Esteban Mariel is an experienced entrepreneur and operator with a strong background in sports, business development, and real estate. He co-founded City Futsal in 2011 alongside his twin brother, transforming it from a youth training academy into a network of innovative small-sided soccer and futsal parks across North Texas. Esteban combines over a decade of coaching and operational leadership with strategic vision, having led partnerships with schools, tech companies, and municipalities to activate community-based sports spaces. A former collegiate soccer captain at SMU and holder of US Soccer National D and Youth Licenses, Esteban brings deep expertise in youth development. In 2021, he added a real estate license to his toolkit, leveraging it to support City Futsal’s expansion through creative land use, development structuring, and public-private partnerships. He currently serves as President of City Futsal and is a licensed agent with Compass Real Estate, actively balancing sports, business, and family life.
What am I doing – describe your current role and objectives:
Esteban Mariel currently serves as President of City Futsal, overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and growth of the company across multiple locations in North Texas. He leads initiatives across development, finance, partnerships, and brand positioning, with a focus on scaling City Futsal’s unique small-sided sports model through a hub-and-spoke facility strategy. Esteban is spearheading a major capital raise to fund three new locations—including a flagship campus in Keller—while building long-term partnerships with municipalities, developers, and investors. His objectives include optimizing operational efficiency across existing sites, expanding the City Futsal footprint through real estate development and strategic leasing, and enhancing customer experience through programming, events, and concessions. With a deep commitment to both business performance and community impact, Esteban is positioning City Futsal as a category-defining platform in youth and recreational sports.
Connections trying to make:
As a new member of the 1911 Group, I’m looking to build meaningful connections with fellow SMU alumni who are involved in real estate, private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. I’m especially interested in engaging with those who have experience in scaling location-based businesses, structuring creative development deals, or investing in high-growth, community-focused platforms. Whether it’s sharing insight, exploring potential partnerships, or simply exchanging ideas, I’m excited to connect with others who are building bold ventures and shaping the future of their industries.
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