Our vision for FC Dallas Emerald Coast is based on two premises:  

First, despite a healthy network of sports programs in the area, there are still underserved portions of the youth population in Ft Walton Beach, Niceville, Destin, Crestview and surrounding areas, that could benefit from access to soccer facilities and well-planned activities.  Youth sports activities are proven to reduce participation in gangs and drugs, which are both on the rise in the area.  FC Dallas provides a safe, accessible outlet for youth development, and a way to unite people by inspiring a love for the game and a sense of belonging in the soccer family.  We are committed to developing the skills of our young players and offering soccer as an alternative to and safe haven from illicit activities.  

Second, there are 5 major military installations (and several smaller ones) between Pensacola and Panama City (Pensacola NAS, Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, 7th SFG, and Tyndall AFB).  That military population brings with it a large number of military kids who need a place where they can easily and readily connect to the larger community, build friendships, and establish roots.  This is how our club serves the families of those who serve and sacrifice for all of us.  Natives of the Florida panhandle have been serving the military community for more than 50 years.  The area enjoys an abundance of military retirees and their families who understand the sacrifices made from multiple moves and the importance of establishing a caring and respectful community.  We are intentional about on-boarding military children and their parents into our soccer family in order to help all of us better connect.

FC Dallas launches affiliate program

Florida’s Emerald Coast United becomes FC Dallas Emerald Coast under new program 

FRISCO, Texas (June 9, 2011) – FC Dallas launched its affiliate program this week by formally welcoming Emerald Coast United of Niceville, Fla., into the FC Dallas family.

FC Dallas is sharing its trademark FCD Way age-specific curriculum with existing youth clubs that model the style of soccer and philosophies that have made the FCD Way so successful.

“Our player development model is widely recognized as the best in North America and Major League Soccer,” said FC Dallas President and CEO Doug Quinn. “Youth development is one of our top priorities and this affiliate program allows us to cast a much larger net in finding and developing the best young soccer talent.”

FC Dallas affiliate clubs will follow the FCD Way curriculum and wear FC Dallas uniforms and training gear. The clubs will also have access to almost all of the same benefits as members of the existing youth club based at Pizza Hut Park, including School of Excellence camps and college combines, the FCD college preparation program, affiliate coaches continuing education, discounted admission to FC Dallas MLS games and support to help strengthen the club’s competitive level. Players on FC Dallas affiliate teams will be able to train or play with the FC Dallas Academy, Pre-Academy, Elite Clubs National League and Women’s Premier Soccer League teams.

FC Dallas has already identified clubs in El Paso, Midland, Lubbock and San Antonio that will become future affiliates. The details of the relationship and level of support will vary from club to club based on each individual market and specific needs.

“We are trying to build something very special with this program and want to be very strategic about the clubs we choose as FC Dallas affiliates,” said Hunt Sports Group Vice President Dan Hunt. “Our affiliate clubs have to be like-minded in their player development philosophy. They have to play our style of soccer and teach their players the same tools and values we promote in Dallas. More important, we have to be closely involved with each club in implementing our curriculum and ensuring best practices.”

In addition to access to the FC Dallas curriculum and resources, affiliates will earn rankings each year to determine the top ranked teams at each age group who will then advance to a tournament hosted by FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake or Houston Dynamo.

“We are always looking for ways to push our program forward,” said Quinn. “This is the next step. This is the future of our game in America.”

-- www.FCDallas.com --