Dayton, Oh. & Tampa, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today that Dayton Dutch Lions FC will join the USL W League for the 2025 season. The team is the third Dutch Lions FC club to join the W League following Chicago City Dutch Lions and Southern California Dutch Lions. Dayton Dutch Lions also competes in the USL League Two.
Dayton Dutch Lions was founded in 2009 as the first of the nine current Dutch Lions clubs in the United States. The club previously played in the former iteration of the W-League, winning the Conference Championship and Organization of the Year award in 2013.
“Dayton Dutch Lions FC is extremely excited to re-join the USL W League,” said Ryan Gallagher, General Manager. “This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the Dayton community and contribute to the growth of women's soccer in the Dayton area. We look forward to an exciting season ahead and building the foundation for a strong future in the league.”
Dutch Lions FC strives to enhance the growth of young men and women both on and off the pitch. It focuses on tactical and technical development using mostly Dutch UEFA licensed coaches and training methods, the use of video analysis and top facilities while also creating a professional environment, from the season program to nutrition, work ethic and contributing to a team performance.
The club is involved in each of its communities, participating in activations from youth soccer clinics to school visits. More than 80 former Dutch Lions players have gone to play professionally, including U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle.
Dayton Dutch Lions will play its home matches at DOC Stadium, located in Dayton, Ohio, as a member of the Valley Division.
“We’re very excited to have Dayton Dutch Lions expanding into the W League,” said Joel Nash, SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “The club has an impressive record of developing its players to a professional level, so we’re excited to give those players another opportunity to showcase their talents in a competitive environment.”
To learn more about Dutch Lions FC, visit the club’s website, Instagram, X and Facebook.
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