Austin FC’s nonprofit arm 4ATX Foundation and Academy Sports + Outdoors, a sports retailer, will host an equipment drive for young soccer players in need throughout Central Texas at Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Place in Northwest Austin. The equipment will be handed out to players at a giveback event also at Q2 in September.

“We have an incredible soccer community here in Austin and will continue our work to make the sport more accessible for everyone,” Austin FC President Andy Loughnane said.

Fans can drop off new or gently used shin guards, soccer balls, cleats, new soccer socks, soccer shorts, goalie gloves, new sports bras and soccer bags to H-E-B Plaza at Q2 Stadium during home games Aug. 6, 13, 26 and 31. They also can drop off at the Verde Store at Q2 Stadium each Monday in August and receive 10% off an Austin FC scarf.

Academy and 4ATX Foundation will host a group of students from a to-be-announced Title I elementary school for a giveback event in which students will tour the stadium and meet Austin FC players. Each student will go home with items collected during the equipment drive and a $50 gift card to Academy Sports + Outdoors, just before the start of the school year and the fall soccer season.

This is the group’s second equipment drive. 4ATX Foundation and Academy Sports + Outdoors decided to make this an annual event after the success of the first one in 2021. The date of the giveback event in September has not been decided.