Building Something Special: The Growth of Villarreal Houston Girls Academy in Northeast Houston

When Villarreal Houston Soccer Academy first launched as the official academy of Villarreal CF (Spain), the mission was clear: bring a world-class development pathway to young players in the Houston area. Originally built as a boys academy serving players ages 4–18, the vision quickly evolved as families began asking an important question:

Where do the girls fit in?

A Need Turned Into a Vision

Just two years into the academy’s creation, more and more families with daughters — and siblings training alongside their brothers — were looking for a high-quality girls program in Northeast Houston. At the time, there were limited options that truly prioritized long-term development over short-term results.

“What started as mixed-age and mixed-level groups became an opportunity,” explains Jennifer Coronel, Director of Villarreal CF Houston.“We saw a real need for a program that focused on development for all players — not just performance-driven athletes.”

That initial group of girls, born between 2009 and 2012, became the foundation of what is now one of the strongest and fastest-growing girls academies in the Humble, Kingwood, and Atascocita area.

From One Team to a Complete Girls Pathway

Today, Villarreal Houston Girls Academy competes across Division 1 through Division 3 in the Texas Eastern District, offering a clear and structured pathway for players at every stage of their development.

What makes the program unique is its direct connection to Villarreal CF in Spain, combined with a development-first approach that opens doors far beyond local competition. Players in the Girls Academy have:

• Been selected to train with Villarreal CF Academy in Spain

• Traveled to international tournaments in Mallorca and Barcelona

• Competed against elite academies such as OL Reign, PSG Academy, and FC Barcelona Academy

• Been invited to study, train, and compete internationally

Fall Season Results That Tell the Story

The Fall season was a true reflection of the work being done on and off the field.

16U Girls Academy

• Finished 2nd in EDPL Division 1

• Record: 8 wins, 3 ties (11 games)

• Competed in two international tournaments in Spain: the Villarreal Academy Cup and Yellow Cup

• Faced top-level competition, including Villarreal CF Femenil

• Several players have already received invitations to additional European tournaments in 2025

15U Girls Academy

• Qualified for Fall District Play

• Record: 8 wins, 2 losses

• Narrowly missed a district title with a 1–0 loss in the finals

• The group now looks ahead to the Spring season after high school play, aiming for continued growth and state-level competition

13U Girls Academy

• Formed just one year ago

• Competed in Division 2

• Finished as League Champions (8-1-1)

• Went on to become Texas Eastern District Champions

11U Junior Girls Academy

• Competing in Division III (HYSA)

• Fully aligned with the same Villarreal CF methodology and curriculum used throughout the academy

Developing the Player — Not Just the Result

The Girls Academy is built on support from Villarreal CF Women and the proven Coerver Coaching Methodology for Girls. This combination allows coaches to teach the game in a way that builds confidence, creativity, and decision-making — while reducing unnecessary pressure and stress.

Another major milestone has been the transition into high school soccer. A growing number of Villarreal Houston players are earning varsity spots as freshmen, a strong indicator that the development pathway is working.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Villarreal Houston Girls Academy

As the academy looks toward 2026, the vision continues to expand:

• New teams for players born 2015–2017

• Expansion across Kingwood, Porter, and New Caney

• Access to new turf facilities

• Enhanced international programming for academy members

“We’re incredibly grateful to the parents who trust us with their daughters’ long-term development,” Coronel adds.“For us, success happens when academy goals align with family goals — and when every player is truly placed at the center of the process.”

Join the Villarreal Houston Femenil Pathway

Villarreal Houston Girls Academy is more than a team — it’s a pathway built on purpose, opportunity, and proven methodology. Families interested in learning more about the Femenil Program can visit villarrealhouston.com and submit a tryout request.

The journey is just beginning — and the future of girls soccer in Northeast Houston is bright.