Steven Birnbaum content to debut across _The Players’ Tribune_ channels on Oct. 25
WASHINGTON // NEW YORK (Oct. 25, 2023) – Audi of America, Major League Soccer and The Players’ Tribune today announced that D.C. United captain Steven Birnbaum will be featured in the “Celebrating Impact” content series for his demonstration of excellence in driving progress in his community.
Working directly with Birnbaum to spotlight causes that are important to him, content will be unveiled through written, video, and social across The Players’ Tribune’s channels, amplifying the power of Birnbaum’s voice and raising awareness for charities close to his heart.
Since joining D.C. United in 2014, Birnbaum has a been a pillar in the Washington, D.C. community and has a longstanding relationship with DC SCORES that has empowered students to succeed on the playing field, in the classroom, and in life. Birnbaum has been a champion of the nonprofit organization for the last decade and has positively affected the lives of countless students through school visits, recreational games, fundraisers, and community events across the DMV.
“Being a part of the D.C. United community and leveraging my platform as a voice for positive social change has always been important to me,” said Birnbaum. “It’s an honor to be featured in the Celebrating Impact content series to shine a light on DC SCORES who are making a daily impact in the communities where we live and play our games.”
In honor of Birnbaum’s incredible work driving progress off the field, Audi will be making a $20,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to the nonprofit organization Birnbaum selected: DC SCORES.
Audi’s immense commitment to community projects will also be highlighted as part of the end of year player recognitions with the new Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award presented by MLS WORKS (formerly MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year). A selection committee – comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff and media members – will consider current MLS players whose dedication to charitable efforts and social impact work creates sustainable communities, fosters equity and inclusion, and enriches the lives of those in need across the U.S. and Canada. During MLS Cup presented by Audi, the League and Audi will present the winner of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award with a $100,000 contribution to the player’s select nonprofit organization. The finalists for this recognition will be announced on Oct. 26 via MLS’ owned channels.
As a longstanding partner, 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 program. Launched in 2019, the Audi Goals Drive Progress 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 in the U.S. and Canada. With a new program development starting in 2023, 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 MLS players’ community initiatives.
Audi has been a champion of MLS during a period of tremendous momentum behind the sport of soccer in North America, as Major League Soccer is in the midst of its 28th season and as the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico approaches. The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has funded over $4 million to support MLS academies – making an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players.
For more information on Celebrating Impact, visit theplayerstribune.com and MLSsoccer.com. Join the conversation and excitement by following @Audi, @MLS, @MLSWORKS, and @ThePlayersTribune on social media.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 28th season in 2023 -- 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 will feature 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 2022, Audi sold 186,875 vehicles in the U.S., sold more fully electric models than ever before, and achieved 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 an online sports media platform that developed the blueprint for athlete-driven storytelling. Developed by athletes for athletes, The Players’ Tribune brings together the athlete voice with the power of trusted and authentic narratives. By giving athletes premium tools and resources to create truly personal content and tell their stories, The Players’ Tribune is reimagining the world of sports and culture globally, through the player’s point of view. Co-Founded by Derek Jeter in 2014, and acquired by Minute Media in 2019, The Players’ Tribune provides creative partnership and a curated experience built on trust and representing the athlete point of view above all else. For more information visit www.theplayerstribune.com, or interact with the team on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT D.C. UNITED
One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies. D.C. United have called the District home for the past 27 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round and is home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group. The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013). For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @dcunited.
Media Contacts:
For Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano
For Audi
Amanda Koons
For The Players’ Tribune
Paige Graham
