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Full name Houston Express Soccer Club | ||
Houston Express Soccer Club is a nonprofit organization that provides coaching and teams for both recreational and competitive soccer players from 4-18. Houston Express was founded in 1978 and is located in Houston, Texas. It employs professional coaches from around the world. Sponsored by Reliant Energy, Express tries to develop players and serve its local community.
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Levels of play
Houston Express runs two soccer programs: West U Rec and Houston Express.
West U Rec is low level, easy paced soccer. It is available to players ages 4 to 12. The Rec league is in house. This means that West U teams only play other West U teams. West U Rec also develops players for the more competitive Houston Express program. Players are allowed to move up once they reach U8.
The next step up from West U Rec is Houston Express. Houston Express is available to players ages 7 to 18. Players from U8 to U10 are part of the Express Development Academy. The Academy offers better training than the Rec league. Also, teams play other clubs. Professional coaches train Express players. Express teams play in various leagues, such as Eastern District Division One Association (EDDOA) Division 1 and Super 2, Houston Youth Soccer Association (HYSA), US Youth Soccer Region III Premier League, and State Classic League (SCL).
Style of play
Express maintains the same style of play across most teams and ages. Express coaches teach players to keep possession of the ball. Players are encouraged to work together with teammates and show creativity while helping the team. Coaches teach goalkeepers to quickly put the ball back in play. Winning via long balls and favoring a single player is discouraged as it slows the development of other players. The coaches and faculty at Express have created a well rounded and effective style of play.
Fields
Houston Express’ primary fields are located at the South Campus complex. South Campus is the largest private youth sports complex in Texas, located on Stella Link and Belfort. This gives Express access to quality playing fields. In addition to the South Campus, Express is developing more fields at McGovern Campus at Stella Link and Bellaire. There will be four 8v8 fields and one 11v11 field. The 11v11 field will have lighting, a scoreboard, locker rooms, and seating for 1,000 spectators.