Two new soccer mini-pitches—located at Halloran Park and Lonnie Burten Park—are now open, thanks to a national partnership between adidas, Black Players for Change (BPC), Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC), Musco Lighting, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Major League Soccer (MLS), RBC Wealth Management and Black Players for Change (BPC) today announced the 2025 MLS Hometown Heroes—four Austin-area community leaders who exemplify innovation, resilience, and service.

Juneteenth isn't merely a day to commemorate a pivotal moment in history; it's a powerful reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality and the profound impact we can achieve when united by an unwavering vision of equality and justice.

Black Players for Change is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 MLS Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management, a celebration of the unsung heroes making a real difference in the Austin community. 

Black Players for Change and Black Star have joined forces to leverage their collective strength and resources to focus on removing barriers to entry for young Black players.

2024 has been a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of our players, coaches, and advocates  to drive positive change in the world of soccer.

Through the 2024 season, there were ZERO on-field player-on-player discriminatory incidents at the MLS first-team level.

Black Players for Change (BPC) made strides in advocacy during their Washington D.C. visit on September 26-27. Executive Director Allen Hopkins Jr. and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP led meetings with key congressional staff from both parties in the House and Senate.

The Hometown Heroes Showcase honored 5 organizations and individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to service and leadership in their respective fields.

Major League Soccer and Black Players for Change invite you to join us for the 2024 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management and Black Players for Change. This is a celebration of innovative non-profit organizations and leaders committed to serving the Columbus community.