As students across Central Texas head back to school, 4ATX is kicking off a new academic year of programming with an expanded reach and more opportunities for young people to learn, lead and grow through soccer.
4ATX's flagship program, Verde Leaders, returns this fall at six schools across Central Texas. The program continues at four returning sites: Dobie Middle School, Webb Middle School, Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy presented by Siete Family Foods, and Austin Achieve Middle School presented by DLA Piper and SolarWinds. It also expands for the first time beyond Austin with two new sites, IDEA Pflugerville and Westview Middle School, made possible by new partner Reed Smith LLP and increased funding from Siete Family Foods.
The Verde Youth Leadership Academy also expands this year, growing from 12 to 15 students. The 10-month paid program provides participants with hands-on work experience as soccer coaches, weekly professional development opportunities, and resources to help students prepare for life after high school.
On August 29, 4ATX Foundation brought its coaches together at Q2 Stadium for its annual training day, where they honed their skills in activity facilitation, learned how to apply the 4ATX curriculum, and picked up best practices in youth development.. St. David’s HealthCare staff also led CPR certification training for all coaches, with each coach receiving a CPR training mannequin, courtesy of the American Heart Association.
Clinics 4ATX, presented by St. David’s HealthCare, also returns this fall with the final three clinics of 2026.
"Each new school year brings an opportunity to introduce more students and families to 4ATX programs,” said 4ATX Executive Director Kaitlin Mauro. “We’re so excited to be expanding our reach across Central Texas to better support young people on their path of leadership.”
The program expansion is part of 4ATX’s Strategic Plan, where 4ATX aims to confidently equip 10,000 young leaders for their futures by 2030. To date, 4ATX youth leadership programs have served over 4,400 Central Texas youth.
