Sports

Brandeis Men's Soccer to Draft 9-Year-Old Austin Flateau

The team adds the Franklin star with the golden foot through local nonprofit Team IMPACT.

WALTHAM, MA – The Brandeis University soccer team announced Friday it will draft nine-year-old Austin Flateau ahead of its game in the first round of the Division III championship this weekend.

Austin adds some extra firepower to the Judges' roster for Saturday's game against Western New England University. He joins Brandeis soccer through Team IMPACT, a non-profit in Quincy that matches children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses to college sports teams nationwide.

Austin, who was diagnosed with epilepsy caused by two rare brain malformations in 2011, has remained resilient throughout the past five years. His grit caught the eye of the Judges, and he will attend practices, games and events as a member of the team.

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Tonight, Austin will sign his letter of intent at an official Draft Day press conference, co-hosted by Team IMPACT and the Brandeis men's soccer team. The event includes a speech by Coach Gabe Margolis and a reception for Austin to meet his new teammates.

Image via Shutterstock

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