The ECNL has released the first episode of its new original documentary series A Day in the League® with the ECNL, presented by Continental Tire, featuring Hassan Nazari, founder and executive director of the Dallas Texans Soccer Club. The film captures the inspiring journey of one of the most influential figures in American youth soccer — from the streets of Iran to the world stage and ultimately, to shaping generations of players in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Nazari, who grew up in Abadan, Iran, discovered soccer playing in the streets with friends before joining organized competition at age 15. His early talent and passion led him to captain Iran's U17 national team and become one of the youngest players ever to wear Iran's senior national jersey, representing his country at both the 1976 Olympics and the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
After immigrating to the United States, Nazari founded the Dallas Texans in 1993 with a vision to create a club grounded in discipline, community, and opportunity.
"I wanted to start a club that had the same feeling as what I experienced growing up," Nazari said in the film. "A place where young players could see what's possible on and off the field."
The first-ever A Day in the League® with the ECNL documentary takes viewers inside the Texans' renowned facilities, complete with indoor training spaces, locker rooms, and a clubhouse lined with jerseys of former players who have gone on to the professional level, including Clint Dempsey, Lee Nguyen, and Alejandro Moreno. These reminders of excellence serve as daily inspiration for new generations of Texans, along with the clubs' two ECNL national championships and more than 150 other local, regional and national trophies.
Through training moments and candid reflection, Nazari shares that his greatest pride is not measured in those trophies, but in the people his club has helped shape.
"I'm proud of those who became great players," Nazari said. "But I'm even more proud of those who became great people; doctors, lawyers, leaders, and role models in their communities."
As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nazari's story underscores the growing legacy of soccer in America through his journey rooted in passion, education, and resilience, one that mirrors the ECNL's mission to Raise the Game.
"Hassan Nazari's story is the perfect example of what the youth soccer experience can be and can provide, said ECNL Creative Director Andrea Cortez. "Youth sports should be a vehicle to build character, community, and the desire for excellence as a core part of the chase for wins and championships. The Dallas Texans, and coaches like Hassan, have shaped the foundation of the youth game in this country, have been a core part of the shaping of the ECNL, and they continue to inspire the next generation."
Watch A Day in the League: The Dallas Texans now on YouTube.
A Day in the League® with the ECNL, presented by Continental Tire, is a documentary series dedicated to the extraordinary people in the league that Raise The Game each and every day.
Continental Tire provides peace of mind for every mile of the journey, while the ECNL provides a trusted pathway for every athlete. The connection between Continental Tire and ECNL is in the journey, reliability and performance.
A Day in the League® with the ECNL, presented by Continental Tire, celebrates the commitment of every athlete and coach to being the best they can be and embracing the journey to excellence.
