MLS Unites For Those In Need

As part of MLS Unites, a league-wide platform designed to educate communities, entertain fans and elevate heroic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Soccer unveiled a week-long series of programming that highlights the efforts the soccer community is doing to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this challenging period, MLS remains focused on making a positive impact in the communities where we live and play our games. Aiming to rally and inspire the soccer world, MLS Unites programming this week focuses on how clubs, players, coaches, staff, partners and fans are giving back to local communities during this unprecedented time.

Captain Morgan: The Captain’s Challenge
Coinciding with this week’s MLS Unites programming, focused on supporting those in need, Captain Morgan is pledging an initial donation of $500,000 (US) across the United States and Canada to assist local MLS communities affected by COVID-19 through their local club partners’ charities of choice. Each club partner’s local charity is focused on providing meals and relief to COVID-19 frontline workers and to those most affected within its respective community. Club partners include D.C. United, Inter Miami CF, LAFC, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, NYCFC, Philadelphia Union, Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC, and a full list of the local organizations to which their donations are being distributed can be found HERE.

As part of the donation effort, on Tuesday, April 21, Captain Morgan is kicking off The Captain’s Challenge on Instagram featuring fans nutmegging someone (21 and over) or something at home. For every qualifying video that U.S fans over 21 share to their public Instagram, in their feed or stories, tagging @CaptainMorganUS and including the hashtag #CaptainMorganDonation, Captain Morgan will donate $25 (US) up to an additional $50,000 (US) on top of the initial pledge of $500,000 (US) to assist partner MLS club communities affected by COVID-19. To support this effort, they are teaming up with MLS legend Taylor Twellman to commentate on select fan submission videos (assets available HERE).

MLSstore.com’s Cloth Face Coverings to Benefit Communities Affected by COVID-19
All league proceeds from the sales of new cloth face coverings featuring MLS team and League logos will benefit Feeding America® and Food Banks Canada. Additionally, Fanatics is donating one face covering for every face covering purchased. The face coverings, manufactured by Fanatics Brands and Majestic Threads, are available on MLSstore.com and feature all 26 clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as the League logo (assets available HERE).

MLS and FOX Sports eMLS Tournament Special presented by Coca-Cola® and PlayStation®
MLS and FOX Sports are hosting a five-episode eMLS Tournament Special presented by Coca-Cola® and PlayStation® in support of MLS Unites. Featuring MLS and eMLS players, the second round of the single-elimination EA SPORTS™ FIFA 20 tournament will air Sunday, April 26 when Minnesota United FC (Tyler Miller & Jay Adams) takes on Sporting Kansas City (Wan Kuzain & Alexander ‘ALEKZANDUR’ Betancourt), and D.C. United (Paul Arriola & Mohamed ‘KingCJ0’ Diop) faces off against the New England Revolution (Diego Fagundez & John ‘JKO’ Oliveira). After each episode, MLS WORKS, the league’s social responsibility platform, and FOX Sports will make a donation on behalf of the winning club to Feeding America®, with MLS also supporting Food Banks Canada.

Headspace Helps People “Weathering the storm”
League partner Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, has unlocked a free, specially-curated “Weathering the storm” collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises in the Headspace app. Available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese, the “Weathering the storm” compilation of resources can help everyone find some space to take care of their minds during the global health crisis.

Headspace is also providing free subscriptions to U.S., U.K., and French healthcare providers and free access to K-12 teachers, school administrators, and supporting staff in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. For additional information on the available resources, visit headspace.com/covid-19.

MLS Unites was launched in partnership with the Major League Soccer Players Association. For additional ways the initiative is helping those in need, follow #MLSUnites. For more information on “MLS Unites,” visit MLSsoccer.com/MLSUnites.

A sampling of the way our clubs are positively impacting local communities is detailed below, with more to be featured on @MLS and @MLS WORKS, as well as club social platforms.

