There was a time when having a professional sports team in the Texoma region seemed far-fetched, but it is now a reality. In March 2025, Texoma will experience professional soccer with the new Texoma Football Club (Texoma FC).
Through a unique partnership with the United Soccer League (USL), the Texoma region was selected to create the soccer franchise, a USL League One Team. This USL 1 Team will enhance the sports presence in the region offering tremendous opportunities for soccer players, the fans, and the area. It will bring national attention to the Texoma community.
Texoma FC founders, Simon Keizer, CEO, and Ben Watson, President, have an extra level of excitement bringing the team to the region as they both consider Texoma home. Simon, born in England, moved to Texoma over twenty-three years ago, played collegiate soccer in Texas, plus coached youth soccer for thirteen years. Post college, Simon also worked with an international charity using soccer connecting communities and youth to the sport. Ben is a native of Sherman who also played soccer in college and at the professional level with numerous teams across the globe.
Due to Simon and Ben’s backgrounds and long-standing relationships, the USL considered Texoma as the next location for a franchise, which is quite a lengthy process. Simon notes, “The USL had to ensure we were the right fit. Having the right experience does not make the partnership automatic. They had to vet us, our ‘why’, and our community.” Fortunately, USL recognized the potential and announced the partnership in late 2023.
It is no coincidence the franchise is called Texoma FC. The mission is to symbolize the club’s location combining Texas and Oklahoma, thus the motive behind the team’s logo. It embodies the color red, like the river, and two birds: Texas’ state bird, the Mockingbird, and Oklahoma’s, the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher. Both birds use their predatory instincts to “protect” the team.
A unified region is important to Texoma FC. Simon remarks, “We live in a great community. Now people will know more about why Texoma is a great place to live.” He continues, “Our desire is to create a pathway for kids to play professional soccer.”
Texoma FC’s goal is to raise the level of soccer in the region, states, and nation, which is why they began with a youth skills academy program and most recently forming a competitive soccer club. The youth programs build an opportunity for kids dreaming to join a professional team in their own backyard. Simon asserts that Kat Rogers, a Prosper Native, former D1 Athlete, and current academy coach, is “a great representative of what our young girls inspire to be. She is a real gem for the club.” He also notes “There are a slew of great coaches in our youth program.”
Texoma FC’s inaugural season begins March 2025 with games nationally televised on CBS, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. In 2026, Texoma FC will launch a women’s pre-professional team as well.
The club is currently searching for partnership opportunities locally and nationally having successfully hired an excellent front office team. Ticket sales and season ticket sales are coming soon, but you can buy team merchandise now. In addition, a YouTube docuseries about Texoma FC will be released this spring sharing the stories about the club including its involvement with the community and local schools.
The team will play at a temporary stadium until a new site is revealed, “definitely in Texoma” notes Simon. In addition, the club is preparing announcements for future ownership groups including celebrities, watch parties, community events, coaching staff, and of course, the recruitment of players.
Simon Keizer and Ben Watson are passionate advocates for Texoma with the creation of Texoma FC. “We want to advocate we are a regional club uniting the communities of the region via soccer,” Simon states. He continues, “We want to turn the Red River from divided to unified. We are both Texas and Oklahoma.” The group has spent the last year meeting with community leaders, school districts, and local businesses to invest in the area. For example, They introduced the Texoma Coffee Trail promoting local businesses and coffee shops.
Texoma FC is yet another great addition to the Texoma region. Simon Keizer and Ben Watson are excited to launch this soccer franchise in their own hometown, their own backyard. Their efforts will provide an exciting opportunity for the region, country, and professional soccer. Go Texoma FC!
Find more information at TexomaFC.com
