DALLAS, TX – – Atlético Dallas has appointed Peter Luccin as its inaugural First Team Manager, marking a significant step forward for the club as it prepares for its debut in the USL Championship in . The appointment, announced on Tuesday, signals the completion of the organization’s first technical staff hire and a key milestone in building a competitive presence in North Texas soccer.
Luccin, a former French international and veteran of La Liga, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having also served as interim head coach for FC Dallas. His arrival was warmly received at a fan event held on in Uptown Dallas, bringing together supporters, executives and staff in what was described as a “cofradía deportiva” – a sporting brotherhood.
The appointment reflects a broader ambition for Atlético Dallas: to blend the community-focused ethos of European football with the sporting passion of the American audience and the marketing sophistication of a professional U.S. Club. Club executives believe a unique model can be forged, prioritizing player freedom and development alongside tactical rigor.
“It’s not just about tactics and formations. It’s about allowing them to express themselves,” Luccin stated during the fan event, addressing attendees in both English and Spanish. “I want our players to feel free to enjoy the game and show their personality on the pitch. If we do that, I think our supporters will enjoy the football we bring to Dallas. For me, the key word is freedom – freedom to play this beautiful sport.” He was joined at the event by team owner Matt Valentine and Sporting Director Brian Corconran, alongside members of the newly formed “Lunáticos Azules” supporters group.
The enthusiasm surrounding the club is already palpable. Juan Aguirre, a 23-year-old fan, expressed his commitment to supporting the team and mobilizing supporters to fill the Cotton Bowl, aiming for an attendance of 20,000 per game. “I know it’s a crazy number, but I think it’s possible with all the people… if we see the party today [over 100 attendees], I’m going to be more excited, because we have a team that plays for Dallas, in Dallas,” he said.
Valentine emphasized the crucial role of fan support, stating, “Without the support of fans [like Juan] and our support group, You can’t build what we want to build. They are the blood of this club.”
For Luccin, the opportunity represents a chance to give back to the community that welcomed him over a decade ago. Arriving in North Texas in or , he spoke of the support he received as he adjusted to a new culture and language while raising a family. “This represents a way to return what they gave me,” he explained. “That’s why I accepted this role. It’s something that honors me, and we are very eager to start.”
In an interview with HOY Dallas, Luccin outlined his vision for connecting with the Hispanic community in North Texas. “As a club for them, because we know exactly what we want to build. I sincerely believe they will identify with what we are doing. The Hispanic community is very strong here; I consider myself part of it too. So, they will feel like family, and that is key for us. That is what we want to build.”
He drew a parallel to Mark Cuban’s acquisition of the Dallas Mavericks in the early 2000s, suggesting a potential to disrupt the established sporting landscape. “It can be achieved because, human beings don’t know the capacity they have to do great things. We are going to give everything to offer people more options. And I’m going to change the subject a bit: we’re talking about community, but also about young people, who may not have as many options. Now we’re going to give them another, a different option.”
“Disruptive? I’m French, and some words ‘escape me,’ but that’s really what we want to do. We have a lot of respect for all the teams here – greetings to FC Dallas, my friends and always will be – Atlético is another option, it’s to give the community more alternatives, which they deserve.”
Luccin described the USL Championship as a “parallel” league rather than a second division, highlighting its distinct organizational structure and the introduction of a delegation system in that he believes will increase competition and excitement. He drew on his experience with the promotion and relegation system common in European football, emphasizing its importance for the sport.
The appointment of Luccin and the launch of Atlético Dallas represent a new chapter for soccer in North Texas, one that prioritizes community engagement, player development, and a distinctive playing style. The club’s ambition is clear: to establish itself as a vibrant and integral part of the Dallas sporting landscape, offering a fresh alternative for fans and a platform for aspiring players.
