Ahead of the U.S. Men’s National Team match in Austin, players Chris Richards, Tim Weah and Mark McKenzie joined Austin FC’s nonprofit arm, 4ATX Foundation, at Gus Garcia Recreation Center to connect with youth from the Verde Leaders program and celebrate the power of soccer to build stronger communities.
The visit was in partnership with Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy initiative, whose mission is to expand the reach of soccer and deepen its impact on lives and communities by making the game more accessible. Turning national team matches into opportunities to inspire hope and foster unity through the game plays an integral role in that mission. During the event, Richards, Weah and McKenzie shared insights from their own leadership journeys and took part in soccer activities with more than 100 Verde Leaders students from across Austin.
The evening also featured a major announcement for the program’s future: a $100,000 commitment from aSoccer Forwarddonor and Dobie Middle School alumnus to support Verde Leaders over the next four years.
Together, 4ATX Foundation and U.S. Soccer are helping ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow through the game that connects us all.
