Austin FC took the field for the first time in 2021 and just wrapped up its third season as Austin’s first and only major league professional sports team in October. The team’s efforts to serve alongside its community extend back before a ball was ever kicked at Q2 Stadium.

A proud member of the Chamber’s Austin Gives initiative that empowers, educates, and encourages business philanthropy in the Austin region, the Club has both an internal Community Impact department and a non-profit arm in 4ATX Foundation, each of which works year-round to use soccer as a vehicle to make a difference across Central Texas.

Empowering Young Leaders

Supporting the healthy development of our community’s future leaders is an essential part of ATXFC’s approach to service.

Austin FC has established partnerships that encourage and motivate young people to lead through curiosity, empathy, and confidence. Austin FC programs such as “AISD en Verde”, established to increase literacy rates in Title 1 schools, and AMD Stem Day, which guides students through the process of computer building, uses soccer to support each child’s educational capabilities.

4ATX Foundation’s Verde Leaders program provides free afterschool soccer and social-emotional skills training to students from underserved backgrounds, with sessions often attended by Austin FC players, as well as a year-round intensive leadership development program for high school students called the Q2 Youth Leadership Academy.

Creating Spaces

The development and protection of spaces where our community can play is another important pillar of Austin FC and 4ATX Foundation.

With the help of U.S. Soccer Foundation and other partners, 4ATX Foundation has constructed and opened eight soccer mini-pitches throughout Central Texas, providing a place for people to gather and connect through the sport for years to come.

Through YETI’s Go Verde platform, Austin FC invests in Sustainability initiatives. This work includes opportunities to divert waste from landfills, more efficiently use our natural resources, and keep our community green and clean.

Amplifying Voices

AXTFC has the privilege and responsibility to use its platform to share and support the voices of the many members of our community who are doing great work.

Working with founding partner Q2, Austin FC aims to support the robust non-profit and start-up communities in its hometown. The Q-mmunity Gives grant program annually awards funding to three nonprofits that focus on the advancement of underrepresented communities and the DreamStarter program invites local entrepreneurs to pitch their idea for the chance to win funding.

Additionally, the Club uses its social and digital platforms to highlight local business owners and leaders from underrepresented backgrounds throughout the year, not just limited to Affinity Month celebrations.

In the words of soccer legend, Brandi Chastain, “…there are a lot of things that soccer does in the communities that transcend the soccer field.” Austin FC seeks to live up to that truth. The Club was recognized for its community impact with a 2023 Austin Gives Generous Business Award and was featured in a recent interview by Austin Gives storytelling partners, ATX Good News.

Visit www.austinfc.com/community/ to learn about more ways in which Austin FC and 4ATX Foundation work alongside their community.