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Listen "Charlie Neil of Dallas Trinity FC: Elevating Women’s Sports, Driving Growth, and Building Community"
Episode Synopsis
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
----------------------------------------
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
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice.
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.
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
----------------------------------------
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
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice.
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.
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