WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2023) – D.C. United will celebrate Black History Month through a series of community-driven activities, both led by the club and in partnership with club partners, SOUL, Urban Alliance, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., all of whom serve the greater Washington area.
Details about the club’s activities follow:
- Soccer and Soar in partnership with SOUL: A D.C. United-led and created initiative, Soccer & Soar, is designed to help young people thrive on and off the pitch through access to the game and professionals at the highest-level of sport. The in-school and out-of-school program is centered around the club’s community values of Empowerment, Opportunity and Service and provides mentorship to young people throughout the DMV. In February, D.C. United will team up with SOUL also known as Student Athletes Organized to Understand Leadership, a non-profit organization that connects high school-aged student athletes to diverse opportunities that build life skills needed to succeed in academics and careers. Students that complete the program will receive tickets to the D.C. United home opener along with a personalized club swag bag to support their future goals and aspirations.
- Urban Alliance Executive Shadow Day: For the second year in a row, D.C. United have teamed-up with Urban Alliance to provide professional experience to local high school students. As an extension of Urban Alliance’s commitment to build a more equitable workforce, D.C. United will host students at the Audi Field Offices as they spend the day with members of the executive team and where they will receive hands-on industry experience and be mentored by individuals across the various areas of the organization.
- Partnership with Jack and Jill of America, Inc.: D.C. United is partnering with National Harbor Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. a membership organization of mothers with children 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. By teaming up with Jack and Jill and other historical black organizations with a longstanding history in DC, D.C. United will host an educational panel for front office staff to learn more about organization and supporting their efforts locally. Additionally, Jack and Jill, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and D.C. United will host a day party featuring a sock drive for Shepard’s Cove Emergency Women’s and Children’s Shelter. The D.C. United Foundation will match all sock donations up to 200 pairs and will continue to work with both organizations around D.C. United’s home opener to collect new winter hats and gloves for families.
- DC African American History Tour: This month Season Ticket Members will have the opportunity to learn more about African American History in DC along with their favorite members of the First Team. With an exclusive bus tour throughout the city, the group will visit historic African American landmarks throughout the District.
In addition to these efforts and others to come, D.C. United will be highlighting a number of players who played an instrumental role in helping the club achieve success on the pitch over the years and who helped grow the game in the United States across club-owned properties throughout the month.
To learn how you can get involved in D.C. United’s community work during Black History Month and throughout the year please visit: https://www.dcunited.com/community/.
