4ATX Foundation, in collaboration with Austin FC, Soccer Assist and PCSI have partnered with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) to construct the first blind soccer pitch in Texas. The organizations celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the pitch, located on the TSBVI campus, along with a soccer clinic led by U.S. Blind Soccer National Team member and TSBVI alumni Ricky Castenada for student-athletes who are blind or have low vision.
Andy Loughnane, Austin FC President and member of the 4ATX Board of Directors, also announced at the event that Q2 Stadium will launch Field of Vision haptic devices later this year, available for fans who are blind or have low vision to use during Austin FC home matches at no cost. 4ATX Foundation and Austin FC will host students from TSBVI later this season to use the devices and experience a matchday at Q2 Stadium.
“We are honored to play a part in making soccer more accessible for blind or visually impaired community members here in Austin,” said Loughnane. “Our investment in creating Texas’ first blind soccer pitch and our commitment to offer Field of Vision haptic devices at Q2 Stadium are representative of our desire to continue removing barriers to playing and enjoying soccer.”
This project marks the third led by members of the Verde Pitch Alliance. The Verde Pitch Alliance is a $2 million commitment to build free, public soccer spaces across Central Texas.
“Soccer Assist has always been about accessibility, and this new pitch is a particularly special example of this core value.” Said Soccer Assist Founder Aaron Rochlen, Ph.D. “What an honor being a part of this special launch.”
“TSBVI seeks to empower students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision to achieve their goals.” Said Emily Coleman, Superintendent of TSBVI. “This project is a key component that creates opportunity for students to foster their mental and physical health through athletics.”
The new pitch continues progress towards 4ATX Foundation’s 2030 goal of expanding access to free, public soccer spaces by ensuring that 1,000,000 Central Texans live within three (3) miles of a 4ATX soccer space. To date, 4ATX, in partnership with community and corporate partners, has built 13 soccer spaces serving more than 693,000 people.
"At PCSI, we break barriers for individuals with disabilities, primarily barriers that exist in the workplace," said Tony Cucolo, President and CEO of PCSI. “Every day I see my team doing things no one believed they could do and living their best lives. Sports can have the same impact, lifting individuals up to do things they and others thought were not possible. That is why we’re proud to partner with 4ATX Foundation, Austin FC, Soccer Assist, and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to help create this space where athletes who are blind or have low vision can belong, compete, and be their best.”
Find a pitch in a neighborhood near you through the Austin FC website at www.austinfc.com/minipitches .
