In an effort to support and celebrate the Central Texas Latino community, Austin FC will kick off a month-long series of activations in observation of Hispanic Heritage Month, including Austin FC Hispanic Heritage Night at its MLS match on September 17 with Mariachi Voz de Pasión performing an instrumental U.S. National anthem, Hispanic-themed graphics, and a Latino community member leading the Heartbeat.
On August 22, in celebration of the community space that barbershops and specifically _Barbon's Barbershop_ in East Austin provide, Austin FC in partnership with Gillette created an opportunity for nine young soccer players from three local high schools (Eastside Memorial, Crockett and Travis High Schools) to build relationships with the Verde & Black. Each student had the opportunity receive a free haircut, and if desired, duplicate an Austin FC’s player’s fresh cut of their choice and spend some time connecting with Emiliano Rigoni and Julio Cascante about life, school, futbol, Hispanic culture, and their dreams for the future.
As part of Austin FC’s ongoing efforts to create and celebrate diversity, the club will highlight four Latino community leaders that make our city stand above the rest: Community Affairs Manager Jackie Quintero Sekiguchi, Entrepreneur Bessy Martinez, Civic Leader George Morales, and Architect Jon Salinas.
As part of the month-long celebration, Austin FC will also donate all proceeds from the Verde Store Round-Up Program during the month of September to Casa Marianella, an Austin non-profit that welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services. The Verde Store Round-Up program provides customers the opportunity to round their purchases up to the next dollar amount to benefit the month’s featured local non-profit. Austin FC will also create a limited-edition Hispanic Heritage Month-themed t-shirt benefitting Casa Marianella, the shirt will be sold at both Verde Store locations from Oct. 1-15.
"At Casa Marianella we are excited to receive the support of Austin FC to help us provide shelter and support to homeless immigrants in Austin. Casa Marianella and Austin FC share a value in building community in Austin and we are glad to do this together," said Patti McCabe, Posada Esperanza Program Director at Casa Marianella.
On September 17, Austin FC will host its third annual Hispanic Heritage Night during its match against Portland Timbers. Before the match, Austin FC players will wear the Hispanic Heritage theme top, which will also be available at Verde Store locations from September 15. Mariachi Voz de Pasión will perform the National Anthem / throughout Q2 Stadium & Hispanic-themed graphics will be on all digital screens throughout Q2 Stadium. Sofia Baltierra of Las Tiarras will perform the Heartbeat of Austin prior to kickoff.
On October 4, Austin FC will host a pre match panel; Mentorship: Una Comunidad Fuerte presented by Austin Telco from 6-6:45 p.m. in PointsBet Sports Bar before the Austin FC vs DC United match. The panel will focus on the importance of mentorship in the community; panelists include Telco FCU President Robert Hernandez, as well as a local college campus leader; a representative from Big Brothers, Big Sisters and a local non-profit leader. Austin FC and 4ATX Foundation are activating P&G and MLS’s Hispanic Leadership platform: Capitanes Del Futuro which focuses on growing Hispanic youth leadership. Students from 4ATX’s Verde Leaders program will shadow Austin FC front staff at panel event. The program partners with 10 other MLS clubs to advance Hispanic leadership.
