Major League Soccer unveils MLS Unites
April 3, 2020
This week, our partners at Major League Soccer (MLS) launched MLS Unites in partnership with the MLS Players Association to highlight player, coach, club and league efforts to address COVID-19, educate communities and entertain fans.
The series of programs encompasses education on the importance of key health and safety messaging, provides fun player-focused content to keep fans connected and celebrates community heroes who are on the frontlines of the pandemic.
“Bringing together our Major League Soccer community, all while staying apart, is the spirit of MLS Unites,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “During this challenging moment in history, I know we can count on the MLS family to come together when we need each other most. Together with our fans, players, team and partners, we will shine a light on what can be done, and on the heroes leading the way.”
Here is how some of the teams are helping their local communities:
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Atlanta United - Atlanta United owner, Arthur Blank, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation committed nearly $5.4 million in funding for immediate and long-term recovery assistance to organizations providing critical support throughout Georgia and Montana. The Foundation will grant $5 million to The Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.
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Chicago Fire FC - Chicago Fire FC is supporting the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund and the American Red Cross. In collaboration with the City of Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago launched the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund to be distributed to nonprofit organizations across the region. The Fire is also raising awareness that blood donations are desperately needed in the state of Illinois.
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LA Galaxy - The LA Galaxy launched the TOGETHER AT HOME campaign, a club-wide initiative to support, engage and inform LA Galaxy fans and the Los Angeles community amid COVID-19. The campaign includes donations to LA Regional Food Bank, free virtual urgent care visits courtesy of Dignity Health, an Instagram Live concert featuring MURS and more.
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FC Dallas - FC Dallas, the FC Dallas Foundation and corporate partners are launching a variety of initiatives to support its fans and community. The club delivered food to Frisco Fastpacs, a non-profit organization that delivers weekend meals, to kick off their ‘Taking Care of Those Who Take Care’ and to ensure that kids do not go hungry while schools are closed.
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D.C. United - D.C. United have launched a player-led effort, #UniteTheDistrict, to raise funds to support the Club’s part-time workers and the greater Washington, D.C. area. Money raised from the #UniteTheDistrict effort will be donated to D.C. United’s hourly matchday staff and local nonprofit, Martha’s Table, to aid their mission of supporting strong children, strong families, and strong communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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New York City FC – New York City FC has created its 'Stay Healthy, Stay Home platform' for NYCFC fans, players and staff. This platform will allow the NYCFC family to stay connected and share ways to help the local community as well as connect initiatives that will educate, provide relief and raise awareness.