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“MLS Unites For Those in Need”

• Atlanta United – Atlanta United announced its ‘United We Conquer’ initiative which serves as a platform for the club to give back to the community, acknowledge and support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis and offer resources for fans and community members who would like to learn about safe volunteering opportunities. Included in the initiative, the Atlanta United Foundation granted long-time partner Soccer in the Streets $85,000 to assist with the non-profit’s operational and coaching expenses during this time. The club created a community resources page on its website which houses information on how Atlanta United and its partners are collaborating with organizations throughout the city to offer a variety of resources such as access to food, childcare, financial relief, local rideshare and fitness opportunities. The club also placed billboard tributes in the metro-Atlanta area dedicated to the women and men working in essential industries supporting our community. Additionally, Atlanta United owner, Arthur Blank, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation committed nearly $5.4 million in funding for immediate and long-term recovery assistance to organizations providing critical support throughout Georgia and Montana. The Foundation will grant $5 million to The Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund established by United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.
• Austin FC – Austin FC and Upper Ninety, a program of 4ATX Foundation, have teamed up to develop and share via social media family resource lists, guiding those who need assistance in the greater Austin area to the right places, people and organizations who can help. Following a donation to Austin Community Foundation’s Stand With Austin Fund, designed to support nonprofits, individuals, and small businesses impacted by the cancellation of SXSW, Austin FC continue to feature a series of information and resources designed to empower community members who need help, and those who wish to help others. Austin FC also recently led an initiative to support Founding Partner St. David’s HealthCare’s staff by working with local food trucks to feed over 1,000 St. David’s HealthCare workers when they completed their shifts. Finally, on April 21, Austin FC and Founding Partner YETI are launching a fundraising campaign on to raise funds for Central Texas Food Bank. As Austin FC is the 27th MLS Club, the Club has set a fundraising target of $27,000, aiming to achieve that by April 27. Austin FC will match every dollar raised until the goal is reached, and, as a special thank you, YETI will provide the top 10 donors with a YETI Roadie Hard Cooler. The funds raised will then go to support families in need in Austin and Central Texas.
• Charlotte MLS Team - Charlotte MLS owner David Tepper, through the David A. Tepper Foundation, donated $2.65 million to help the local community in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, the Foundation is supporting relief efforts in other parts of the country. The local charitable donations were announced to the COVID-19 Response Fund (launched by Foundation For the Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas), the Atrium Health Foundation, the Novant Health Foundation and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Foundation.
• Chicago Fire FC – Chicago Fire FC is supporting the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund and the American Red Cross. In collaboration with the City of Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago launched the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund to unite the funds raised by Chicago’s philanthropies, corporations and individuals to be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the region. The Fire is also raising awareness that blood donations are desperately needed in the state of Illinois. Donating blood products is essential to community health and eligible donors are strongly urged to donate during the COVID-19 outbreak. As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter in place declarations.
• FC Cincinnati - The FC Cincinnati Foundation announced that donations in excess of $10,000 by club fans, partners, FCC staff and players Siem de Jong, Bobby Edwards, Tommy McCabe and Nick Hagglund have been collected to support West End neighborhood families during the COVID-19 crisis. The donations will help fund student meal initiatives at Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, Hayes Porter, and the St. Joseph School, all of which are located in the West End. FC Cincinnati players Nick Hagglund, Kekuta Manneh, Haris Medunjanin and Tommy McCabe volunteered with the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio to deliver essential items around the area to senior citizens who are unable to leave their homes. Hagglund and Edwards will join a video call this Thursday with members of the West End Pride, the club’s SAY Soccer team based in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati. On Friday, FC Cincinnati and the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati will launch “Story Time with a Soccer Star,” a new ongoing series that will see FC Cincinnati players read a book while it is streamed on Facebook Live. At 12 p.m. on Friday, April 24, Greg Garza will kick off the initiative with a special Spanish-language reading of “El Coleccionista de Palabras” (The Word Collector) by Peter H. Reynolds.
