Law enforcement authorities in Austin, including the local police and federal agents, are investigating multiple youth players within the Austin FC academy setup following claims of sexual misconduct within the club’s development system. Several individuals, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the probe, stated the inquiry focuses on alleged conduct between academy members. One insider noted that the concerns were first brought to the club by several families connected to the academy.
The Austin police department verified the ongoing investigation on Thursday, but declined to share further details because the matter involves minors and remains active. A representative for the federal agency said the bureau could not confirm or deny any investigation and offered no additional remarks. Officials with the league and the club acknowledged that both the local police and the federal agency are conducting probes.
“In December 2025, we learned of allegations concerning misconduct between youth participants within an academy group,” the Austin FC Academy communicated in an official response. “Upon receiving this information from concerned families, the Austin FC Academy responded with immediate measures.”
The academy’s statement indicated that its leadership promptly notified the league, the national safeguarding body, and local authorities, while also launching an internal review in partnership with the league. The academy further suspended “all activities” for the specific age group in question while the issues were investigated. A source at the club confirmed that federal investigators visited the team’s training ground to conduct interviews.
Insiders with knowledge of the league and club proceedings noted that a number of academy players faced disciplinary consequences following the internal review, though no staff member within the academy’s coaching or support structure received any sanctions. The same source indicated that both the club and the league could consider further measures if new details surface, but both organizations have been instructed to pause their independent processes until law enforcement completes its work.
“We remain in full cooperation with the authorities throughout this continuing investigation,” the Austin FC Academy stated. “During this entire process, the Austin FC Academy and the league have acted decisively, guided by a steadfast dedication to the health, safety, and wellness of our young athletes, and we will continue to do so.”
“The league handles player safety and wellness matters with the utmost gravity,” the competition’s governing body stated. “Throughout this process, the league and Austin FC have addressed this situation using a trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the safety and wellness of the young people involved, safeguarding their privacy, limiting the risk of additional harm, and coordinating thoroughly with law enforcement and other relevant agencies. The league makes player safety and well-being a priority and will persist in working alongside clubs to foster a secure and respectful atmosphere.”
The youth development setup at Austin FC consists of five squads ranging from under-13 to under-18 levels. With at least 100 players enrolled, the program operates under a distinct coaching hierarchy and leadership structure separate from the first team. These youth sides participate in the league-run national youth competition that launched in 2020. As is common with many development systems across the league, Austin FC draws talent from across the nation and provides homestay accommodations for players relocating from other areas. Their educational needs are met through a partnership with a Florida-based online academy, which delivers on-site schooling options for numerous clubs in the league.
At the professional level, Austin’s soccer operations department has undergone notable turnover recently, parting ways with the head coach and the sporting director in May. A club source confirmed on Friday that those personnel decisions were unrelated to the youth academy allegations. The organization eventually appointed the former Philadelphia Union head coach to take over the first team, though he will not assume duties until the start of the 2027 sprint campaign. Currently guided by an interim manager, the team ranks 14th out of 15 clubs in the conference standings, sitting three points above the bottom-placed side, Sporting Kansas City.
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