The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that the Lubbock Matadors (Lubbock, TX) has joined the league as an expansion team. The club will begin competition in the South Region in 2022.
“The management team has a history of success with the NPSL, and I anticipate Lubbock to hit the ground running,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “Great things are happening for the NPSL in the Texas area, and Lubbock Matadors are expected to contribute immediately. They have an exciting launch plan and deep community involvement. The Lone Star Conference produced our 2021 National Champion and will be highly competitive and fun to watch in 2022.”
The club is led by Managing Partner Michael Hitchcock.
Hitchcock is the Founding Partner of Playbook Management International (PMI). He has been involved in the active ownership of four NPSL teams, including Fort Worth Vaqueros, Napa Valley 1839 FC, Denton Diablos FC, and Appalachian FC.
Through PMI, Hitchcock has successfully consulted and managed over 85 soccer leagues,
teams, facilities, and events in the U.S. and around the world. He successfully launched the San Antonio Scorpions, consulted in the rebirth of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and built and managed Appalachian FC through a successful inaugural season.
In MLS, he worked at every level from entry-level ticket sales representative to General Manager. He received the MLS Sales Director of the Year award four times, while his sales teams won MLS Sales Team of the Year five times. He was also recognized as the Commissioner’s New Business Leadership award winner as a sales representative.
As Vice President of the LA Galaxy, Hitchcock oversaw sales during the early years of one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in the U.S. As the General Manager of FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park, he brought over 1.5 million guests to Pizza Hut Park per year. Hitchcock also created the FC Dallas Foundation.
“We will bring the world’s game to the Hub City by successfully establishing the Lubbock Matadors as a key member of the community, providing quality, affordable entertainment for fans, providing real-world sports management experience for college students and high-level men’s soccer in a great stadium, while introducing Lubbock Matadors players as ambassadors for the beautiful game and positive role models for Lubbock youth,” Hitchcock said.
More information can be found by visiting www.lubbockmatadors.com or by following the club on Facebook (@LubbockMatadorsSC), Instagram (@LubbockMatadorsSC), and Twitter (@lubbockmatadors).
“The NPSL has a very strong Lone Star Conference made up of great owners, incredible players and teams, including the NPSL National Champion Denton Diablos so we’re bringing the best players and teams in the NPSL to Lubbock for gameday,” Hitchcock said.
Fans and supporters have a lot to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead. Coaching staff and front office announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Home stadium and other key club details will be announced in January.
Open tryouts will take place on Saturday, January 22nd at Lubbock Christian University Soccer Stadium. Matadors gear and season seats are on sale now at the Matadors online shop at www.lubbockmatadors.com.
“We are excited to have the Lubbock Matadors join the NPSL,” NPSL Director of Membership Development Dina Case said. “Lubbock is positioned well geographically which will help bridge the gap between teams on the east and west side of the state. The ownership group brings a wealth of experience to the table, and the soccer community in Lubbock is primed to receive a team at this level. All in all, we are more than confident that this team will be extremely successful and a great asset to the league.”
More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.