• Colorado Rapids – The Colorado Rapids and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), along with other Colorado-area venues, donated food to We Don’t Waste, the Rapids food recovery partner. Rapids fans may visit coloradorapids.com/how-get-involved for numerous volunteer opportunities, such as delivering hot and frozen meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels. The Rapids have also launched ONECLUB. ONECOMMUNITY., a club initiative to entertain fans, keep the community connected & informed, and elevate local heroes.
• Columbus Crew SC – Columbus Crew SC Investor-Operators and Haslam Sports Group founders Dee and Jimmy Haslam, on behalf of the Haslam family, pledged $1.5 million to COVID-19 relief funds throughout the state of Ohio. Black & Gold players have also participated in safe-health practice PSAs about #StayatHome, as well as the importance of proper hygiene and hand-washing. The Club has created at-home activities for supporters to encourage social distancing, including: a Kids Corner (including arts and craft activities as well as players doing read-alongs for children), detailed analysis of 2020 matches, instructional workout videos and registered dietician meal planning recipes. Additionally, Crew SC midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris competed in the Twitch Rivals Super Games, an online Fortnite tournament to raise money for charity.
• D.C. United – D.C. United are committed to making an immediate impact hyper locally in our community. The club has formed an amazing partnership with local non-profit, Martha’s Table, inspired by the actions of our First Team players and are using our in-stadium resources to support matchday staff who have been impacted by the uncertainty of this season’s schedule. #UniteTheDistrict: D.C. United’s First Team has come together to launch a player-led effort, #UniteTheDistrict, to raise funds to support the greater Washington, D.C. area in our continued fight against COVID-19. This fund will benefit Martha’s Table, to aid their mission of supporting strong children, strong families, and strong communities, especially during this time of increased need. In addition to the player-driven fundraiser, D.C. United is donating up to $50,000 in food and cash to the cause. Family Food Baskets: In the spirit of being stronger when we are United, the clubhas packaged food items from Audi Field into Family Food Baskets for our matchday staff and guest experience team. Each member will receive a Family Food Basket with enough food to feed a family of four for four meals.
• FC Dallas – FC Dallas, the FC Dallas Foundation and corporate partners are launching a variety of initiatives to support its fans and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of the Community” - a partnership between Toyota and FC Dallas born out of the need to assist the essential workers and community volunteers who continue to work and service North Texas communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date (4/14/20), meal deliveries have been made to volunteers at Frisco Fastpacs, North Texas Food Bank, medical professionals at Texas Health Resource Presbyterian Plano and CoServ linemen and gas technicians. Additional initiatives encouraging communities to stay safe and stay healthy include: an activity book (Hooper’s Activity Book presented by NEC), recipe cards for families cooking at home (In the Kitchen presented by Buckner), a book club (FC Dallas Book Club presented by Southern New Hampshire University), a digital career exploration series (Beyond the Pitch presented by CornerStone Staffing) and an initiative to provide lawn care for individuals who are struggling to maintain their lawns during this time.
• Houston Dynamo – The Houston Dynamo and Dash built upon the Club’s longstanding support of Kids Meals, a local non-profit which has been called upon to help keep more than 7,000 underprivileged children a day throughout Greater Houston well-nourished through this pandemic by replacing school lunches. Dynamo forwards Memo Rodriguez and Christian Ramirez are competing on behalf of Kids Meals in the Twitch Rivals Super Games, an online Fortnite tournament to raise money for charity; Houston Dash players Katie Naughton and Megan Crosson used their car to deliver meals to kids last week and also delivered a donation of pre-packaged trail mix snacks to Kids Meals on behalf of Club partner Power Up Snacks; and the Club’s concessionaire, Levy Restaurants, has donated unused food items to Kids Meals to use in lunch packages.
