For the last five years, 4ATX Foundation’s Verde Leaders program has been helping students develop the skills and community of support they need to thrive academically and personally through afterschool soccer training and community-based events.Â
The program returned earlier this week for its sixth year with the start of a 10-week fall season, including the opportunity to attend an Austin FC MLS match on October 9.
"We’re very excited for another season of Verde Leaders," said 4ATX Foundation Executive Director Kaitlin Mauro. "We can’t wait for more students to be involved than ever before, and at more schools, including the program's first in south Austin."
In its existence so far, Verde Leaders has served over 1,000 students. Every student in the program will receive an adidas Verde Leaders jersey, and Verde Leaders sessions will be held at the following schools:
- Burnet Middle School presented by DLA Piper and SolarWindsÂ
- Dobie Middle SchoolÂ
- Webb Middle SchoolÂ
- Paredes Middle SchoolÂ
- Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy
For the fall 2022 season, 4ATX Foundation is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club and Afterschool Centers for Education (ACE Austin). In total, there are 31 Verde Leaders staff members, with four to six coaches on the field at each site. All coaches trained for two weeks in the educational tools which Verde Leaders employs, including social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and mindfulness.
