Steffen content to debut across *The Players’ Tribune* channels on July 1
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (July 1, 2024) – The Colorado Rapids, Audi of America, Major League Soccer and The Players’ Tribune today announced that Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen will be featured in the Celebrating Impact content series for his demonstration of excellence in driving progress in his community.
Media assets can be found ***here***
Working directly with Steffen to spotlight causes that are important to him, content will be unveiled through written, video, and social across The Players’ Tribune’s and MLS’ channels, amplifying the power of Steffen’s voice and raising awareness for charities close to his heart.
Steffen has a long history of making a positive impact on the community and fostering relationships through his foundation, VOYCENOW. VOYCENOW emerged directly in response to the Black community's struggle for equality. Following George Floyd's tragic murder, Zack Steffen was motivated to take action and speak out against the racial injustices facing our nation. This led him to collaborate with his former teammate at both the University of Maryland and Columbus Crew, Alex Crognale, to establish the VOYCENOW Foundation. This nonprofit unites athletes globally to leverage their platforms in advocating for Equality for All.
Driven by their commitment to use social media for positive change, the founders aim to mobilize their fans and supporters as allies for at-risk students and athletes around the US and beyond. From its inception, VOYCENOW has grown with the support of over 150 Athlete Ambassadors across 20 leagues and 13 countries. Together, they form VOYCENOW, a community of changemakers dedicated to promoting equality. The VOYCENOW community is dedicated to empowering the next generation of changemakers. Their efforts are organized into four key programs: Academic Success, Sports, Healthy Habits and Mental Wellness.
“It is an honor to be featured in the Celebrating Impact content series, as being a voice for positive social change is such an important part of my life,” said Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen. I’m fortunate to have the platform to help inspire and make a positive impact, and I’m committed to continuing to give back to the community, a place that means so much to me.”
In honor of Steffen’s incredible work driving progress off the field, Audi will be making a $40,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to VOYCENOW.
Audi’s immense commitment to community projects will continue to be highlighted as part of the end-of-year player recognitions through the return of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award. A selection committee – comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff and media members – will consider current MLS players who are dedicated to enriching lives and improving communities across the league. A $150,000 contribution will be made to the player’s charity of choice and presented to the winner during MLS Cup presented by Audi.
A longstanding partner of MLS, Audi has made an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players as the force behind the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative. Launched in 2019, the initiative provides funding to further enhance the experience of young players on and off the field at MLS academies, which play an essential role in developing talented players across the league. The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has evolved to not only support player development on the pitch but also bring an impact off the pitch by financially supporting and spotlighting the community initiatives of players. Since the program’s inception, Audi has funded a combined total of $5 million to support MLS academies and player selected charity organizations.
To engage with Celebrating Impact content, visit theplayerstribune.com and MLSsoccer.com. Join the conversation and excitement surrounding each episode by following @Audi, @MLS and @ThePlayersTribune on social media.
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ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 29th season in 2024 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass features the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
At Audi of America, we believe the future is electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be at least 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2023, Audi sold a record-breaking 228,550 vehicles in the U.S. Among those deliveries, Audi sold more fully electric models than ever before, achieved record Audi Sport sales, and had a record-breaking year in after sales. Learn more about who we are and how we’re working to create a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com.
ABOUT THE PLAYERS’ TRIBUNE
The Players' Tribune is the leading sports content platform that developed the blueprint for athlete-driven storytelling. Created by athletes for athletes, The Players' Tribune provides athletes with premium tools and resources to produce truly personal content and tell their stories. Founded by Derek Jeter in 2014 and acquired by Minute Media in 2019, The Players' Tribune has reimagined the world of sports and culture globally, through the player's point of view. For more information visit www.theplayerstribune.com, or interact with the team on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contacts:
For Major League Soccer
Peter O’Brien
For Audi
Amanda Koons
For The Players’ Tribune
Paige Graham
