MLSPA, Black Players for Change and SCORE Announce Partnership
In a historic display of player solidarity, today the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), Black Players for Change (BPC), and Soccer Collective on Racial Equality (SCORE) hereby announce our formal partnership to combat racism, advocate for all forms of social justice and human rights, and to increase Black, Latinx, women, and LGBTQ representation in all aspects of American soccer.
This partnership, the first of its kind in professional sports between current players, former players and a players association, is being formed to strengthen our collective efforts and to ensure that Major League Soccer’s (MLS) recently announced initiatives to combat racism, advocate for social justice, human rights and increase representation have the requisite infrastructure and support of key stakeholders to effect substantive change.
Our broad and inclusive coalition, representing over 750 active players from 72 different countries, 170 active Black players in MLS, and former MLS players, broadcasters, coaches, and administrators in the men’s and women’s game, seeks to focus the voices of key stakeholders and work cooperatively in a transparent matter with MLS. Our partnership will ensure that a comprehensive process, protocols, and monitoring are established to create and maintain a more equitable environment at every level of American soccer. Racism, sexism, and all forms of prejudice are societal issues that cannot be solved in the traditional hierarchical manner. Those most affected by the problem must be consulted and allowed to contribute to the solutions. MLSPA, BPC, and SCORE are the umbrella from which our key stakeholders can concentrate their collective firepower and take direct action to inspire positive change.
We look forward to an open and transparent dialogue with MLS on our joint mission to combat racism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry, as well as our shared commitment to increase not only Black representation in American soccer, but representation for all marginalized groups.
About The Major League Soccer Players Association
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) serves as the voice and collective bargaining representative for all former, current, and future Major League Soccer players. Formed in April 2003, the MLSPA ensures protection of the rights of all MLS players, while also promoting their best interests and amplifying their voices. The MLSPA is a democratic organization run by and for players, and ultimate control over the MLSPA rests with the players. To learn more please visit www.mlsplayers.org
About Black Players for Change
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent organization consisting of over 170+ players, coaches and staff of MLS, working to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society. BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have limited Black people from having an equitable stake in the game of soccer and society. Among the many goals the organization strives to advance the attention on human right inequalities from protest to programs, partnerships and policies that address systemic racism. For more information visit www.BlackPlayersForChange.org or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About Soccer Collective on Racial EqualitySCORE is a collective of men and women composed of former players, broadcasters, and administrators. The founders of SCORE organized around their collective Black experience and exclusion from aspects of the game upon retirement. SCORE’s mission is to increase the representation of Black and Brown men and women in soccer and create equitable access for all people regardless of color, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. For more information visit www.SCORE-NA.com.