The History of Mission City Soccer Complex (MCSC)
Mission City Soccer Complex (MCSC) stands as a beacon of community pride and athletic development on the Southside of San Antonio. This sports facility was born out of a passionate commitment to foster the love of soccer and to provide the youth of South Bexar County with a premier venue to play, learn, and grow.
MCSC is a project funded by the Bexar County Venue Tax Program, part of a larger initiative approved by voters in 2008 to invest $415 million in bonds for various community projects, including $80 million dedicated to youth sports venues. Located on a 40-acre site, MCSC is the 13th and final facility under this ambitious plan, officially opening its doors on November 15, 2013.
The driving force behind the complex was Mission City Youth Soccer Organization (MCYSO), which was entrusted by Bexar County to develop and manage the facility. The vision of MCYSO extends beyond simply offering a place to play soccer; the organization is dedicated to nurturing the physical fitness, education, and sportsmanship of area youth. The eight soccer fields at MCSC were specifically designed to serve as a hub for athletic excellence and community engagement.
Before MCSC's completion, South Bexar County had just 43 soccer fields to serve its population of approximately 5,000 children. The opening of MCSC effectively doubled the number of available fields, providing much-needed space for youth to engage in a sport that promotes lifelong health and fitness. This expansion has allowed MCYSO to significantly grow its programs, serving over 600 club players and continuing to expand.
The complex is not just a local asset but also a regional one, playing a key role in the Bexar County Games—a series of competitions organized by San Antonio Sports. These games bring together youth from across the region, including teams from Mexico, to compete in sports like track and field, swimming, and baseball, with soccer now a prominent feature thanks to the new fields at MCSC.
MCSC represents more than just a place to play soccer; it is a symbol of community investment and collaboration. The facility is a source of pride for South Bexar County, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the sport of soccer and the values it instills in the youth. The complex is designed not only for current generations but also for future ones, as emphasized by MCYSO’s President at the time, Jose Martinez during the facility’s opening: "We expect you to be good citizens, and to take care of it. You’ll be the ones that are going to take this over, and you’re the ones we work for."
Since its opening, the fields have been alive with the energy of youth players, community events, and competitive tournaments, making MCSC a cornerstone of athletic life in San Antonio. From impromptu games between local students to large-scale tournaments, MCSC is fulfilling its mission to provide a space where soccer thrives and where the community comes together to support and celebrate its youth.
As the complex continues to grow and evolve, MCSC remains dedicated to its original goal: to be a source of pride, growth, and unity for South Bexar County, providing a lasting legacy for the community it serves.