AUSTIN, Texas — While young people across the country are facing growing challenges, one Austin organization is stepping up with a powerful solution rooted in community and connection: soccer.
The 4ATX Foundation is using the game to create pathways for students, linking them to mentorship, educational resources and meaningful support both on and off the field.
Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott sat down with Kaitlin Mauro, Executive Director of 4ATX Foundation, to learn more about how the Verde community is working to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott sat down with Kaitlin Mauro, Executive Director of 4ATX Foundation, to learn more about how the Verde community is working to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“Every year, we run over 15,000 hours of programming for kids living in Austin’s most marginalized communities. This programming is completely free, so parents don’t have to pay anything for their children to participate. It’s science-backed and designed to provide all the things young people need to grow into confident leaders — the future leaders of our city. We provide safe spaces for them to learn, grow and connect in person with trusted adults, their coaches and each other, along with opportunities to take on leadership roles and build the skills that set them up for success,” Mauro said.
Images from Verde Leader end of season party at St. David’s Performance Center in Austin, Texas, on Sunday November 16, 2025. (Photo by Noah Goldberg/Austin FC)
The foundation recently released its 2025 Impact Report, outlining ambitious long-term goals and highlighting meaningful progress over the past year.
“When we released our 2030 goals, we set three big targets: we want one million Austinites — especially those in the Eastern Crescent — to live within three miles of a 4ATX Foundation soccer space. We are working to train and confidently equip 10,000 young people to become future leaders of our city. And we’re building the largest network of young people and Verde community members who are committed to helping them succeed,” Mauro said.
Images from Verde Leader end of season party at St. David’s Performance Center in Austin, Texas, on Sunday November 16, 2025. (Photo by Noah Goldberg/Austin FC)
The report also showcases the real-world impact those goals are already making.
“Last year, we served 1,500 young people in our programs and opened a beautiful mini pitch in Del Valle — a true soccer-loving neighborhood. We also brought five standout students to New York City, where they met with Major League Soccer and Power8 executives and learned about careers in sports and entertainment. It expanded their mindset of what’s possible. Especially at a time when we see rising loneliness and anxiety among young people, our programs are designed to get kids together in real life — learning, growing and building community,” Mauro said.
Images from the Del Valle Mini-Pitch Grand Opening at Dailey Middle School in Del Valle , Texas, on Tuesday October 14, 2025. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Austin FC)
Looking ahead, the foundation is energized by what’s next — both on and off the field.
Images from the Verde Leaders Summer Camp at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Friday July 11, 2025. (Photo by Maria Gonzalez/Austin FC)
“We all know the 2026 season is kicking off, and the new Rooted kit is very special. On Monday, all of our youth leadership programming begins, so this is the best time of year. With the World Cup coming to the United States this summer, the world’s eyes will be on this incredible sport. Soccer has the power to do so much good in the community, and here in Austin, we’re transforming that energy into opportunity for our kids,” Mauro said.
For more information about the 4ATX Foundation and to view the full 2025 Impact Report, visit their website 4ATXFoundation.org!
For more information about the 4ATX Foundation and to view the full 2025 Impact Report, visit their website 4ATXFoundation.org!