Del Valle ISD hears plan for community “mini pitch” from Soccer Assist, 4ATX and US Soccer Foundation

Aaron Rocklin, a professor at the University of Texas and founder of Soccer Assist, and Jordan Martin, senior director of operations for the 4ATX Foundation, told the Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees about a proposed mini soccer pitch for the Del Valle community and students.

Rocklin said the typical installation costs about $100,000 and that “between 4 ATX and Soccer, we have in pocket ready to go, 80% of that funding,” leaving an estimated $15,000–$20,000 gap the presenters said they would seek from local sponsors. The planned site identified in early conversations was Daly Middle School; presenters said a pitch there could be used by the school during the day and the public outside school hours.

Why it matters: Board members and presenters described the mini pitch as a low-footprint, high-access recreation asset for a community they said lacks safe, close-by play spaces. The presenters said the pitches support youth programs, after-school instruction, and community gatherings, and that launches typically include school celebrations and opportunities for student engagement.

Details presented and district clarifications

- Project components: presenters said the installation is turnkey through the US Soccer Foundation and would include the playing surface, LED lighting, fencing, seating and goals. Jordan Martin described 4ATX as “the nonprofit arm of Austin FC” and said the group brings branding, community programming and launch-day support.

- Funding: presenters said the total project cost is about $100,000. Rocklin said 4ATX and Soccer Assist have roughly 80% of the funding secured and that the remaining $15,000–$20,000 would be covered by additional donors or sponsors. Trustee comments and staff remarks emphasized that the district expects to accept the project only at no net cost to Del Valle ISD.

- Access and programming: presenters said pitches are intended to remain publicly accessible and free to play, though arrangements vary by site; they described after-school programs, youth coaching and occasional launch-day events featuring Austin FC partners. Martin said the US Soccer Foundation and partners typically manage installation while local partners coordinate public access and programming.

- Maintenance and warranty: presenters said surface maintenance is generally light (removing wet leaves, routine cleaning) and that newer snap-in surface systems reduce cracking; one presenter said the vendor provides a 16-year warranty on the new court system. Presenters said local partners typically coordinate ongoing upkeep and that the US Soccer Foundation can advise on maintenance planning.

- Timeline and logistics: presenters outlined a flexible schedule; they said a rapid installation window can be three to four weeks once permitting and site access are arranged, and they suggested a target summer launch to coincide with regional soccer events. Staff and board members asked about site access, use during school hours, CTE/CTE integration and the possibility of involving CTE students in installation or related educational activities.

What the district said and next steps

Superintendent Dr. Gutierrez told the board the district did not seek the project but supports exploring partnerships that come at no cost to Del Valle ISD. Trustees asked follow-up questions about program oversight, maintenance responsibilities, and whether the district could require educational integration — such as using the pitch for school programs and CTE opportunities.

Presenters said they would continue detailed discussions with district staff about exact site placement, logistics, final fundraising to close the $15,000–$20,000 gap, and an implementation schedule. No formal board vote or commitment was recorded during the meeting.

Ending: The board received the presentation as an informational item and asked staff to continue coordination with the proponents to resolve site, program and maintenance details before any formal agreement is brought back for board action.