MLS Players Direct Player Fine Money to Players Coalition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 5th, 2021
Contact: eharley@mlsplayers.org, sirena@blackplayersforchange.org
MLS Players Direct Player Fine Money to Players Coalition
Major League Soccer Players Association and Black Players for Change announce donation to Players Coalition to support their mission to achieve social and racial equality
Washington, D.C. – The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) and Black Players for Change today announced a donation of $75,000 to the Players Coalition Charitable Foundation (PC Charitable Foundation).
Under its Collective Bargaining Agreement,the MLSPA donates certain fine monies collected from players to charitable organizations. The MLSPA Executive Board unanimously decided to direct a portion of this fine money to the Players Coalition in support of the MLSPA’s partnership with Black Players for Change (BPC). “The BPC has done an extraordinary job of raising awareness of how much change is needed in our league, our industry and our country when it comes to equity and inclusion. The MLSPA is very proud to be partners with the BPC and we are committed to continuing to listen and work for the profound change that is needed,” said Bob Foose, Executive Director of the MLSPA.
Players Coalition and Black Players for Change announced a formal partnership in 2020 to join their overlapping missions to advance social justice and racial equality.“Recent tragedies in Brooklyn Center, Chicago, Columbus, Elizabeth City and across this country serve as a painful reminder of how important the BPC and Players Coalition’s missions are and how much collective work we still have to do,” said Justin Morrow, Executive Director of Black Players for Change. “We remain determined to work together to create meaningful, lasting change in sport and in society .”
The MLSPA is excited to make this donation on behalf of all MLS players and is committed to supporting Black Players for Change as they work to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society and the game of soccer.
BPC/PC Ongoing initiatives: Our Work In The Community
About The Major League Soccer Players Association
The Major League Soccer Players Association serves as the voice and collective bargaining representative for all former, current and future Major League Soccer Players. Formed in April 2003, the Players Association ensures protection of the rights of all MLS Players, while also promoting their best interests and amplifying their voices. The PA is a democratic organization run by and for players, and ultimate control over the PA 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+ Black 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 rights 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 Players Coalition
Players Coalition is structured as an independent 501(c)(3) (charity) and 501(c)(4) (advocacy) organization, working with professional athletes, coaches and owners across leagues to improve social justice and racial equality in our country. For more information visit Players-Coalition.org or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.