METUCHEN, NJ - The Southwest Conference of United Women's Soccer (UWS) has expanded into the Dallas-metropolitan area for the first time in its existence. The current teams - Bat Country FC (Round Rock, TX), FC Austin Elite and the San Antonio Athenians - will travel north to take on Dallas International F.C. this upcoming season. Stay tuned for more exciting expansion news in the revamped conference.

“We are excited to welcome a UWS expansion team in the city of Dallas,” said UWS Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. “The ownership group provided an impressive business plan and with its proximity to some major college programs we anticipate the team making its mark early in the Southwest Conference.”

“To quote Lionel Messi, 'The best decisions aren't made with your mind, but with your instinct,'" said Co-Owner/General Manager, Jesse Barrientos. "I knew five years ago that this team needed to exist. I knew it needed to be in downtown: The City’s Team. It exists because my instinct told me I had to build it. We need a team to rally behind, one that inspires the next generation, one that serves as an outlet for these women: and now it does. I'm looking forward to competing this year.” 

“Soccer isn’t called the beautiful game only because of how it is played on the field; it is called the beautiful game because it incorporates everyone from all walks of life, ages, cultures, races, and genders,” said Co-Owner Alfred DiBernardo. “That’s what makes the game beautiful. It is why we are creating Dallas International F.C.”

Dallas International F.C. is a new business venture dedicated to the growth and success of women's professional and pro-am soccer in downtown Dallas. The club was established to create a team in the heart of downtown Dallas which the entire city can rally behind. Jamie Lovegrove has been appointed as the inaugural Head Coach of DIFC and currently works with FC Dallas youth and the Kenny Cooper academy.

Lovegrove is a Crawley, England-native and a midfielder for the Mesquite Outlaws of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). His previous pro experience has been with Crawley Town FC (for whom he played with in the FA Cup and currently compete in Football League Two) and the Dallas Sidekicks. In 64 career MASL games, Jamie has scored 61 goals and 24 assists. He played two years at Richland College where he earned National Junior College Association of America (NJCAA) Division III All-America honors.

George Williams will serve as his assistant coach this season. The Newmarket, England-native has a FA Level 1 coaching license and is a Academy Director/Coach for Coppell FC. Williams also has an extensive playing career and is currently a member of Lone Star Republic of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

Team tryouts are tentatively slated for Sunday, March 8th at the Greenhill School in Addison, Texas. Find out more about Dallas International F.C. by visiting DallasInternationalFC.com. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.