The NPSL Returns to Midland, Texas in 2023
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that the league will return to Midland, Texas in 2023 with the launch of West Texas FC. The club will compete in the South Region’s Lone Star Conference.
“Midland-Odessa has a long and storied history within the NPSL,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “We are committed to continued investment in the West Texas market and look forward to the many exciting rivalries in the area. We expect the Lone Star Conference to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.”
The ownership group, led by Jason and Melina Cannon, purchased the team from the Midland Rockhounds. Jason moved to Midland in 2003 and is a real estate investor. He is a graduate of UT Austin School of Business and has an MBA from Babson College.
Midland-Odessa Sockers FC, owned by the Rockhounds, experienced tremendous success in the NPSL from 2015-2021. Sockers FC won a conference championship in 2017 and advanced to the NPSL National Championship that same year.
“Our organization aims to include the involvement and eventually the support of our surrounding area,” Jason Cannon said. “Most other organizations in Texas represent large metropolitan areas, and we would like to feature our underrepresented demographic. We will also include the Spanish language market early in the process. We believe these markets are important in the development and future of the NPSL.”
Melissa Milan will serve as the club’s director of operations. She is a small business owner and has been a volunteer youth coach for a decade.
“We have a strong base in Midland and elected to try and support our soccer community by buying the existing organization, which had been successfully owned and operated,” Melina Cannon said. “This group had an existing relationship with the NPSL.”
Home matches will take place at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, Texas. The facility has seating for 15,000 and includes ample parking, VIP suites, and is part of the larger Scharbauer Sports Complex. Midland’s long history with minor league baseball and competitive high school football teams were driving factors that prompted the development and eventual construction of the complex.
Fans and supporters can visit or follow the team on Facebook (@westtexasfc), Instagram (@westtxfc), and Twitter (@westtexasfc).
Photo Credit: Chris Hagan, City of Midland
