National Coalition of Black Professional Soccer Players Forms Partnership to Support the Next Generation of Athletes
Black Players for Change and Black Star to focus on removing soccer’s barriers to entry.
COLUMBUS, OHIO (Thursday, January 30, 2025) – Leveraging their collective strength and resources to focus on removing barriers to entry for young Black players, two organizations have joined forces to make a difference. Black Players for Change (BPC), the coalition of more than 170 Black professional soccer players, coaches, and staff addressing social injustice within the sport, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Black Star, a vibrant engagement brand driving soccer's growth in Black American communities at the intersection of soccer, lifestyle, and culture.
Beginning in February and spanning throughout the year, the partnership will create a lasting impact in several key areas, including: expanding access to quality soccer programs, developing pathways for players, coaches and leaders, promoting diversity and inclusion in the soccer industry, and utilizing soccer as a tool for social change.
“We are excited to join forces with Black Star to bridge the gap in access to soccer opportunities. This partnership represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive soccer landscape for Black youth. By working together, we can empower the next generation of athletes and inspire positive change within the sport.”
Recognizing the need for greater representation and opportunity within the Black soccer community, BPC and Black Star will kick off the partnership by providing support, resources and essential equipment needs to the following eight organizations.
“There is immense power in collaboration and community building. By uniting Black Players for Change and Black Star, we are forging a movement greater than the sum of its parts. Our shared vision and purpose drive us to create meaningful change for Black athletes in the game.”
100 Black Men of Austin (Austin, Texas)
Works to improve the quality of life within the Austin community and enhance educational and economic opportunities for African Americans and minorities through soccer programs.
Black Players for Change Spring Break Soccer Camp (Cleveland, Ohio)
Provides an introductory level camp for kids ages 10-14 to learn skills, play games, and have fun with Cleveland soccer all-stars.
CJ Brown Foundation (Chicago, Ill.)
Offers a wide range of programs, activities, and events designed to enhance the lives of youth in underserved communities in the Chicago area.
Coastal Outreach Soccer (Brunswick, Ga.)
Collaborates with the Glynn County School System and Brunswick Recreation Department to provide competitive soccer opportunities and educational mentoring to underserved youth.
Leysol Foundation / Coyotes Futbol Club (Long Beach, Calif.)
Offers recreational and competitive soccer programs at a fraction of the cost to underserved youth in South Los Angeles and Long Beach
Open Goal Project (Washington, D.C.)
Harnesses the transformative power of sport to promote positive youth development, facilitates upward social mobility, and empower our community with knowledge and resources to thrive. Our mission is to use soccer as a vehicle for children from marginalized communities to access growth opportunities, higher education, greater life experiences, upward social mobility, and improve long term health outcomes. Through 100% free-to-play soccer and youth development programs, fitness and nutrition guidance, and higher education opportunities, we use soccer as a vehicle to provide our community with holistic youth development programs that were previously inaccessible because of systemic barriers before Open Goal Project existed.
Outreach of Cape Fear (Wilmington, NC)
Founded by Kimberley Crabbe, the first Black female to play on the U.S. Women’s National Team, OCF provides equipment, transportation, coaching, and mentoring to youth in the Cape Fear region.
Pinto Futbol Foundation (Durham, NC)
Invests in grassroots programs to grow the game of soccer in underserved communities domestically and globally, minimizing barriers to participation.
The partnership marks a significant commitment from BPC and Black Star to address the challenges and improve opportunities for young Black soccer players to succeed in the sport.
For more information and to follow progress of this and other programs, visit BlackPlayersforChange.org.
About Black Players for Change
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of Black players, coaches and staff from Major League Soccer, 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 discrimination.
About Black Star
Black Star is the leading fan engagement brand driving soccer’s growth in Black American communities at the intersection of soccer, lifestyle, and culture. Our brand offerings include: content and storytelling, player experiences, fan events, and culturally inspired merchandise. Black Star is committed to cultivating Black soccer culture, providing access to player development pathways, and building fan communities through real world and digital experiences. Recognizing the unique needs of the Black community, Black Star aims to address issues of access and representation on and off the field.