• LA Galaxy – The LA Galaxy launched the TO𝕲ETHER AT HOME campaign, a club-wide initiative to support, engage and inform LA Galaxy fans and the Los Angeles community amidst effects from COVID-19. The campaign includes donations to LA Regional Food Bank, free virtual urgent care visits courtesy of Dignity Health, an Instagram Live concert featuring MURS and more. Additionally, the LA Galaxy and Chancho’s Tacos sent the LA Galaxy-branded taco truck to various sites throughout Los Angeles in April to offer thousands of meals to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including medical workers at Dignity Health, volunteers at Carson elementary schools and those working in local grocery stores. In conjunction with TO𝕲ETHER AT HOME, the LA Galaxy also launched the Support Local campaign, encouraging all LA Galaxy fans and Angelenos to support various local businesses throughout Los Angeles during Stay at Home orders throughout the county. As part of Support Local, the LA Galaxy unveiled lagalaxy.com/supportlocal, a comprehensive list of various local businesses throughout Los Angeles and Southern California supported by LA Galaxy players, fans and staff, including various businesses owned and operated by LA Galaxy Season Ticket Members or fans.
• LAFC – LAFC teamed with the LAFC Foundation and Legends to donate fresh fruits and vegetables to community partner Union Rescue Mission. On Sunday, LAFC raised over $5,000 for Los Angeles based charities battling COVID-19 through the LAFC Foundation when it hosted the L.A. Charity FIFA Challenge, as LAFC’s Martin “RemiMartinn” Oregel defeated the Galaxy’s Giuseppe “GGGodfather” Guastella in an e-sports rivalry match-up. In partnership with Banc of California, LAFC is creating an online hub that will feature financial, educational, and health and wellness resources available to the Los Angeles community. LAFC is also working with partner BODYARMOR to donate product for staff and patients in need at Kaiser-Permanente and CLIF to donate product to the community for those in need. LAFC and Banc of California Stadium have teamed up with Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas and SEE-LA to provide fresh farmer’s market produce boxes to over 4,000 families in need. The program, which began on April 15, is set to feed 1,100 families weekly, every Wednesday, for the next four weeks. Each box will include a week’s worth of fresh seasonal produce including a dozen eggs, 5-7 varieties of vegetables, 10 pounds of oranges, plenty of berries, and information about local public nutrition benefit and incentive programs. LAFC has facilitated the donation of packaged food, including CLIF Bars, that will be included in the box, as well as personal protective gear for the volunteers that will distribute the boxes on a weekly basis.
• Inter Miami CF – This past Saturday, Inter Miami CF teamed up with renowned DJ David Guetta to amplify a live rooftop concert in the vibrant Miami neighborhood of Brickell in support of Feeding South Florida, a hunger-relief organization that provides meals for residents across four counties. Over 15 million viewers tuned in across all platforms during the two-hour set, including 80,000 fans from Inter Miami’s Facebook live stream, helping raise $120k for the organization. While Guetta matched the donation for a total of $240k, Inter Miami is working with the global DJ to auction his jersey and further contributing to Feeding South Florida’s mission. Starting next Thursday, April 30, Inter Miami is also partnering with DeliverLean and DeliverLean Cares to designate its stadium as a food drive pickup location for Fort Lauderdale residents in need of fresh meals. More details will be announced this week.
• Minnesota United – MNUFC is working with its community partners and players in the hopes of making a positive impact in this time of need. MNUFC and Delaware North Services donated nearly 2,000 pounds of food from Allianz Field to the Aliveness Project and Second Harvest. The MNUFC front office worked with Allina Heath to create and donate hand-sewn facemasks to our local Allina-affiliated care centers and the club will be hosting a blood drive at Allianz Field on April 23 and 24. Midfielder Ethan Finlay worked with the Sheridan Story to help feed more than 1,000 kids in the Twin Cities, matching donations up to $1,300. MNUFC is providing funds to the Neighbors United Funding Collaborative to support businesses in during the economic shutdown. Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall is working with ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students) and will donate $1,000 and matching donations up to an additional $1,000. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller will be hosting a FIFA charity match with MNUFC eMLS Pro Jay Adams to benefit Pinky Swear Foundation. Twin Cities broadcasters including MNUFC’s Callum Williams, Kyndra de St. Aubin and Dan Terhaar, are working together to launch Feed the Cities – Voices of Minnesota Sport to send personal messages to fans for a minimum $30 donation. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, Greater Twin Cities United Way and Second Harvest Heartland. Finally, Minnesota United is working with Twin Cities, metro-area youth soccer clubs to host weekly surprise player pop-ins on video calls.
