Playa del Carmen Mayor Pitches Atlético Dallas on Preseason Camp and Youth Sports Alliance

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mayor Estefanía Mercado wants to bring Atlético Dallas to Playa del Carmen, part of an effort to boost local sports and create new opportunities for the city’s children and young people.

The mayor’s office said Mercado met with executives from the U.S. soccer club on October 19 to explore joint projects aimed at strengthening the municipality’s sports infrastructure. The proposal includes a broader sports alliance and the possibility of hosting the team’s preseason training camps in the destination.

Atlético Dallas counts Mexican international Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as its most prominent figure. However, the information released by the city does not confirm that the club has agreed to hold its preseason in Playa del Carmen.

Talks Focus on Facilities and Local Talent

As part of the pitch, Mercado said her government is willing to host the team during its preparation periods, an arrangement that could open new avenues for collaboration between the municipality and the club.

The initiative also aims to upgrade training spaces and provide adequate facilities for younger generations, so that children and teenagers have better conditions to practice sports and develop their skills.

Mercado said the approach is intended to create opportunities for young people pursuing a path in sports, while improving the conditions needed to train and develop local talent.

No Dates or Agreements Yet

Through the outreach, the Playa del Carmen government is looking to expand cooperation with sports institutions and attract events with national and international reach.

A possible Atlético Dallas preseason stay in the destination is one of the options raised during the conversations. The announcement did not set dates, finalize agreements or outline a schedule of activities.

For now, the municipality says it is keeping the door open to building a partnership with the club, with a focus on promoting sports, improving available facilities and creating opportunities for Playa del Carmen’s youth.