Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the City of McAllen officially launched a new chapter in youth sports, hosting the first-ever PONY Softball Qualifier Tournament at the Municipal Softball Complex. The press conference, held at 10:00 a.m. and led by Mayor Javier Villalobos, marked the start of a partnership between the City of McAllen, PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth), and Visit McAllen. The collaboration establishes McAllen as a key host city for youth softball events leading up to the 2026 PONY International World Series.
“This is an exciting day for McAllen,” said Mayor Villalobos during the kickoff event. “Hosting an event of this magnitude is a testament to the teamwork and dedication of our community. Not only do these tournaments bring excitement and competition, but they also generate a tremendous economic impact, filling our hotels, restaurants, and local businesses with visitors who get to experience the best of McAllen.”
A total of 54 teams from across Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico arrived in McAllen to compete in the weekend tournament. Teams represented cities including Oklahoma City, Dallas, Houston, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and multiple communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley, as well as five teams traveling from Mexico.
The champions from this qualifier will earn free entry into the 2026 PONY Softball International World Series, which McAllen is also set to host next summer. The World Series has been held in McAllen for the past 4 years, in partnership with the McAllen Boys & Girls Club, attracting top youth athletes and their families from around the world.
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil emphasized the event’s importance in positioning McAllen as a destination for youth sports. “This event highlights McAllen’s continued investment in our youth and our growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism,” Tawil said. “The energy, pride, and community spirit surrounding these tournaments make McAllen a place where athletes and families want to return year after year. And we’re grateful to every Parks and Recreation employee who works hard to show our visitors the heart and hospitality of our city.”
The McAllen Parks and Recreation Department took the lead in organizing the tournament, working in coordination with Visit McAllen to secure accommodations for visiting teams and their families. Local hotels and businesses reported increased activity throughout the weekend as players, coaches, and families filled restaurants and shops across the city.
According to event organizers, this is the first of seven qualifying tournaments to be held in Texas ahead of next year’s international championship. McAllen will also host a second qualifier on December 13–14, 2025, giving teams another opportunity to earn a place in the 2026 World Series.
City officials encouraged residents to attend and support the young athletes throughout the weekend. “Events like this are about more than competition,” said Mayor Villalobos. “They bring our community together and showcase McAllen’s spirit of hospitality to visitors from across the country and beyond.”
The City of McAllen’s successful kickoff of the PONY Softball Qualifier Tournament signals a promising start to an ongoing partnership—one that blends sports, tourism, and community pride while paving the way for an even larger celebration next summer when the world returns to McAllen for the 2026 PONY Softball International World Series.
