Charlie Neil of Dallas Trinity FC: Elevating Women’s Sports, Driving Growth, and Building Community

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Charlie Neil, President of Dallas Trinity FC, to discuss the rise of women’s soccer, the economic impact of sports in North Texas, and the leadership principles behind building a successful franchise.

Charlie shares thoughts on why North Texas is a soccer powerhouse, why investment in women’s sports is essential, and what it takes to create a sustainable, community-driven organization. He also highlights the role of UT Southwestern in player health, the importance of corporate & community partnerships, and how sports can drive economic growth in the region.

Tune in to hear how leadership, vision, and passion for the game are shaping the future of women’s soccer in North Texas.

Chapters & Timecodes:

00:00 – Introduction

• Welcome to Learning From Leaders and introduction to Charlie Neil
• Overview of Dallas Trinity FC’s mission and vision

04:42 – The Rise of Women’s Soccer & Why Dallas Was the Perfect Fit

• Growth of women’s soccer and how Dallas has the largest youth girls’ soccer population in the U.S.
• Why the city lacked a professional women’s team and how Trinity FC is filling that gap

05:49 – Why Dallas is a Soccer Hotbed & Its Economic Potential

• The longstanding culture of soccer in North Texas and why Dallas is a natural fit for a professional team
• How investing in sports drives economic impact, corporate engagement, and community growth

07:50 – Creating a Brand That Represents Dallas

• How Trinity FC "owns Dallas" by focusing on the local culture
• The importance of the Trinity River and Fair Park in shaping the club’s identity

12:13 – Choosing the Cotton Bowl: A Historic Home for a New Team

• Why Trinity FC chose the Cotton Bowl as its home stadium
• The logistics and benefits of playing in one of the most iconic venues in Texas

24:38 – Leadership & Investing in Player Health with UT Southwestern

• How UT Southwestern partners with Trinity FC to provide top-tier sports medicine and injury prevention
• The unique needs of female athletes and why investing in player wellness is critical

25:48 – Why Women’s Sports Need More Community Support

• How fans and businesses can help women’s sports thrive
• The importance of corporate sponsorships and fan engagement in building a successful team

27:49 – The Long-Term Vision for Women’s Soccer in Dallas

• The need for better facilities, training environments, and investment
• How Trinity FC is thinking about the next 20-30 years of growth

29:42 – Leadership Lessons from Professional Baseball & Business

• How Charlie’s experience in pro baseball shaped his leadership style
• Lessons from mentorship, team-building, and sports culture

40:09 – Giving Back to the Community & Inspiring the Next Generation

• How Trinity FC is creating opportunities for young athletes
• The impact of sports in uplifting local communities

42:00 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

• Charlie shares his hopes for the future of women’s soccer
• How fans and businesses can get involved in supporting the team

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Episode Details:

Episode 3, Season 2

Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Guests: Charlie Neil | President of Dallas Trinity FC https://www.dallastrinityfc.com/

Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation

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