From Development to Results: Villarreal Houston Academy Sends Two More Teams to Presidents State Cup Finals
- cesar coronel
- May 9
- 3 min read
From Development to Results: Villarreal Houston Academy Sends Two More Teams to Presidents State Cup Finals
At Villarreal Houston Academy, development has always been the priority.
Now, years of patience, teaching, and commitment to the process are translating into major results on the field.
This past weekend, two more Villarreal Houston Academy teams officially secured their qualification to the South Texas Presidents State Cup Finals, continuing what has already become one of the most successful seasons in academy history.
Our 17U Boys Academy Team finished first in the Texas Eastern District qualifiers after delivering consistent and mature performances throughout the competition. Their ability to control possession, build from the back, and understand the tactical side of the game showcased the identity our academy has worked years to build.
On the girls side, our 16U Girls Academy Team earned their ticket to State Finals with an unforgettable 4-2 victory on a rainy Friday night at our home turf fields in Porter, Texas. The energy, passion, and resilience displayed by the girls represented everything Villarreal Houston Academy stands for.
Both teams are now headed to the Round Rock Sports Complex in Austin, Texas, on May 16th and 17th, where they will compete for the opportunity to become South Texas State Champions and potentially advance to Regionals and Nationals.
A Process Years in the Making
The success of these older teams is not accidental.
For over 12 years, Villarreal Houston Academy has committed itself to a long-term player development model centered around technical growth, tactical understanding, creativity, and love for the game.
While many clubs focus heavily on winning tournaments at younger ages, Villarreal Houston has stayed committed to teaching players how to truly understand soccer through a possession-based methodology inspired by our partnership with Villarreal CF.
That philosophy requires patience.
At younger ages, teaching players how to play out of pressure, make decisions, and solve problems on the field can sometimes produce difficult results. But over time, those same players begin to separate themselves because they develop a deeper understanding of the game and stronger technical foundations.
This season’s success is proof of that vision.
Earlier this year, Villarreal Houston Academy already celebrated two South Texas State Championship teams with our 2013 Boys Academy Team and 2011 Girls Academy Team winning State titles.
Now, our two oldest academy groups have the opportunity to continue building on that success.
“We Do Not Play for Weekend Results”
According to Academy President Cesar Coronel, the club’s vision has always been bigger than short-term wins.
“We have been doing this for 12 years and we know that to get players that understand the game, love the game, and have fun in the process, it takes time,” said Coronel. “It is not one season or one year of work. It is truly a process where parents also need to support the vision.”
Coronel emphasized that Villarreal Houston Academy focuses on long-term development over chasing quick victories.
“We are grateful for the parents that truly believe in our methodology and understand that we do not play for weekend games only. Just like in school, we focus on developing players long term.”
The Villarreal Houston Philosophy: The Three Buckets
At Villarreal Houston Academy, development is measured by more than trophies.
The club’s philosophy centers around what it calls its “Three Buckets”:
1. Fun
Is your child having fun and loving the game?
2. Improvement
Is your child improving technically, tactically, physically, and mentally throughout the process?
3. Safe Learning Environment
Is your child in a positive environment where they can make mistakes, learn, and grow without fear of being judged?
“If those answers are yes, then we are doing the right thing and we are the right academy for your family,” Coronel explained. “We want to be your soccer academy for the long-term development of your child.”
The Journey Continues
As Villarreal Houston Academy continues to grow locally and internationally, these accomplishments reinforce the academy’s commitment to creating real development pathways for players in Northeast Houston.
From local competition to State Finals, Regionals, Nationals, and even international opportunities through Villarreal CF, the vision remains the same:
Develop players the right way.
Families interested in joining Villarreal Houston Academy for the upcoming 2026/27 season can view tryout dates, times, and locations here:
Endavant.
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