MLS and P&G Brands – Gillette, Always, and Gain – to support Hispanic youth with access to role models and mentors in-person and via gamified learning
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Sept. 27, 2023) – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month and as part of its long-standing commitment to supporting youth, Major League Soccer (MLS), MLS WORKS – the League’s social responsibility platform, P&G and Hispanic Star are teaming up for the second edition of Capitanes del Futuro, a unique program that harnesses the passion for soccer to prepare the next generation of Hispanic leaders.
MLS clubs – Austin FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, Inter Miami CF, New England Revolution, New York City FC, and New York Red Bulls – will each host more than 100 Hispanic youth for immersive Capitanes del Futuro events at MLS stadiums and training centers.
“Major League Soccer is excited to once again team up with P&G’s trusted brands and Hispanic Star to inspire Hispanic youth,” said Sola Winley, MLS Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “We are proud to positively impact the next generation of Hispanic leaders and empower them through the Capitanes del Futuro program.”
As part of the program, participants will experience behind-the-scenes elements of the sports business industry and job-shadow careers in team front offices such as social media, marketing, match day operations, business management, community relations and other departments.
“Did you know the soccer industry offers at least 10 jobs off the field for every player on the pitch?”, said Lela Coffey, P&G Multicultural Vice President for North America. “Yet often youth are not aware of these professional opportunities. Capitanes del Futuro is a unique program built around the US soccer ecosystem to drive awareness of the opportunities to Latino youth, while reinforcing the skills and experience needed for professional success.”
The program is helping youth 13-18 years old to embrace their Hispanic values as their superpower. Capitanes del Futuro will provide students free access to role models, resources, tools, and skills intended to open their minds, build their confidence, and help overcome structural barriers often found along the pathway to higher education.
Registration provides students with access to a multi-year curriculum consisting of both physical and digital courses intended to develop promising young Hispanic students into the future leaders of America. Active participation in the program will also unlock access to scholarships, apprenticeships, internships and more. Youth will also have access to an app that includes gamified learning tools and additional resources for students.Â
Register for Capitanes del Futuro is free and open for Hispanic youth ages 13-18 at capitanesdelfuturo.org/en/.
Beyond Capitanes del Futuro, MLS continues to positively impact communities where we live and play our games through a variety of ongoing programs and initiatives spearheaded by the League’s social responsibility team, MLS WORKS. For more information, visit mlssoccer.com/mlsworks/.
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 P&G:
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at www.pg.com/news.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
MLS:
Angela Alfano
VP Communications
P&G
Mollie Wheeler
Director – U.S. Sports & Influencer Communications
