THE UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE AND BLACK PLAYERS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE A PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK ARROW (FC)
Oakland, CA — Powered by the USL Black Players Alliance to highlight the intersection of soccer and black culture within the Championship and League One, The United Soccer League announced on Monday their partnership with Black Arrow (FC).
The first-of-its-kind partnership brings all three groups together to create projects that amplify the stories of black players on and off the field, and bring to light the contributions they are making to both the game and their local communities. The partnership is also geared toward the interest of Black soccer fans, inviting them to engage in USL Championship and League One playoff games with human interest and culture stories along the way.
On Oct 6th the series kicks off just before the USL Playoffs with an original studio show hosted by the new “voice of Black Arrow” Ime Umoh, which will serve as the platform to deliver these powerful stories.
“Everyone knows by now soccer is growing in the U.S..” said Aaron Dolores, Black Arrow FC founder. “But a lot of folks don’t understand it’s really happening at the grassroots level of the game, and the roles USL teams are playing in communities across the country. With teams in 35 different cities across the country, two new teams coming in next season, the USL’s role in growing Soccer in America cannot be overstated.,” Dolores said.
The newly formed Black Player’s Alliance of the USL will be instrumental in shaping, advising, and advocating for issues facing the black players in the league.
“We are excited to work with Black Arrow FC to highlight the stories and work our players are doing both on and off the field.,” said Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Independence. “The USL office brought this opportunity to us and it was a no-brainer. Our mission is to amplify our players’ voices and there is no better way than working with the guys at Black Arrow FC.” said Hugh Roberts of the Charlotte Independence
The Black Players Alliance is dedicated to creating a consistent dialogue with clubs and the league itself in order to foster diverse environments centered around minority inclusion and empowerment.