“Thank you for joining me today. Let’s jump right into the interview.” With these words, the curtain rises on a compelling conversation that takes us into the heart of Lubbock Matadors Soccer Club’s remarkable journey.

Inception and Ascent: The Birth of Lubbock Matadors

The tale of Lubbock Matadors Soccer Club begins with a vision that recognized Lubbock as a promising market. The city’s sports-loving community and strong family ties provided fertile ground for soccer’s growth. The goal set was ambitious—to achieve 1,000 fans in the inaugural year. However, the response exceeded expectations, with an average of over 4,000 fans rallying behind the team, igniting the flame of soccer passion in Lubbock.

The past season unfurled as a testament to the Lubbock Matadors’ excellence. The club claimed the #1 spot in the conference, securing the coveted title of regular season champions. On a national stage, the Matadors proudly ranked #3, a remarkable feat that showcased their prowess. Their defensive resilience was evident, with a mere 13 minutes spent trailing across the entire season. However, challenges emerged with injuries to key players, including a starting forward and four other first-team regulars. Despite these obstacles, the Matadors stood resilient, illustrating their determination and grit.

Charting the Course: Goals for the 2023/24 Season

As the interview delves into the future, a roadmap of ambition unfolds for the Lubbock Matadors. Plans include establishing a downtown presence, complete with a merchandise store and offices—a move that reflects a commitment to community engagement and accessibility. The club’s focus extends to nurturing the youth side of the sport, with a goal of amplifying the game’s reach among the younger generation. Aiming to achieve an average attendance of 5,000 fans per game underlines the club’s aspiration to build a passionate fanbase. The pursuit of year-round sponsorships solidifies the Matadors’ endeavor to create a sustainable model for the club’s growth.

Peering into the future, the Lubbock Matadors envisage a holistic approach to growth. A youth club lies on the horizon—a testament to their dedication to nurturing the sport at its roots. A monumental dream takes shape as they envision a stadium that not only hosts matches but also becomes a symbol of soccer’s expansion in Lubbock. The pursuit of local talents through camps and community engagement underscores the club’s commitment to cultivating homegrown players who can don the Matadors’ jersey with pride.

Player Development: The Pathways of Progress

While discussing player development, the interview sheds light on the unique challenges faced by the Matadors. The players, residing outside the local market, pose a logistical hurdle to year-round nurturing. The commitment to local youth development remains strong, yet the geographical constraint shapes their approach to talent progression.

As the conversation shifts to the broader West Texas soccer landscape, the challenges and aspirations come to the forefront. Soccer’s growth in the region is promising but not without obstacles. Access to the sport, limited time, and financial constraints present hurdles for aspiring players and parents. High-level soccer often requires long journeys, making it a distant dream for many. The price barrier further inhibits equal participation. The interviewee’s vision centers on creating training grounds and a stadium that can attract tournaments, providing local players with opportunities and visibility. Eliminating the pay-to-play model is also a crucial step, ensuring that talent thrives regardless of financial backgrounds.

Three Steps to Ignite Growth

The interview concludes with the interviewee sharing three transformative steps to foster growth in local independent non-MLS soccer:

Pathways to Progress: Introducing an academy team to establish a clear route for players to advance to higher levels of soccer, nurturing their potential.
Equal Access: Eradicating the pay-to-play model, offering scholarships to the most talented players rather than the most affluent, ensuring that passion and skill triumph over financial constraints.
Cultivating Understanding: Educating the community about the beauty and intricacies of soccer to dispel misconceptions. With understanding comes appreciation, and with appreciation, the sport’s value grows.

As the interview concludes, the story of Lubbock Matadors Soccer Club comes alive—a story of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of soccer’s growth. The club’s journey symbolizes the power of a dream, the resilience of a community, and the unwavering commitment to a shared love for the beautiful game.

- Ben Brannigan