Leading into the 2022 World Cup, Black soccer fans continue to fight for equal access and representation, which is why Black Star was born and continues to grow.
Launched in 2021 in Detroit and Los Angeles, Black Star aimed to celebrate Black soccer culture. It is committed to celebrating the diversity of Black soccer culture, increasing access to the sport and providing coaching and player development pathways both on and off the field.
Back in July, Black Star partnered with For Soccer Ventures (FSV) to produce and host a series of soccer events in Washington D.C., Detroit, Los Angeles and Houston.
It was a four-city effort that helped showcase and strengthen Black culture’s roots and place in the Beautiful Game.
“The Black community has been foundational to the grassroots growth of soccer in the U.S., but until very recently, Black culture has been mostly excluded from domestic soccer culture,†said Patrick Rose, Director, Black Star.
Last weekend, the two partners finished their programming in LA. This weekend they head to Houston to conclude the 2022 grassroots effort.
While in Houston, per the press release, Black Star will “continue to celebrate Black soccer culture, build community, and provide players and coaches access to soccer development pathways through its free Community Pick Up, First-Touch Youth Clinic, Girls and Boys ID Showcase, and U.S. Soccer Coach for Community – Coaching Clinic events.”
The events have had strong and supportive partners in Adidas, Paramount+ and Buzzer.
Paramount+ was the presenting sponsor for all of the Black Star events last weekend in LA, which also saw Angel City FC and the LA Galaxy serve as community partners.
Houston’s events will support HBCUs by teaming up with Boyd Parker Sports Group to host the first-ever Houston HBCU Soccer ID Camp. It provides college soccer recruiting opportunities for high school players and college transfers.
Joining the event as community partners are the Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo FC.
“This is a fantastic program celebrating diverse soccer culture and the Dynamo and Dash look forward to supporting a community initiative that amplifies opportunities to play the sport,†Houston Dynamo FC chief operating officer, Jessica O’Neill said. “We are thrilled to host this event at our performance center later this month and provide a best-in-class experience for participants.â€
Adidas and Buzzer continue as Black Star national sponsors.
Here’s the full schedule of 2022 Black Star Houston events:
- Nov. 19 | Boys + Girls HBCU Soccer ID Camp @Houston Sports Park from 8am – 5pm
- Nov. 19 | Black Star First-Touch Youth Clinic @Houston Sports Park from 9am – 12 pm
- Nov. 19 | U.S. Soccer Coach for Community – Coaching Clinic @Houston Sports Park Center from 12pm – 2pm
- Nov. 20 | HBCU Soccer ID Camp @Houston Sports Park from 8am – 5pm
For registration and more information please visit www.blackstarsoccer.com and follow Black Star social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
