The Major League Soccer youth development academy for Austin FC will begin play this August and will train at a West Austin private school. Austin FC is now recruiting for its Under 14 team of the Austin FC Academy, which will temporarily train and play matches at St. Stephen’s Soccer Academy at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, located at 6500 St. Stephen’s Drive, Austin off Loop 360. “Austin FC Academy will establish a clear playing identity that is attack-minded, possession-oriented, intelligent and creative,” St. Stephen’s Technical Director Junro Narita said in a news release. “My personal belief is that soccer provides an outlet to youth to instill life lessons and values, and I look forward to starting a new journey with the most talented young players in the region.” The Academy is the development arm of Austin FC, which will begin play in spring 2021 at a new stadium in North Austin. The league will move to Austin FC’s permanent training facility, which is yet to be built. Leading the Academy will be Tyson Wahl, who played for 11 years in the MLS. "Austin FC Academy will aim to create the best developmental platform and professional pathway for the most-talented youth soccer players throughout the region, regardless of socioeconomic status or where they live,” Wahl said in a news release. “Our goal is to build the most successful academy program in the United States, and our long-term vision is to make Austin proud by eventually adding countless Austinites to our MLS roster as ‘homegrown players.’” The Academy is recruiting players for its U14 team, and those born in 2006 are eligible. More information is available at www.austinfc.com/#academy.