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Black Players for Change (BPC) and Black Star have joined forces to break down the barriers to entry for young Black soccer players across the U.S. The collaborators will leverage their collective strengths and resources to expand access to soccer, create development opportunities and promote diversity and inclusion in the sport.
According to Active Living Research, 70% of Black and Hispanic neighborhoods don’t have any recreational facilities – and only a third of Black and Hispanic children aged 6-12 play sports on a regular basis. Within soccer, there is a lack of Black and Brown players both professionally and at a grassroots level. One of the most persistent barriers to participation is the financial burdens of the sport, with parents spending more than $10,000 a year on membership fees and out-of-town tournaments. Children from poorer neighborhoods are often priced out and even the few who get scholarships struggle with logistical costs such as travel.
BPC, a coalition of over 170 Black professional players, coaches and staff, has been at the forefront of advocating for social justice within soccer. The organization is dedicated to addressing racial inequities in soccer and society, aiming to advance human rights through advocacy, partnerships and programs that combat systemic discrimination. Black Star, a fan engagement brand dedicated to fostering soccer’s growth in Black American communities, works at the intersection of culture, lifestyle and sport. Together, the two entities are committed to addressing the systemic challenges faced by Black athletes and empowering the next generation.
Launched this month and running throughout the year, the partnership will target several key areas: increasing access to quality soccer programs, creating pathways for players and coaches, promoting diversity and inclusion in the soccer industry and using soccer as a tool for social change.
Recognizing the need for greater representation and opportunity within the Black soccer community, BPC and Black Star are providing support and essential equipment to eight organizations that are already making a difference in their local communities. These groups include:
- 100 Black Men of Austin (Austin, Texas): Improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for African American and minority communities through soccer programs.
- Black Players for Change Spring Break Soccer Camp (Cleveland, Ohio): Offering an introductory camp for youth ages 10-14, providing skills development, games and exposure to local soccer talent.
- CJ Brown Foundation (Chicago, Ill.): Creating programs and events that enhance the lives of youth in underserved Chicago communities.
- Coastal Outreach Soccer (Brunswick, Ga.): Partnering with local schools and recreation departments to offer competitive soccer opportunities and mentoring for underserved youth.
- Leysol Foundation / Coyotes Futbol Club (Long Beach, Calif.): Providing recreational and competitive soccer at affordable rates to underserved youth in South Los Angeles and Long Beach.
- Open Goal Project (Washington, D.C.): Empowering youth in marginalized communities through free soccer programs, higher education opportunities and health initiatives to foster social mobility.
- Outreach of Cape Fear (Wilmington, NC): Founded by Kimberley Crabbe, the first Black female player on the U.S. Women’s National Team, providing coaching, mentoring and resources to youth in the Cape Fear region.
- Pinto Futbol Foundation (Durham, NC): Promoting grassroots soccer programs in underserved communities both in the U.S. and globally, eliminating barriers to participation.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing the underrepresentation and limited opportunities within the Black soccer community. By uniting their efforts, the organizations aim to create lasting change that will benefit generations of athletes to come.
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