In 2021, Black Star, a program dedicated to Black soccer culture, was launched in Detroit and Los Angeles.
Black Star’s commitment is 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.
A year later, the program has successfully expanded the sport’s reach with many players, coaches and families while also providing free soccer programming.
Now the program receives a boost through a partnership with For Soccer Ventures (FSV).
Today FSV, an independent media and experiences company focused on the growth and long-term development of American soccer, announced the calendar of events for Black Star.
Starting this month, Black Star will host on-field soccer programming and pop-up events alongside local Black-owned businesses in Washington, D.C., Detroit, Los Angeles, and Houston.
This year’s soccer programs will include youth clinics, U.S. Soccer Coaching Clinics and Talent ID Workshops, an HBCU Soccer ID Camp, and elite showcase ID programs in which players will have the opportunity to be evaluated for collegiate and professional soccer opportunities.
Black Star’s first event in Washington, D.C. on July 23-24, 2022. It will include a Girls Elite Showcase, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX. The D.C. partner organizations include U.S. Soccer, D.C. United, the Washington Spirit, DC SCORES, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, and D.C. Cup. In addition, Black Star will focus on supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), teaming up with HBCU Soccer ID Camps in Houston to provide college soccer recruiting opportunities for players.
The announcement also revealed that Adidas, Paramount+, Buzzer, and Boyd Parker Sports Group’s HBCU Soccer ID Camps joined the program as official athletic apparel, media, corporate, and soccer partners, respectively.
“Black Star is grateful to have Adidas, Buzzer, and Boyd Parker Sports Group’s HBCU Soccer ID Camps as partners. In addition, we are really excited to announce Paramount+ as Black Star’s partner in Washington, D.C., Houston, Detroit, and Los Angeles to help us in our important work of both growing the game and inspiring the next generation of youth and coaches in these communities,†said Patrick Rose, Director, Black Star, in the release.
One of the biggest challenges facing Black soccer groups, families and players is the financial costs, particularly at the travel level. Having sponsors on board can help broaden the sport’s reach and appeal, and help reduce the financial burden that impedes the growth of the sport in Black communities.
“We are proud to partner with Black Star as they continue the important work of promoting access and inclusion within the Black soccer community. At Adidas, we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives and our Black Star partnership brings this ethos to life,” said Skate Noftsinger, Director, Sports Marketing Soccer North America at Adidas.
The calendar for 2022 Black Star includes:
- Washington, D.C: July 23-24, 2022
- Detroit: September 24-25, 2022
- Los Angeles: November 12-13, 2022
- Houston: November 19-20, 2022
In addition to soccer programming, Black Star strives to build community through content, storytelling, experiences, and capsule collections. Having partners on board to amplify these stories is essential to Black Star’s mission.
“Since day one, Buzzer, Strive and Black Star have been committed to leveling the playing field for the Black community. For Soccer Ventures’ plans for 2022 will increase access to the game of soccer on and off-the-field for HBCU students, women and youth. We are excited and proud to expand our partnership with the Black Star and know that we will continue to see great moments and long-term impact as a result,” said Dexter Mason, Head of Social Impact & DEI Strategy at Buzzer
The love for The Beautiful Game has always existed in the Black community, but the opportunity to grow the love through player development, both locally and nationally, has been an ongoing challenge.
But with a program like Black Star, and partners like FSV, those facing these challenges now have a strong foundation of support to help overcome these obstacles.
“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. “We’re excited to continue the work that we started in 2021 to partner with and support existing Black soccer programs through development and educational pathways, content and storytelling, and experiences that build community.â€
For registration and more information please visit www.blackstarsoccer.com and follow Black Star social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
