Black Players For Change

THE SEEDS WE PLANT. THE FLOWERS WE SHARE. This weekend, Major League Soccer and Black Players For Change celebrate Juneteenth—the historic date commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the US and the third anniversary of BPC. For 2023, MLS and BPC collaborated with artist Gianni Lee and world-renowned photographer and founder of Charcoal Pitch F.C. , Mel D. Cole, to create 1 of 1 Juneteenth-inspired jersey for every club along with a commemorative patch. All 29 jerseys will be signed by players on their respective clubs and auctioned off, with funds going to organizations that support Black communities in each club’s market. Clubs also have the option to sell the unique number set and patch in their team store this weekend, with the proceeds going to Black Players For Change. MLS continues to support the efforts of Black Players for Change to use their voices and their platforms as players to make meaningful and sustainable change. https://lnkd.in/gCKQ4x-Y #TogetherThereWillBeChange ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

The 2024 MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, was more than just a thrilling exhibition of soccer talent; it was a celebration of the unsung heroes who make our communities thrive. The Hometown Heroes Showcase, a cornerstone of the event, honored 5 amazing organizations and individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to service and leadership in their respective fields. The Hometown Heroes Showcase was a moving testament to the power of purpose-driven people making extraordinary differences. As Executive Director Allen Hopkins Jr. aptly put it, "These heroes remind us that true greatness lies not in individual achievements, but in the collective effort to uplift our communities and create a brighter future for all." 🎥: Heraldo Creative Studio Director: Stephen Heraldo Producer: Allen Hopkins Jr. DP + Editor: Brandon Stubbs PA + BTS: Isaac Williams Thank you to the MLS Team: Jan Greenberg Mirman, Meridith Hannan, Hugo Nirio Hernandez, and Sola Winley (he/him/his) Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxNmaih4

🌟 Exciting News from US Soccer! 🌟 Don't miss out on the opportunity to advance your coaching career with the U.S. Soccer B Course specially designed for active players! The application window is open until August 16, 2024. Apply for the course in two simple steps: 1️⃣ Create a profile on the Learning Center website, upload necessary documentation, and submit your application. 2️⃣ If you already have a profile, access the direct link and proceed with the application process. Key Dates: 📅 Aug. 1-16: Application Window 📅 Aug. 28-Sept. 11: Game Analysis 📅 Sept. 16-30: Virtual Interviews 📅 Oct. 14 (week): Course Invitations Eligibility: - Active Head Coach/Assistant Coach of a professional team at MLS/NWSL - Active Head Coach of a professional team at USL - Current U.S. Youth National Team Head Coach or higher Successful candidates can apply for financial support via BPC's Black Talent Fund. For inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. Seize this opportunity to grow and develop professionally! Direct Application Link: [Click Here](https://lnkd.in/gV2GEXRg)

As we quickly approach the end of the second transfer window of the 2024 MLS season, I am proud to report that after the 2023 season which saw several player-on-player discriminatory incidents, there have been ZERO such incidents at the MLS first-team level in 2024. Thanks to the pivotal role of Black Players for Change, significant progress has been made in shaping a more inclusive and respectful environment within the league. The Intercultural Awareness training, spearheaded by Black Players for Change and Major League Soccer, aims to foster a culture of respect and understanding among players and staff from 79 different nations within MLS. By introducing Competitive Triggers and Restorative Practices, the program enhances the On-Field Anti-Discrimination Policy. Every MLS team has embraced the work with the "Playing As One – We Commit Poster," symbolizing individual commitments to unity and respect. These posters serve as a powerful tool for personal accountability and are prominently displayed across MLS training facilities, offices, locker rooms, and meal areas. Grateful to be part of this transformative journey, there's still more progress to make, and work to do, but the momentum is undeniable. Excited and prepared for the road ahead!

