MLS #SoccerForAll - Fostering Inclusive Communities
July 2, 2021
In less than two weeks, Beyond Soccer returns with a focus on innovative campaigns and initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the game today - on and off the field - supported by MLS Works and Official Partner, Women in Soccer. Today we are featuring Major League Soccer’s (MLS), Soccer For All.
According to the League, Soccer for All emphasizes MLS's commitment to drive positive social change, foster more inclusive and equitable communities, and ultimately, to end discrimination. Launched in 2018, it signifies that everyone is welcome to MLS, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
As part of its commitment, MLS and its clubs conduct initiatives throughout the year, providing inclusive opportunities in-stadium and for members of its local communities. Programming and resources are varied and localized, and include special initiatives aligned to commemorative awareness months.
Though it runs all year-long, MLS Works held a special Soccer for All Week in May showcasing collective efforts and strategic partnerships throughout the league to advance DEI. Here were some of the national highlights:
- The EduCup Challenge, a multi-league virtual competition created by EVERFI to provide students with tools on how to create a positive environment in-school, on social media and throughout their community. Included in the competition was MLS Actions Matter, a bullying prevention program. Students competed for one of five $1,000 academic scholarships or a tablet or laptop computer. In addition, school faculty members had the chance to win their school $5,000 towards technology to help with the digital divide.
- In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the League and its clubs have been building Safe Places to Play mini-pitches in MLS communities since 2015. As part the week, they showcased the collective efforts of players, clubs and partners to highlight the importance of play equity and provide greater access for youth from underserved communities to play the game and learn critical life skills.
- The Soccer For All Speaker Series, a season-long program in partnership with the League’s employee resource groups (ERGs), continued to amplify underrepresented voices. As part of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, MLS Works and partners held an edition that shined a light on the important issues touching the AAPI community.
- To commemorate LGBTQ+ Pride month last month, MLS clubs launched local activations and in-stadium nights to celebrate the league’s diverse and inclusive communities. Fans also got the opportunity to purchase Adidas Pride training tops as part of Love Unites, Adidas's global campaign promoting equity in sport and reinforcing how the love of sport unites us all.
- As part of the League’s long-term commitment to address the racial inequalities that exist throughout soccer and in recognition of the recent Juneteenth celebration (commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865 in the US), MLS and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW) partnered with Chicago Fire FC to launch a workforce development program, consisting of virtual career days and a national webinar. NCBW’s mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equality in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.
Click here to read some more of the ways that MLS Players and Clubs have been supporting Soccer for All. To learn more and register for Beyond Soccer, click here.
Now in its 26th season, the league remains committed to promoting an atmosphere of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the soccer community.
MLS is a Founding Supporter of Beyond Sport.