WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13, 2023) – As part of a commitment to make lasting impact where we live and play our games, Major League Soccer and our partners are excited to launch a series of week-long community impact projects in the Washington, D.C. area.
Throughout the week preceding the highly anticipated MLS All-Star match against Arsenal FC on Wednesday, July 19, 8 p.m. on Apple TV, the League will harness the power of our soccer community to continue reaching our goals of building sustainable, equitable and inclusive communities. From providing meals to those experiencing food insecurity, to unveiling a new soccer mini-pitch and hosting a showcase to celebrate local community leaders, below are some of the ways MLS is leaving a lasting impact in Washington, D.C.
- MLS WORKS All-Star Day of Service (Sunday, July 16 at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater). In partnership with U.S. Hunger, fans will have the opportunity to help pack 100,000 healthy meals to be distributed by Bread for the City for children and families. To volunteer for a shift, sign up here.
- 2023 MLS WORKS All-Star Community Day presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink (Monday, July 17 at 2 p.m. ET at Seaton Elementary School). MLS All-Stars and Greats and Arsenal Legends All-Stars will join MLS, D.C United, the D.C. United Foundation, BODYARMOR Sports Drink and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to unveil a new soccer mini-pitch that will provide access and a safe space for youth to come together to play soccer. The day will consist of youth soccer clinics, coach mentor training and soccer themed activities for community members.
- MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase Presented by RBC Wealth Management (Tuesday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m. at The Willard). MLS, D.C. United, and Black Players for Change (BPC) will host the MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase Presented by RBC Wealth Management, celebrating local impactful organizations and leaders.
- 2023 **Special Olympics Unified Sports®** All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS, Coke Zero Sugar (Wednesday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland). Unified team members representing 26 MLS clubs, comprised of players with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners), will play a competitive match.
MLS is partnering with KultureCity during All-Star Week to make events Sensory Inclusive™. Sensory Bags will be available throughout the week at All-Star events for those with sensory needs, including a sensor room at Audi Field.
MLS is also partnering with The Intentionalist, to encourage spending at locally diverse-owned restaurants, bars and shops through various promotional offers.
For a detailed overview, visit MLSsoccer.com.
For event details, media access and spokesperson availability, media are encouraged to visit the League’s media resource page and All-Star Week schedule HERE.
Media interested in attending events may reach out to MLS@BerkCommunications.com.
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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.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
MLS:
Angela Alfano: Angela.Alfano@MLSsoccer.com
Berk Communications:
Hannah Oakley: mls@berkcommunications.com
ADDITIONAL EVENTS AND DETAILS CAN BE FOUND BELOW:
Media interested in attending events may reach out to **MLS@BerkCommunications.com**.
eMLS All-Star Challenge Hospital Donation
As part of the star-studded eMLS All-Star Challenge presented by Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar on Sunday, July 16 at The Wharf in Washington, D.C., the winning team will donate three specialized gaming kiosks to Children’s National Hospital that are $10.5K in value and are designed specifically for hospitals. The donation is in partnership with Gamers Outreach, a charity that empowers hospitalized children through video games and is committed to helping provide gaming opportunities to kids and families all year round.
MLS WORKS All-Star Day of Service
MLS is giving fans and All-Star guests an opportunity to give back to the D.C. community on Sunday, July 16 by working side by side in partnership with U.S. Hunger to pack 100,000 healthy meals for Bread for the City to distribute to children and families in need. After volunteering, participants will enjoy a family-friendly celebration with food, music, entertainment, games and more. Fans can register here to volunteer a shift beginning at 10 am ET. The event will take place at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.
MLS WORKS All-Star Community Day Presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink
The 2023 MLS WORKS All-Star Community Day presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink will take place on Monday, July 17 at Seaton Elementary School (1503 10th St NW, Washington DC 20001), when MLS All-Stars and Greats and Arsenal Legends will join Major League Soccer, D.C United, the D.C. United Foundation, BODYARMOR and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to officially unveil a new soccer mini-pitch at Seaton Elementary as part of MLS All-Star week.
Beneficiaries of the soccer mini-pitch include youth from Seaton Elementary, the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as participants from DC SCORES who use soccer and poetry to inspire confidence on the field and in the classroom. The new mini pitch will allow the DC SCORES program at Seaton Elementary to expand its number of participants, providing access and a safe space for youth to come together to play soccer. The soccer mini-pitch system is an innovative, all-in-one solution designed to help communities create fun, active and safe play spaces. The modular system is complete with lighting, fencing, goals, benches, wheelchair-accessible gates, and lockable storage.
In partnership with D.C. SCORES, MLS and BODYARMOR will provide training for more than 100 (TBC) coaches through the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach Mentor Training program, which teaches participants how to create a positive team culture that reflects the diversity of the youth they serve and how to strengthen the social and emotional skills of young people in underserved communities.
Festivities will include a dedication ceremony and poetry presentation to officially unveil the new pitch, which integrates artwork designed by local youth in collaboration with Design FC, a non-profit organization that works with youth across the country to encourage self-expression and storytelling through design. Executives from MLS, D.C. United, BODYARMOR, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the City of Washington D.C. will be available for media following the ceremony. The All-Star Community Day will also feature fun, interactive elements including soccer skills activations and clinics, music, games, refreshments and giveaways.
