About us

* Copa Tejas was founded by SAFC Supporters Steve Arters & Danielle Gawronski in 2019.  In 2021, Copa Tejas "graduated" to MLS, developing another trophy that is a one-of-a-kind custom design.

* Copa Tejas is the only award in the U.S.that gives trophies to MLS and USL Championship teams located in the same state.  ((U.S. Div. 1 MLS & Div. 2 USLC) 

* Copa Tejas encourages cooperation and camaraderie between the various supporters groups across the state of Texas.  The trophy currently has Advisory Boards (2) for both Texas MLS and USL Championship made up of the leaders of the various Supporters Groups in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio. 

Grow “The Beautiful Game” of soccer across the top two divisions (D1, D2, Men’s and Women’s) in Texas and unify Supporters Groups (SGs) across the state by presenting a trophy to the winner of the derby in each division.  At the same time, build camaraderie, friendships and cooperation between all of the state’s SGs at pre-game tailgates, gameday experiences and post-game celebrations.

Everything is bigger in Texas:

• Innovation is our solution
• Rivalries in different leagues at the professional level. U.S. Soccer sanctioned D1 and D2 men’s and women’s leagues in head-to-head competition during the regular season. 
• We are stronger together than we are apart.
• Who is the best in Texas?  Copa Tejas has the answer.

People (Supporters) are our value:

• We respect everyone.
• We encourage diversity and belonging.
• The battle may be amongst the teams on the field, but we celebrate before and after the whistle.
• Decisions are made in conjunction with the SGs’ selected representatives.