MLS, P&G & Hispanic Star Support Next Generation of Latinx Leaders

September 30, 2022 

Major League Soccer (MLS), Procter and Gamble (P&G) and Hispanic Star – a platform to advance Hispanic people in the United States – is continuing to leverage the Hispanic community’s passion for soccer and help prepare the next generation of Latinx leaders through Capitanes del Futuro [Captains of the Future]. The program initially launched during MLS’ Soccer For All Week in May. Taking place in partnership with select MLS Clubs, the inaugural phase of the multi-year program will culminate during the league’s current Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. 

The program was created to develop the next generation of Hispanic business leaders and builds on a joint commitment to advance Hispanic progress in the US. It provides boys and girls aged 12 to 18 with free in-person and digital experiences that connect them to role models, Hispanic leaders and potential career paths. In addition, the program exposes them to hands-on experiences and access to higher education opportunities that nurture long-term success. 

“Hispanic progress is American progress,” said Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder of We Are All Human and Hispanic Star. “It is our mission to ensure everyone knows that and create programs and opportunities that accelerate the progress of Hispanics, opening the doors for Latinos to get better education, better health, better gender equality and better jobs.” 

Only 19% of Hispanic people in the US have a bachelor’s degree, compared with 26% in the Black population and 42% in the White population. Capitanes del Futuro’s resources, tools, scholarships, mentorships and skills are aimed at helping youth “open their minds, build their confidence and overcome structural barriers that are often found along the pathway to higher education and career opportunities.”  

“Despite strong progress in high school graduation rates, only 56% of Hispanic students in the US are enrolling in college and more than half of them don’t graduate,” said Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer at P&G. “These rates significantly trail their white counterparts and illustrate the importance of this broad mission.” 

Over 150 Hispanic youth have already attended Capitanes del Futuro events at MLS stadiums and training centers, hosted by Hispanic Star Hubs across the country and MLS clubs, Inter Miami CF, FC Cincinnati, Austin FC, Los Angeles Galaxy, New England Revolution and New York City FC. Participants have also been introduced to a wide range of career opportunities in soccer through workshops led by MLS club staff. 

Additional program components include: 

• Workshops on social media, marketing, matchday perspectives, business management and other clubs departments to showcase behind-the-scenes perspectives 
• A digital library that includes footage from past events and inspiring videos from mentors and role models 
• An app that will include gamified learning tools and additional resources 
• Opportunities to connect youth with soccer players, including virtual master classes 
• A multi-year curriculum consisting of physical and digital courses to develop young Hispanic students into future leaders 
• Active participation will also unlock access to scholarships, apprenticeships, internships and more 

Registration for the Capitanes del Futuro program is currently open. Parents, teachers, coaches and other mentors are encouraged to enroll Hispanic youth aged 12 to 18.