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 ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

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

Every generation has the power to effect change. In collaboration with Black Players For Change, MLS is honoring #Juneteenth by uniting players at every level through a shared vision for change in our sport. Tonight, players will wear a special “I AM #19” pre-match top to celebrate the day and remind us of the need for continued progress in bridging the racial equality gap.

From academies to first teams and beyond, generations inspire change in new ways.    As part of this year’s Juneteenth celebrations, Black Players for Change is collaborating with Major League Soccer and adidas on a special “I AM #19” pre-match top that emphasizes the significance of Juneteenth and unites players across all levels of the league as agents of change. The top also recognizes the work yet to be done when it comes to bridging the racial equality gap in soccer and society.   Players will wear the top ahead of matches between June 15-19, and fans can purchase the top via MLS Store or stadium retail locations—a portion of the proceeds will go to support initiatives and organizations focused on racial equity and social justice. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzVH5p-8 #MLSSoccer #Soccer #Juneteenth

The passion, the drive and unwavering belief in the power of our mission is reflected in our 2024 Coastal Outreach Soccer Graduates 🎓 We are sending the best wishes to Bella, Anthony and Enrique as they move ahead in pursuing their dreams! The future is B-R-I-G-H-T 🔗: https://lnkd.in/gcbrUY4x