COLUMBUS, OHIO (July 17, 2024) – As part of our commitment to being a force for good and making a lasting impact where we live and play our games, Major League Soccer and our partners are excited to conduct a series of community impact events in the Columbus area as part of the festivities during MLS All-Star Week.
Preceding the highly anticipated MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on Wednesday, July 24 at 8 p.m. at Lower.com Field and on Apple TV, the League will harness the power of sport and our soccer community to give back to Columbus and help to further the Crew’s efforts to promote youth soccer and education in the community, including by advancing access and equity. From providing meals to those experiencing food insecurity, to unveiling a new in-school soccer program, and hosting a showcase to celebrate local community leaders, below are some of the ways MLS is leaving a lasting impact in Columbus.
- AT&T and Human I-T Provide Laptops to Columbus Families (Thursday, July 18 at 11:15 a.m. ET at J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse)
AT&T will present a $25,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio (BGCCO). In addition, pre-selected students participating in summer programming at the J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse in Columbus will receive refurbished laptops for their home use from AT&T and Human I-T. Participating students can also partake in soccer challenges similar to those in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge Presented by AT&T with the MLS All-Star Skills Mobile Tour.
- MLS All-Star Concert Presented by Target (Sunday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. ET at Nationwide Arena)
Grammy-nominated artist and producer Marshmello, with a special appearance by multi-platinum recording artist PinkPantheress will take center stage at the 2024 MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target on Sunday, July 21 at Nationwide Arena. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale now for $35 at Ticketmaster.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Neighborhood Athletics, a Columbus-based, nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing athletic and educational opportunities to youth in underserved communities.
- MLS All-Star Day of Service Presented by Target (Monday, July 22 at 9 a.m. ET at Nationwide Arena)
Local fans will get an opportunity to work side by side with MLS Greats, Liga MX Legends, Columbus Crew players and MLS Season Pass Talent to pack 100,000 healthy meals for local children and families facing food insecurity. In partnership with U.S. Hunger, MLS will donate the packed meals to Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Student Success Stores who will distribute throughout the Columbus community. To volunteer for a shift, sign up here.
- MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase Presented by RBC Wealth Management* (Tuesday, July 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Theatre)
MLS, RBC Wealth Management and Black Players for Change (BPC) will host the 3rd annual event celebrating local non-profit organizations and their exceptional leaders who demonstrate innovative approaches to serving individuals and communities with the greatest need throughout Columbus. These heroes all showcase their commitment to serving Columbus through areas of impact including education and literacy, physical and mental wellness, and providing access to youth soccer. Each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact. To learn more about this year’s Hometown Heroes, visit MLSHometownheroes.com.
- **Special Olympics Unified Sports®** MLS All-Star Game (Tuesday, July 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET at Historic Crew Stadium)
The Unified Sports East and West All-Star teams representing 25 MLS clubs and comprised of players with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners), will play a competitive match. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets can be reserved here. The match can also be streamed on the MLS YouTube channel.
- MLS All-Star Community Day Presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink (Wednesday, July 24 at 9 a.m. ET at Northgate Intermediate School)
MLS Greats and LIGA MX Legends will join MLS, the Columbus Crew and BODYARMOR Sports Drink to host a back-to-school-themed event that will celebrate the launch of the Crew’s new “Soccer in Schools” program. The Crew – in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and support from the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Columbus City Schools (CCS) – developed and are implementing an in-school soccer program to help eliminate common barriers to youth soccer and promote classroom engagement. The initiative will provide a free, turnkey soccer curriculum and equipment to benefit 3rd-5th grade CCS elementary students. Community Day will consist of youth soccer clinics, food and entertainment, as well as a 5v5 youth soccer tournament involving local, Columbus-based youth teams.
In an effort to make events Sensory Inclusive™, MLS is partnering with KultureCity during All-Star Week to provide Sensory Bags, meant to enhance the game-day experience for fans with sensory needs, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for fans who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by providing tools that help regulate sensory input. The sensory Bags will be available at Lower.com Field for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T as well as the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. Within Lower.com Field, the sensory bags can be picked up by visiting Chase Plaza and Guest Services (located at section 11).
