---
title: HTX Joins USL Academy League
description: HTX Soccer joins the USL Academy League....
---

[HTX Soccer News](https://blog.htxsoccer.com/htx)

# [HTX Joins USL Academy League](https://blog.htxsoccer.com/htx/htx-joins-usl-academy-league)

 Written by [Simon Boddison](https://blog.htxsoccer.com/htx/author/simon-boddison) | Apr 15, 2026 2:00:00 PM

## 🏆 **HTX Soccer Joins United Soccer Leagues**🏆

🗓️ April 15, **2026**  
📍 **Houston, Texas**

HTX Soccer is proud to announce its partnership with the United Soccer Leagues (USL) as a member of the USL Academy League, beginning in Summer 2026 ⚽.

The USL Academy League was created to provide elite youth soccer clubs with enhanced player development pathways for top-level athletes. This partnership allows HTX Soccer to establish a more clearly defined progression for its top prospects as they pursue collegiate and professional opportunities 🎓➡️🏆

By competing alongside older and more experienced players, HTX athletes will gain valuable exposure to the speed, physicality, and demands of higher level competition. Participation in the Lonestar Division further strengthens the club’s commitment to elite development within a highly competitive regional environment.

“To further enhance our Boys Academy players’ development and expand their opportunities, the club has joined the USL Academy League,” said Boys Director Dave Dengerink. “This U20 league will provide current Boys Academy players the opportunity to compete alongside our alumni throughout the spring and summer seasons. This is a pre-professional environment that leads to the professional level. Player selection will be based on performance within the program, ensuring a competitive environment that rewards commitment, growth, and excellence.”

### Coaching Staff & Leadership:

- - USL Academy Director | Assistant Coach: Stuart Fitzsimons  
  - USL Academy Head Coach: Radojica Ristic  
  - Boys Academy Staff

📩 For general inquiries: **eliteboys@htxsoccer.com**

 

To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit [www.htxsoccer.com](http://www.htxsoccer.com/)

### About HTX Soccer

HTX Soccer is the largest youth soccer club in the Greater Houston area, with over 8,500 players ranging from recreational to elite levels, ages 3 to 19. Serving a 100-mile radius from Downtown Houston, HTX represents the true heart of soccer in the city and its surrounding communities. Since 2006, HTX has helped more than 800 players advance to collegiate soccer, more than any other club in the region. The club has also seen 67 players selected for youth national team activities, and 17 players go on to play professionally around the world.

HTX’s elite boys’ teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), while the elite girls’ teams participate in the Girls Academy (G.A.) League, both top-tier platforms in U.S. youth soccer.

HTX Soccer is proud to be home to:  
🏆 2026 U13 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finalists  
🏆 2025 U15 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Finalists  
🏆 2025 U19 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Champions  
🏆 🏆 Back-to-back USYS U13 Girls National Champions (2024 & 2025)

HTX continues to set the standard for youth soccer development and competition locally, regionally, and nationally.

###

[View full post](https://blog.htxsoccer.com/htx/htx-joins-usl-academy-league)

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