Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The City of McAllen, in partnership with PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) and Visit McAllen, is proud to announce the first-ever PONY Softball Qualifier Tournament taking place this Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Municipal Softball Complex. The event marks the beginning of an exciting new collaboration between the City and PONY, launching the first of seven qualifying tournaments in the state of Texas.
A press event will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Municipal Softball Complex (1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd.), featuring remarks from McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, and representatives from PONY Softball and Visit McAllen.
Tournament Overview
| This year’s qualifier will bring 54 teams to McAllen, representing: |
| • Oklahoma (1) |
| • Dallas (1) |
| • Houston (4) |
| • Mexico (5) |
| • Laredo (4) |
| • Corpus Christi (4) |
| • Various cities across the Rio Grande Valley |
Champions from this event will earn free entry into the 2026 PONY Softball International World Series, which McAllen is also set to host in July 2026. The World Series has been held in McAllen for the past four years in partnership with the McAllen Boys & Girls Club, bringing top-tier youth athletes and families from across the globe.
The McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is leading tournament preparations with full support from Visit McAllen, which has worked closely with local hotels to coordinate accommodations for visiting teams and families. This partnership underscores McAllen’s ongoing commitment to expanding sports tourism and showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, hospitality, and world-class facilities.
“Hosting an event of this magnitude is a testament to the teamwork and dedication of our community,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “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.”
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil added, “This event highlights McAllen’s continued investment in our youth and our growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism. 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 work hard to show our visitors the heart and hospitality of our city.”
The City of McAllen encourages residents to come out and support these young athletes throughout the weekend. City leaders will gather on Saturday morning at 10am for a press event and invite everyone in our community to come out and support the PONY Softball Qualifier to help create an unforgettable atmosphere for visiting athletes and their families.
McAllen will also host a second qualifying tournament on December 13-14, 2025, with winners advancing to next summer’s PONY Softball International World Series, right here in McAllen.
