Villarreal Houston Academy Accepted into Texas Academy League: A New Era for Soccer in Northeast Houston

For over 12 years, Coach Cesar and Jennifer Coronel believed in one thing above all else: long-term player development.

From humble beginnings in Northeast Houston to international opportunities in Spain, Argentina, and Mexico, our academy has continued to grow through families and players that believed in our vision, trusted the process, and committed themselves to development over shortcuts.

Today, we are proud to announce one of the biggest milestones in our academy’s history.

Villarreal Houston Academy has officially been accepted into the Texas Academy League (TAL).

This is more than just league acceptance.

This is the beginning of a new era for soccer in Northeast Houston.

What is the Texas Academy League?

The Texas Academy League is one of the top performance and developmental leagues in Texas and serves as an important bridge toward MLS Next competition.

The league provides:• High-level competition• Showcase and exposure opportunities• Professional developmental standards• Competition against top clubs across Texas• A pathway toward future MLS Next opportunities

For Villarreal Houston Academy, this represents the first official step toward our long-term vision of bringing MLS-level developmental soccer opportunities directly to our community.

Changing the Soccer Landscape in NE Houston

For years, families in Humble, Atascocita, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, and surrounding areas have had to drive hours away to clubs located in places like The Woodlands, Cypress, or South Houston in order to access elite performance environments.

We believe it is time for Northeast Houston to have its own platform.

This acceptance into TAL allows Villarreal Houston Academy to continue building something that many believed was not possible in our area.

“This is a huge moment for our academy and our community,” shares Cesar Coronel, President of Villarreal Houston Academy. “We are proud to create opportunities locally for families that for years had to leave the area to chase high-level soccer opportunities. This is only the beginning.”

The Only Club in NE Houston Offering True International Opportunities

What continues to separate Villarreal Houston Academy from others is our direct international connection and player development opportunities abroad.

We are proud to be the only club in Northeast Houston offering true international pathways for players through opportunities in:🇪🇸 Spain🇦🇷 Argentina🇲🇽 Mexico

Our players have had opportunities to:• Train directly with Villarreal CF in Spain• Participate in international tournaments and immersion experiences• Experience professional academy environments abroad• Learn different styles of play and cultures• Develop both on and off the field through global experiences

Through the Villarreal CF methodology, our goal has always been to create complete players — technically, tactically, mentally, and personally.

Building the Future

For the 2026/27 season, Villarreal Houston Academy will begin forming six Texas Academy League boys teams:• 13U• 14U• 15U• 16U• 17U• 19U

Players will be identified through both our current academy teams and upcoming tryouts.

At the same time, our EDPL and developmental programs remain critically important to our long-term vision.

Why?

Because development does not stop at one team or one league.

To continue growing toward future MLS Next opportunities, Villarreal Houston Academy must continue developing players across all levels through the Villarreal methodology.

This is not about chasing status.

This is about building a sustainable developmental environment for players and families that believe in growth, patience, and long-term opportunity.

The Journey Continues

Coach Cesar and Coach Jennifer know this is only the first step.

But it is an important one.

Over the years, Villarreal Houston Academy has produced players that have gone on to compete at high levels, train internationally, and continue pursuing their dreams through the game.

Now, with acceptance into the Texas Academy League, the pathway continues to grow.

To all the families, coaches, players, and supporters that have believed in this vision over the past 12 years — thank you.

The future is bright for soccer in Northeast Houston.

And we are just getting started.

For upcoming tryout information and academy updates, visit:www.villarrealhouston.com