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 Peter.OBrien@mlssoccer.com or Justin.Sousa@mlssoccer.com
*RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment advisor and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through RBC Wealth Management are not affiliated with MLS.
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.
Media Contacts:
Major League Soccer
Peter O’Brien
ADDITIONAL EVENTS AND DETAILS CAN BE FOUND BELOW:
Media interested in attending events may reach out to **Peter.OBrien@mlssoccer.com** or **Justin.Sousa@mlssoccer.com**
MLS All-Star Concert Presented by Target
Grammy-nominated artist and producer Marshmello, with a special appearance by multi-platinum recording artist PinkPantheress will take center stage at the 2024 MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target on Sunday, July 21 at Nationwide Arena. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale now for $35 at Ticketmaster.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Neighborhood Athletics, a Columbus-based, nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing athletic and educational opportunities to youth in underserved communities.
MLS All-Star Day of Service Presented by Target
MLS is giving fans and All-Star guests an opportunity to give back to the Columbus community on Monday, July 22 by working side by side to pack 100,000 healthy meals. These meals will be donated, with the help of U.S. Hunger, to Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Student Success Stores who will distribute the meals throughout the Columbus community. Volunteers can sign up here for a shift beginning at 9am ET. The event will take place at Nationwide Arena.
MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase Presented by RBC Wealth Management
The third 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 – will take place on Tuesday, July 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus (769 E Long St., Columbus, OH 43203).
The invitation-only event recognizes the work of non-profit organizations and leaders who demonstrate innovative approaches to serving underrepresented individuals and communities throughout Columbus and is a representation of their commitment to making a positive impact in the areas of education and literacy, physical and mental wellness as well as providing access to youth soccer.
The 2024 Hometown Heroes are detailed below, and each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact.
- Columbus Early Learning Centers – Gina Ginn, Chief Executive Officer
- Final Third Foundation – Benjamin Levey, Executive Director
- Our Helpers – Dorothy Hassan, Chief Executive Officer
- Student Success Stores – Neethi Johnson, President
Additionally, this year’s Honorary Hometown Hero, Dr. Anthony Williams, will be recognized for the positive impact he’s made on the lives of those around him, but also for the work to progress the sport of soccer in their community. A key figure in Columbus for over 45 years, Dr. Williams coached a great number of soccer players, many of whom went on to play soccer in college.
**Special Olympics Unified Sports®** MLS All-Star Game
As part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star experience, MLS will host 50 Unified team members, representing 25 MLS clubs for an 11 v. 11 competitive match. The 9th annual 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports® MLS All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 23rd at 3:30 p.m. ET at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus (One Black and Gold Blvd., Columbus, OH 43211).
The Unified Sports East and West All-Star soccer teams are comprised of individuals with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympic athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners). The Unified All-Stars will play in an 11 v. 11 competitive match coached by MLS Greats and will be outfitted in custom kits provided by adidas. The East and West Unified All-Star teams will also be recognized on-field during the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.
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. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets can be reserved here.
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge Presented by AT&T
The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T returns as the best in MLS take on LIGA MX in the annual skills competition on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lower.com Field in Columbus. 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 Adaptive Sports Connection, and LIGA MX will play for Special Olympics Ohio.
As part of the League’s continued efforts to leave a legacy in the Columbus 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 LIGA MX, 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, AT&T will present a $25,000 contribution to the on July 18. Earlier in April, AT&T opened a Connected Learning Center at the J. Ashburn Clubhouse in Columbus, and the new contribution will support continued programming at BGCCO.
MLS All-Star Community Day Presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink
The 2024 MLS All-Star Community Day presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink will take place on Wednesday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET at Northgate Intermediate School (6655 Sharon Woods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229) when MLS Greats and LIGA MX Legends will join Major League Soccer, the Columbus Crew and BODYARMOR Sports Drink to officially unveil the launch of the Crew’s Soccer in Schools program with Columbus City Schools, Ohio’s largest school district.
