The Houston Dutch Lions FC is proud to announce that we have officially been accepted into the Eastern Conference of the South Texas Champions League (STXCL). This acceptance marks an important milestone in our club’s journey and opens the door to new competitive and developmental opportunities for our players and families.
The South Texas Champions League (STXCL) operates under the respected US Club Soccer platform, offering top-level regional competition and a player-first environment designed to support long-term growth. Participation in the STXCL Eastern Conference elevates Houston Dutch Lions FC into a higher level of organized, competitive soccer — one that mirrors many of the structures found in nationally recognized platforms.
What This Means for Our Players
For the players of Houston Dutch Lions FC, this acceptance into the STXCL Eastern Conference marks a true turning point in their soccer journey. Beginning this season, our athletes will compete regularly against some of the most competitive and well-organized clubs across the South Texas region. Every game will demand more — sharper technique, smarter tactics, greater mental focus — and that’s exactly what serious player development requires.
This elevated competition will challenge our players to push beyond their comfort zones and continuously raise their standards, not just individually, but collectively as a team and as a club. Week in and week out, our players will be tested against strong opponents who are equally hungry to grow and succeed. This environment will accelerate their technical skills, enhance their decision-making speed under pressure, and strengthen the physical and mental toughness needed to succeed at the next level.
Importantly, by participating in the STXCL Eastern Conference, our players are now aligned with the US Club Soccer national structure — a network known for offering premier tournaments, exposure events, and national pathways such as the US Club National Cup and other college-recruitment showcases. This connection opens the door for our players to be seen by college coaches and scouts who closely follow clubs competing within the US Club Soccer ecosystem.
What This Means for Our Families
For our families, this transition to the STXCL Eastern Conference brings a new level of organization and competition. The STXCL focuses on long-term player development, ensuring that our players are consistently challenged, while also providing the structure and support needed to help them grow both on and off the field.
Families can be assured that their children are part of a system designed to foster development, with opportunities for college recruitment, national exposure, and the chance to compete on a national stage.
The added exposure to higher-level competitions, the potential for college recruitment, and the access to elite events will provide our players with invaluable experiences that will help them take their soccer journey to the next level.
What This Means for Our Club
Being accepted into the STXCL Eastern Conference is a major milestone for Houston Dutch Lions FC. It immediately raises our profile, not only within the South Texas region but also across the broader national soccer community. It shows that our work — the long hours on the field, the investment in player development, the focus on coaching excellence, and the dedication to building a strong club culture — is being recognized and respected.
This move is not just about competing at a higher level. It’s about signaling who we are and where we are going. It validates the philosophy that Houston Dutch Lions FC has stood by from the beginning: developing players the right way, putting their growth above short-term wins, and building a community that believes in doing things with integrity, passion, and purpose.
By stepping into the STXCL Eastern Conference, we put ourselves in a stronger position to attract top talent — players and families who are looking for real pathways, not just promises. It challenges every coach, every player, and every staff member to step up and embrace a higher standard. It places Houston Dutch Lions FC among clubs that are serious about development, serious about competition, and serious about preparing players for their future both on and off the field.
This opportunity will also open new pathways for our players, making college soccer, semi-professional, and professional opportunities more attainable than ever. By aligning ourselves with the US Club Soccer structure and competing in a highly visible environment, we give our players the platform they need to dream bigger and reach higher. Our players will now have the opportunity to compete in a system that is linked to the ECNL pathway, providing them with a clear route to some of the top competitions in the country.
Most importantly, acceptance into the STXCL Eastern Conference gives us the fuel to keep growing. It pushes us to continually refine our programs, upgrade our facilities, invest in coaching education, and maintain a culture of ambition, unity, and excellence.
Houston Dutch Lions FC is not just building teams; we are building a future. We are creating a destination for players and families who want more — more development, more opportunity, more belief in what’s possible.
This is just the beginning of what we know will be an incredible journey ahead. The future belongs to those who dare to grow, and at Houston Dutch Lions FC, we are all in.
A Word from Our Directors: Dennis and Robbert Kroeze
As Directors of Houston Dutch Lions FC, we are incredibly proud of what this moment represents — not just for our players and families, but for the future of our club and the dreams that live within it.
Dennis Kroeze shares:
"This is a defining step forward. It shows that with the right vision, patience, and passion, even bigger doors will open. Our players now have a true pathway to chase their dreams, and we are just getting started."
Robbert Kroeze adds:
"We’ve built this club on belief — belief in doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. Joining the STXCL Eastern Conference is the next stage in that belief becoming reality. Our players, our families, and our entire club community deserve to be part of something this special."
This achievement is not an endpoint; it’s a beginning. It’s the foundation we will continue to build upon as we push Houston Dutch Lions FC to new heights.
The future is bright. The future is Orange.
— Robbert & Dennis Kroeze
Houston Dutch Lions FC