MLS All-Star Concert
Two-time GRAMMY® nominated R&B star Kehlani will headline the MLS All-Star Concert with special guest DJ Pee .Wee on Monday, July 17 in Washington, D.C. at The Anthem. Tickets are $25 and will benefit DC Central Kitchen (DCCK), whose mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities. DCCK is a D.C. based nonprofit that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. By providing hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment, DCCK creates living wage jobs and brings nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed.
MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase Presented by RBC Wealth Management
The second annual MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management and in collaboration with Black Players for Change (BPC) – an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff working to bridge the racial equality gap in soccer and society – and D.C. United, will take place on Tuesday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m. ET The Willard InterContinental.
The invitation-only event recognizes the work of impactful organizations and leaders who are making positive change in the communities of the District of Columbia and that embody D.C. United’s community values of Empowerment, Opportunity, and Service. The 2023 Hometown Heroes are detailed below. Each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact.
- Latin American Youth Center, Lupi Quinteros-Grady (she/her), President and CEO
- Rainbow Families, Darren Paul-Vance (he/him), Executive Director and Dr. Ashlie Prioleau (any/all), Board of Directors
- So Kids SOAR (formerly Dreams for Kids), Glenda Fu Smith (she/her), Executive Director
- WETATi Academy, Dr. Margaret Dureke (she/her), Founder, President and Executive Director
Additionally, Howard University’s Men’s Soccer Program is being recognized as the Honorary Hero for positively impacting the local community through soccer. The program’s current and past coaches – Phillip Gyau (he/him), Keith Tucker (he/him), and Lincoln Phillips (he/him) – will accept the award on the program’s behalf.
The event is part of the League, D.C. United, BPC and RBC Wealth Management’s ongoing efforts to amplify and celebrate inclusion and equity.
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge Presented by AT&T 5G
The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T 5G returns as the best in MLS take on Arsenal in the annual skills competition on Tuesday, July. 18 at 7 p.m. EST at Audi Field. Each team will compete and represent a charitable organization as part of the commitment to be a force for positive change in local communities. MLS will play for DC SCORES who creates neighborhood teams that give kids the confidence and skills to succeed on the playing field, in the classroom and in life through soccer, poetry and service-learning programming. Arsenal will play for Special Olympics DC who provides sports, health and inclusion programs that benefit children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the district.
As part of the League’s continued efforts to leave a legacy in the Washington D.C area, a $25,000 donation will be made to the selected charity on behalf of the winning team. Youth from both organizations will be present at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge to cheer on MLS and Arsenal, and a check will be presented to the organization in-stadium at the conclusion of the event.
In addition, as part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide, a $25,000 donation will be made to Serve Your City. During Soccer Celebration fans will have the opportunity to contribute to the goal of raising up to $25,000. AT&T 5G will pledge $50 for every AT&T blue target hit at the Mini Shooting Challenge (up to $25,000).
2023 **Special Olympics Unified Sports®** All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS, Coke Zero Sugar
As part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star experience, MLS WORKS and Coca-Cola will host 52 Unified team members, representing 26 MLS clubs for an 11 v. 11 competitive match. The 2023 Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS and Coke Zero Sugar will be played on Wednesday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m. ET at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The Unified Sports® All-Star Game is free and open to the public.
The teams, comprised of players with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners), will be outfitted in authentic uniforms provided by adidas. MLS Greats will serve as celebrity coaches for the game. The Unified Sports® All-Star teams will also be recognized on-field during the League’s All-Star Game.
The Unified Sports® All-Star Game is part of the season-long Special Olympics Unified Soccer Exchange program that provides opportunities for Unified soccer teams to participate in a first-team MLS experience.
MLS guests who are attending All-Star Week have the option to decline or ‘gift their gift’ to a local charity. Leveling the Playing Field is a local non-profit organization that collects new and gently-used sports and playground equipment and re-distributes to under-resourced youth groups, community programs, and schools in effort to provide affordable and accessible options.
MLS is partnering with KultureCity during All-Star Week to make events Sensory Inclusive™. Sensory Bags will be available throughout the week at All-Star events. These bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, a feelings thermometer, and other decompressing mechanisms. At Audi Field, a sensory room will be available at the Heineken Rooftop; guests can either take the stairs to the 4th floor or the elevator located opposite the D.C. United Club Shop. KultureCity is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to fighting for inclusion and acceptance of all individuals. KultureCity advocates for those with sensory needs such as autism and PTSD, just to name a few. KultureCity provides training and equipment to public and private spaces to create an inclusive experience for everyone to fight against social isolation.
MLS All-Star Small Business Pass
A new addition to MLS All-Star will be the launch of a new collaboration between the League, the D.C. United Foundation, Black Players for Change and Intentionalist, an online resource to inspire intentional spending that supports small businesses and diverse local communities. The MLS All-Star Small Business Pass will encourage fans to support locally owned restaurants, bars and shops through various promotional offers. To learn more about the MLS All-Star Small Business Pass, visit: https://intentionalist.com/blog/mls-all-star-2023. Fans will be able to access the offers through the pass starting Saturday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 19.
MLS WORKS Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
MLS is taking steps to address its environmental impact and raise awareness of sustainability initiatives within local communities throughout the United States and Canada. The League will continue to measure, reduce, and offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with All-Star festivities (hotel accommodations, on-site transportation, staff, player, executive and MLS guest travel, and stadium operations). To help reduce food waste MLS will also help implement food recovery programs in partnership with D.C. United at Audi Field. MLS’s measurement of League and Club travel includes air travel, accommodations and ground transportation for the regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup.
