On Sunday, June 12, 10 teams competed at the inaugural Y’all Means All Cup Presented by Lexus, with Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver and defender Jon Gallagher in attendance. Pollo FC emerged victorious after an undefeated run, and in collaboration with Austin FC as part of the tournament rules, helped choose the LGBTQIA+ advocacy nonprofit to receive proceeds from the tournament.
Out Youth, a Central Texas-based organization which focuses on providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth to come together, receive support, and make friends who understand who they are, will receive a $5,000 donation from Austin FC and Lexus.
“Out Youth is beyond grateful to not only receive life-changing funding from the inaugural Y’all Means All Cup, but the importance of Austin FC and Lexus hosting their first-ever tournament to support our local LGBTQIA+ community is beyond measurable,” said Lane Strickland, Out Youth Director of Development.
“Lexus is proud to be an ally to organizations like Out Youth,” said Adelmo Chapparo, Vehicle Operations Manager for Lexus Southern Area. “It’s about creating a world that’s more inclusive and supportive, so everyone feels comfortable being who they truly are. Out Youth’s programs are focusing on the heart of it all – education and helping people start conversations in a healthy way.”
Austin FC collaborates with Out Youth by facilitating access for its academy coaching staff to Out Youth’s Be A Beacon training, a 90-minute, self-paced professional development training from Out Youth’s Texas Genders & Sexualities Alliance network. The training 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.
As part of National Pride Month, the Club also facilitated participation in Be A Beacon training for 30 local youth soccer coaches.
