As part of their goal to build healthier communities and create safe spaces to play, Austin FC’s nonprofit arm 4ATX Foundation teamed up with the Club’s founding partner Netspend to make their second Verde Nets donation of 2023 to Dessau Middle School. On Monday, May 8, 4ATX Foundation and Netspend volunteers joined Dessau Middle School students installing the nets and playing a tournament of small-sided soccer games. Winners of the tournament received tickets to the Austin FC match on May 20.
“We’re very happy to continue supporting access to soccer in Central Texas through our second Verde Nets donation of 2023,” said 4ATX Foundation Executive Director Kaitlin Mauro. “We’re grateful to our partners at Netspend for making this amazing program possible.”
The donation and event were led by 4ATX & Netspend Verde Fellows as part of their end-of-year capstone project. The 4ATX & Netspend Verde Fellowship is a year-long paid fellowship for two first-generation college students. During the fellowship, students gain real world, day-to-day business experience, create and execute community engagement projects, and receive ongoing mentorship from Netspend, as well as a $7,500 scholarship.
“We are delighted to help put the Dessau Middle School soccer fields in Austin back in play," said Netspend President, Bertrand Sosa. “Through Netspend’s collaboration with Austin FC and 4ATX Foundation, over 150 donated soccer nets have gone to schools and programs in need across the greater Austin area in support of 4ATX Foundation's mission to bring life back to underserved soccer fields.”
"It was a pleasure to have Austin FC, 4ATXFoundation and Netspend recognize our soccer program here at Dessau MS,” said Dessau Middle School Soccer Coach Kierre Nicholson. Thank you for giving our athletes the opportunity to feel special for a day and represent Austin FC at their next home game. We will never forget this moment!"
Schools and community organizations who would like to be considered for future Verde Net donations can do so by completing 4ATX Foundation’s community needs form here.
Click here for more information on 4ATX Foundation, the non-profit arm of Austin FC.