Beneficiaries of the Soccer in Schools program include over 70 elementary schools across the city which totals approximately 30,000 students. The program will aid in the effort to eliminate common barriers to youth soccer participation by providing a free, turnkey youth soccer model for elementary physical education teachers. Through this initiative, physical education teachers will be provided with an easy-to-use curriculum, a Columbus Crew, MLS and BODYARMOR co-branded toolkit, coaching resources and soccer equipment, with the goal of accommodating all skill levels and fostering lifelong physical activity habits.
In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, MLS and BODYARMOR Sports Drink will provide training for 50 coaches through the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach Mentor Training program, which teaches and empowers participants to foster safe, inclusive, and engaging soccer environments for young athletes.
This back-to-school event is an extension of the Crew’s community missions to advance youth soccer and education in the state and will feature giveaways such as an adidas backpack with school supplies among other giveaways to help provide children with the necessary resources and supplies for academic success. Festivities also include soccer clinics led by MLS Greats and Liga MX Legends, live stations showcasing fundamental skills from the Crew Youth Soccer team, and a 5v5 youth soccer tournament featuring local youth soccer programs. Executives from MLS, the Columbus Crew and BODYARMOR Sports Drink are expected be available for media.
2024 MLS All-Star Rewards Program
With support from MLS partner Fabric, the All-Star Rewards Program will bring a mixed-reality, digital rewards experience to Columbus that will allow fans to earn points towards redeemable prizes while driving traffic to 40+ local businesses across Columbus beginning June 11 and culminating at Soccer Celebration.
Kulture City Partnership
As part of the League’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, MLS is partnering with KultureCity during All-Star Week to make events Sensory Inclusive™ by offering Sensory Bags that will be available at Lower.com Field for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T as well as the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. 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.
Gifting MLS Gifts
MLS guests who are attending All-Star Week have the option to decline or ‘gift their gift’ to a local charity. A donation will be made to MY Project USA’s Hilltop Tigers for guests who forgot their MLS All-Star gift, and MLS guests will also have the opportunity to gift their gift to the Hilltop Tigers Soccer Club, an organization with the goal of creating an organized soccer program in the Hilltop area of Columbus for underserved youth. By creating a club with quality programming across all age groups and skill levels, the organization aims to develop highly skilled and confident players who will be ready to excel in the highest level of the game and in life.
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*RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment advisor and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through RBC Wealth Management are not affiliated with MLS.
DDITIONAL EVENTS AND DETAILS CAN BE FOUND BELOW:
Media interested in attending events may reach out to **Peter.OBrien@mlssoccer.com** or **Justin.Sousa@mlssoccer.com**
MLS All-Star Concert Presented by Target
Grammy-nominated artist and producer Marshmello, with a special appearance by multi-platinum recording artist PinkPantheress will take center stage at the 2024 MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target on Sunday, July 21 at Nationwide Arena. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale now for $35 at Ticketmaster.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Neighborhood Athletics, a Columbus-based, nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing athletic and educational opportunities to youth in underserved communities.
MLS All-Star Day of Service Presented by Target
MLS is giving fans and All-Star guests an opportunity to give back to the Columbus community on Monday, July 22 by working side by side to pack 100,000 healthy meals. These meals will be donated, with the help of U.S. Hunger, to Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Student Success Stores who will distribute the meals throughout the Columbus community. Volunteers can sign up here for a shift beginning at 9am ET. The event will take place at Nationwide Arena.
MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase Presented by RBC Wealth Management
The third 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 – will take place on Tuesday, July 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus (769 E Long St., Columbus, OH 43203).
The invitation-only event recognizes the work of non-profit organizations and leaders who demonstrate innovative approaches to serving underrepresented individuals and communities throughout Columbus and is a representation of their commitment to making a positive impact in the areas of education and literacy, physical and mental wellness as well as providing access to youth soccer.
The 2024 Hometown Heroes are detailed below, and each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact.
- Columbus Early Learning Centers – Gina Ginn, Chief Executive Officer
- Final Third Foundation – Benjamin Levey, Executive Director
- Our Helpers – Dorothy Hassan, Chief Executive Officer
- Student Success Stores – Neethi Johnson, President
Additionally, this year’s Honorary Hometown Hero, Dr. Anthony Williams, will be recognized for the positive impact he’s made on the lives of those around him, but also for the work to progress the sport of soccer in their community. A key figure in Columbus for over 45 years, Dr. Williams coached a great number of soccer players, many of whom went on to play soccer in college.
