Austin FC’s nonprofit arm 4ATX Foundation and Academy Sports + Outdoors today announced that the organizations will host an equipment drive for the second-consecutive year. At four (4) Austin FC home matches in August, fans can bring new or gently-used soccer equipment to H-E-B Plaza at Q2 Stadium. All donated items will be given to young soccer players in need throughout Central Texas.
“After the success of our inaugural equipment drive in 2021, Austin FC is proud to once again partner with Academy Sports + Outdoors this season in an effort to help remove barriers and increase youth soccer participation,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “We have an incredible soccer community here in Austin, and will continue our work to make the sport more accessible for everyone.”
Soccer equipment needed includes shin guards, soccer balls, cleats, new soccer socks, soccer shorts, goalie gloves, new sports bras, and soccer bags. Donations can also be made at the Verde Store at Q2 Stadium each Monday in August, where anyone making a donation will receive 10 percent off an Austin FC scarf.
In September, Academy Sports + Outdoors and 4ATX Foundation will host a group of students from a to-be-announced Title I elementary school for a giveback event, where students will tour the stadium and meet Austin FC players. Each student will go home with items collected during the equipment drive and a $50 gift card to Academy Sports + Outdoors, just before start of the school year and the fall soccer season.