Big week in Columbus for All-Star Game. You don't want to miss the "heart & soul" of MLS on display. Come join Black Players for Change, Commissioner Garber, MLS executives, the Haslams with special musical guest Wanmor as we celebrate the Hometown Heroes that are making ALL the difference in Columbus. Read more and RSVP below. https://lnkd.in/g28gMSzD https://lnkd.in/gQehX9WR

The latest offering from the Black Players for Change Black Talent Fund. Successful candidates will receive a STIPEND toward course costs provided by BPC Black Talent Fund. For more information please see below OR email, [email protected]. Course Information Link: Talent Scout Course Fall 2024 https://lnkd.in/gQPQvWj4 Application Window: July 10 @ 12:00 PM CT – July 23, 2024 @ 5:00 PM CT The purpose of the Talent Scout Course is to help youth scouts learn the process of identification, examination and monitoring of potential (top) talented players. Candidates will acquire or further develop the competencies (knowledge, skills, attitude) and personal traits necessary to work as a Talent Scout Overview: The overall objective of the Talent Scout License Course is to enable candidates to acquire and further develop the competencies (knowledge, skills, attitude and personal traits) necessary to work as a youth Scout. Course Fee: $3500 (includes tuition, housing & meals). Hotel rooms (double) will be booked by U.S. Soccer. The cost of the course is $3500. If you are selected to take part in this course, you will be required to submit 50% of the course fee at the time of registration ($1750). The remaining 50% ($1750) is required 10 days prior to the first course meeting. Payment must be submitted via credit card. Failure to submit a second payment will result in a forfeiture of a roster spot. Eligibility & Environment *Candidate must hold a minimum of a U.S. Soccer B license for at least 12 months OR hold a U.S. Soccer A License *Currently scouting within a youth scouting 11vs.11 environment (U13 through U21) in a U.S. based competition (applicants that have access to a internship in a 11vs.11 environment will also be considered) *Candidate must be able to attend all meetings (in-person and virtual) Course Structure *Virtual Meetings: Approx. 90 mins each *Two (2) In-Person Meetings Expectations: Student must be fully prepared to complete all coursework on time and be engaged during meetings. Attend opening course webinar on August 15, 2024. Course Begins: August 15 (virtually) In-Person Meeting #1 - Kansas City, KS September 6-9, 2024 Begins 10 a.m. local time; ends 12 p.m. local time Virtual Meetings VM #1 September 19, 12-1:30pm CT VM #2 September 26, 12-1:30pm CT VM #3 October 3, 12-1:30pm CT VM #4 October 10, 12-1:30pm CT VM #5 October 17, 12-1:30pm CT Closing Webinar: November 7th In-Person Meeting #2 - Austin, TX October 24-27, 2024 Begins 10 a.m. local time; ends 12 p.m. local time Course Ends: November, 2024

The MLS All-Star Hometown Hero Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management and in partnership with Black Players For Change recognizes organizations & their leaders committed to serving the Columbus community. This week we’re honored to spotlight Dorothy Hassan for their impactful work with Our Helpers. “It is incredibly humbling to be recognized by MLS as a hometown hero for the work that Our Helpers is doing to help New American families improve their lives and transition from simply surviving to thriving. I am honored that the work we are doing is being valued and celebrated in a way that surpasses my wildest dreams!” Learn more about the #HometownHeroes at MLShometownheroes.com #MLSAllStar

Statement from BPC #soccer

Juneteenth is a CELEBRATION of how far WE have come and a call to ACTION for the work that remains. Our organization started on this day during uncertain times in 2020. Since then we've seen a lot of growth and continue to fight for equality for all who step on the pitch. Happy #Juneteenth. We're just getting started. Join the movement: https://lnkd.in/gKUw5_Ew #BPCJuneteenth

Happy Juneteenth🎉! Proud to support and collaborate with Black Players For Change, Major League Soccer, Portland Timbers, and adidas on the "I AM #19" prematch top, celebrating #Juneteenth and championing the contributions of generations of players to the game. Let's raise awareness of the work still to be done in closing the equity gap. Find this year's top at the MLS Store, with proceeds supporting #JuneteenthOregon! Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth “Independence Day” or “Freedom Day,” commemorates the day Union troops enforced the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2021, Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday and in 2022 a State Holiday in Oregon. Take this day to give back your time, learn about local Black heroes, owners, visionaries, and leaders, and support your community! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Equity #ClosetheGap