoma FC has fielded seven teams across four USL
Youth boys’ and girls’ age groups, laying the foundation for that unified system.
“Rodeo SC represents an exciting new chapter for the future of soccer in North Texas,”
said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer. “Celina is
undergoing significant growth, with the infrastructure, corporate presence, and
population needed to support a professional club for years to come. Bringing both
professional and pre-professional teams under one ecosystem creates a seamless
player pathway and a strong foundation for soccer across the region.”
“Celina’s history is full of champions and memorable sports moments. We welcome
Rodeo Soccer Club to Celina and look forward to the excitement they will bring to our
community,” said Celina Mayor, Ryan Tubbs.
Rodeo Soccer Club is led by founder Ben Watson and principal owner Jacob West.
Together, they bring strong local ties and deep experience in business, real estate, and
sports leadership. United by a shared belief in building a club that reflects the values
and spirit of North Texas, they have assembled a Founders Club of Dallas-Fort
Worth-based executives and professional athletes, including former NFL players Glenn
Gronkowski and Nick Folk.
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Watson, a native of Celina and Sherman, Texas, is a former professional soccer
player with experience both internationally and domestically.
West, a native of Denison, Texas, is an experienced entrepreneur with a
background in private equity, real estate, and business acquisitions.
“Rodeo Soccer Club represents the heart of our family and the spirit of Celina. For my
father Bobby, my brother Gabriel, and me, this isn’t just about soccer, it’s about legacy,”
said West. “We’re building something to endure that reflects the strength, pride, and
unity of Celina. With the incredible support of the City, Rodeo SC will stand as a symbol
of community and opportunity for years to come.”
“Rodeo Soccer Club is the embodiment of true Texan heritage meeting the beautiful
game,” said Watson. “Rodeo SC is built on the foundation of bringing Western culture
and a universal language spoken through sport together under one common identity.
Rodeo SC will bring the community together through the world’s game, create player
pathways from youth to pro, and deliver a distinctly unique, fan-friendly, Texan
experience.”
Rodeo SC will begin community engagement efforts this fall, starting with a fan
activation at the Celina Troubadour Festival on November 15. The name “Rodeo” was
chosen to honor the area’s Western heritage, symbolizing resilience, pride, and the
competitive spirit that defines Texas and the City of Celina. The club plans to unveil its
official crest and full brand in the New Year.
Visit RodeoSC.pro to sign up for updates, learn about partnership opportunities, and
follow the journey toward Celina’s first professional soccer club. Fans can also stay
connected on social media at on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and
on X.
Rodeo SC will initially play its home matches at Bobcat Stadium. The club leadership is
planning a permanent home designed to drive long-term sustainable growth and solidify
the club’s role as a cornerstone of the region’s sports and community ecosystem.
A b out t h e U ni t ed S occ er L ea gue
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League is the largest and fastest-growing soccer
organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. It
is the first and only organization to offer a complete youth-to-professional pathway for
both men and women under one ecosystem. The USL operates four men’s leagues: the
newly announced top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship
(Division II), USL League One (Division III) and USL League Two (pre-professional). On
the women’s side, it oversees the Gainbridge Super League (Division I), which launched
in 2024, and the USL W League, the country’s top pre-professional women’s league.
The USL also runs the USL Academy and USL Youth programs to support talent
development and youth engagement.
With long-term media rights deals across CBS Sports, ESPN, TUDN, and Peacock, the
USL is the most accessible soccer league in the country.
