As part of a series of Club initiatives in support of National Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community, Austin FC will facilitate training for 30 local youth soccer coaches to complete Out Youth’s “Be a Beacon” Training.
Be A Beacon, a 90-minute, self-paced professional development training from Out Youth’s Texas Genders & Sexualities Alliance network, provides adults who work with schools, sports programs, and other youth-focused organizations across Texas with the knowledge and tools they need to best serve youth of all sexual orientations. Coaches from Austin FC Academy completed Be A Beacon training in December.
"The importance of all adults who work with children understanding how to respect and support LGBTQIA2+ youth cannot be overstated," said Frederick Heather, Out Youth's Advocacy & Education Manager. "Research from The Trevor Project shows that LGBTQ youth having even one supportive adult in their lives can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt by 40 percent. Out Youth is incredibly grateful for Austin FC and their commitment to serving the whole Verde community."
Coaches can register for one of the 30 open slots on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is open until June 8, and coaches have until June 30 to complete the training. To register for Out Youth’s Be A Beacon training, click here.