**Special Olympics Unified Sports®** MLS All-Star Game
As part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports® All-Star experience, MLS will host 50 Unified team members, representing 25 MLS clubs for an 11 v. 11 competitive match. The 9th annual 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports® MLS All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 23rd at 3:30 p.m. ET at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus (One Black and Gold Blvd., Columbus, OH 43211).
The Unified Sports East and West All-Star soccer teams are comprised of individuals with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympic athletes) and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners). The Unified All-Stars will play in an 11 v. 11 competitive match coached by MLS Greats and will be outfitted in custom kits provided by adidas. The East and West Unified All-Star teams will also be recognized on-field during the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.
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. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets can be reserved here.
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge Presented by AT&T
The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T returns as the best in MLS take on LIGA MX in the annual skills competition on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lower.com Field in Columbus. 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 Adaptive Sports Connection, and LIGA MX will play for Special Olympics Ohio.
As part of the League’s continued efforts to leave a legacy in the Columbus 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 LIGA MX, 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, AT&T will present a $25,000 contribution to the on July 18. Earlier in April, AT&T opened a Connected Learning Center at the J. Ashburn Clubhouse in Columbus, and the new contribution will support continued programming at BGCCO.
MLS All-Star Community Day Presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink
The 2024 MLS All-Star Community Day presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink will take place on Wednesday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET at Northgate Intermediate School (6655 Sharon Woods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229) when MLS Greats and LIGA MX Legends will join Major League Soccer, the Columbus Crew and BODYARMOR Sports Drink to officially unveil the launch of the Crew’s Soccer in Schools program with Columbus City Schools, Ohio’s largest school district.
Beneficiaries of the Soccer in Schools program include over 70 elementary schools across the city which totals approximately 30,000 students. The program will aid in the effort to eliminate common barriers to youth soccer participation by providing a free, turnkey youth soccer model for elementary physical education teachers. Through this initiative, physical education teachers will be provided with an easy-to-use curriculum, a Columbus Crew, MLS and BODYARMOR co-branded toolkit, coaching resources and soccer equipment, with the goal of accommodating all skill levels and fostering lifelong physical activity habits.
In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, MLS and BODYARMOR Sports Drink will provide training for 50 coaches through the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach Mentor Training program, which teaches and empowers participants to foster safe, inclusive, and engaging soccer environments for young athletes.
This back-to-school event is an extension of the Crew’s community missions to advance youth soccer and education in the state and will feature giveaways such as an adidas backpack with school supplies among other giveaways to help provide children with the necessary resources and supplies for academic success. Festivities also include soccer clinics led by MLS Greats and Liga MX Legends, live stations showcasing fundamental skills from the Crew Youth Soccer team, and a 5v5 youth soccer tournament featuring local youth soccer programs. Executives from MLS, the Columbus Crew and BODYARMOR Sports Drink are expected be available for media.
2024 MLS All-Star Rewards Program
With support from MLS partner Fabric, the All-Star Rewards Program will bring a mixed-reality, digital rewards experience to Columbus that will allow fans to earn points towards redeemable prizes while driving traffic to 40+ local businesses across Columbus beginning June 11 and culminating at Soccer Celebration.
Kulture City Partnership
As part of the League’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, MLS is partnering with KultureCity during All-Star Week to make events Sensory Inclusive™ by offering Sensory Bags that will be available at Lower.com Field for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T as well as the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. 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.
Gifting MLS Gifts
MLS guests who are attending All-Star Week have the option to decline or ‘gift their gift’ to a local charity. A donation will be made to MY Project USA’s Hilltop Tigers for guests who forgot their MLS All-Star gift, and MLS guests will also have the opportunity to gift their gift to the Hilltop Tigers Soccer Club, an organization with the goal of creating an organized soccer program in the Hilltop area of Columbus for underserved youth. By creating a club with quality programming across all age groups and skill levels, the organization aims to develop highly skilled and confident players who will be ready to excel in the highest level of the game and in life.
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*RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment advisor and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through RBC Wealth Management are not affiliated with MLS.
