Dallas Surf is proud of the local community we’ve built here in North Texas.
But through Surf Nation, the opportunities available to our players and coaches extend far beyond Dallas.
Surf Nation is a network of more than 60 clubs and over 40,000 players across the country. That connection brings opportunities for our players and coaches that simply wouldn’t exist if we were operating alone.
For our players and coaches, being part of Surf Nation means access to bigger stages, stronger competition, and a nationwide community that shares the same goal.
Develop better players and better people through the game. Click the image below to see Our Why
Opportunities for Our Players
One of the biggest benefits of being part of Surf Nation is the opportunities it creates for our players.
Last month alone, over 60 Dallas Surf players traveled to San Diego for Surf Select National Weekend, competing alongside some of the best players from Surf clubs across the country.
For many players, this is where the pathway begins.
Regional identification leads to national events, and national events open doors to further opportunities.
But the experiences don’t stop there.
Last year, 18 Dallas Surf players were selected to represent Surf Select internationally, traveling to compete in Europe. Those teams faced elite professional academies, including matches against Manchester United.
For young players, those are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
They test themselves against the best players in the country and the world, while representing their club and their community.
A National Platform
Being part of Surf Nation also creates opportunities closer to home.
Our players regularly guest play with other Surf clubs across the country, stepping into major tournaments and events they might not otherwise have access to.
That means:
- Competing against top national competition
- Playing in some of the biggest youth events in the country
- Performing in front of college coaches they might never see locally
These experiences stretch players, expose them to different environments, and help them understand what the next level of the game looks like.
And when players are ready to pursue college soccer, those opportunities matter.
Surf Nation has a deep network of connections across the college game, including coaches within the Surf community and major recruiting events that attract hundreds of college programs every year.
Opportunities for Our Coaches
Surf Nation doesn’t only create opportunities for players.
It also creates incredible opportunities for coaches to learn, collaborate, and work at the highest levels of youth soccer.
Each year, Dallas Surf can be selected to work within the Surf Select program, coaching regional and national teams alongside some of the best coaches in the Surf network.
Last year, our Director of Coaching, Gavin Mole had the opportunity to coach multiple Surf Select national teams, including an unforgettable trip to Salou, Spain.
There, his U11 team competed against elite European academies including Valencia and Braga, eventually reaching the semifinals before falling to FC Porto.
This year, he will again represent Surf Nation internationally, coaching the 2013 boys national team in Northern Ireland.
These experiences allow our coaches to work in high-performance environments while bringing new ideas, standards, and learning back to Dallas.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both myself and the players. As a coach, testing ourselves against the best U11 team I’ve ever seen in Valencia was incredible. But more importantly, our players got to see what it truly looks like to be among the best young players in the world. The atmosphere was unbelievable. Valencia teams lined the field playing drums and chanting as we played. It was something none of us will ever forget.” Gavin Mole
Recognizing Coaching Excellence
Dallas Surf also celebrates coaching excellence each year.
Each year, the Dallas Surf Coach of the Year award provides a coach the opportunity to lead a Surf Select National Team.
This year’s Dallas Surf winner, Chase Shutz, will travel to England to coach the 2011 Boys Surf Select National Team, representing Surf Nation on an international stage.
For our coaches, these opportunities are not just rewards.
They are experiences that raise standards and help our entire club grow.
A Nationwide Coaching Community
Another powerful part of Surf Nation is the national coaching community.
Coaches across the country share ideas, resources, and conversations around one central focus.
How do we develop better players?
From national leadership summits to everyday conversations between clubs, Surf Nation creates an environment where coaches can learn from each other and continue to grow professionally.
That collaboration strengthens every club involved.
And ultimately, it benefits the players on the field.
Strong Locally. Connected Nationally.
Dallas Surf will always be rooted in our local community.
But being part of Surf Nation allows our players and coaches to step into opportunities far beyond Dallas.
International competition.
National identification programs.
Major tournaments and recruiting environments.
Coaching development and collaboration across the country.
These experiences raise standards, accelerate development, and open doors.
And they are part of what makes being part of Surf Nation so special.
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