• Montreal Impact – The Club has taken on a leadership position in the community and have launched the #IsolatedTogether movement which encourages fans to stay home. Continuous messaging, including dedicated content and contests are being released as the situation evolves, always aligned with the message from local authorities. Also, in an effort to amplify messaging from local authorities, the Montreal Impact launched COVID-19 dedicated social media handles that are strictly utilized as a source of useful information for the public.
• Nashville SC – Nashville SC is raising funds to support the United Way of Greater Nashville’s COVID-19 Response Fund which will deploy resources to help those who are experiencing lost wages or have become ill from the virus. The club, in partnership with Ingram Charities contributed $100,000 to the cause. In addition, Nashville SC has set up the Community Cupboard in partnership with Fat Bottom Brewery and the Nashville Food Project to provide meals to displaced workers of Nashville’s music, food and service industry. Nashville SC will also participate in the annual event, Cafecito – a virtual fundraiser that invites guests to join together for coffee and support of Conexión Américas, one of Nashville’s foremost organization assisting Hispanic families.
• New England Revolution – The Revolution and the entire Kraft Sports family have teamed up for the ‘Together While Apart’ campaign, which includes a wide array of initiatives supporting frontline healthcare workers, students, veterans and military families, food banks, and homeless shelters across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Kraft family led the transportation of 1.7 million respirator masks for healthcare workers from China by providing the use of their private airplane, and donated $2 million to help cover the cost of the desperately needed Personal Protective Equipment. In addition, Robert Kraft donated $250,000 to the Boston Resiliency Fund, funding the purchase of Chrome Books for children in the Boston Public School system who did not have laptops. Gillette Stadium has hosted a number of blood drives, opened a COVID-19 testing site for first responders – accommodating up to 200 individuals a day – and donated to-go boxes, napkins, and plastic utensils to St. Francis House, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts. Together While Apart has also coordinated the donation of $100,000-worth of food to local shelters and pantries, and teamed up with the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation to provide nearly one million meals to veterans and their families.
• New York City FC – New York City FC is donating 100,000 meals to South Bronx residents through NY Common Pantry during this critical time of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City. While the Club may not be playing any games in the South Bronx right now, NYCFC has also partnered with the New York Yankees to create a $1.4 million COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for NYCFC gameday staff. Additionally, NYCFC has created a resource hub—Stay Healthy. Stay Home.—to connect fans, first team players and staff and mobilize outreach for NY Common Pantry. This will become a place where the NYCFC Family can come together to share ways to help the local community as well as connect initiatives that will educate, provide relief, keep connected and raise awareness.
• New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls are working with the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, which aims to raise funds, organize and coordinate resources to fight the medical, social and economic impact of Covid-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable citizens. The club is running its "Thank You Heroes" campaign, working in concert with several of its partners to assist Metro area-based healthcare and service organizations on the front lines, along with local small businesses. The Red Bulls train @ home program provides youth soccer players and fans of all ages weekly fitness routines to ensure they are staying active and healthy while staying home. The team has partnered with other New York sports teams for the “We Are New York” campaign, which aims to bring New Yorkers together and use the power of sport to inspire them during this tough time. The club is also running virtual player appearances alongside club partners to keep fans engaged and provide opportunities to interact with players virtually.
• Orlando City SC – Orlando City SC has recently announced two initiatives to give back to the local community and those who are most in need. The Club has unveiled #ALLforORL, a virtual March to the Match platform that enables fans to give back to their favorite game day establishments who may be feeling the impact of postponed matches. Starting this week, #ALLforORL t-shirts will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to the Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition, Orlando City and Orlando Pride are taking things “From the Sidelines to the Frontlines” by donating nearly 1,000 pieces of team gear that will be turned into approximately 5,000 masks for the healthcare workers at Orlando Health. Previously, Spectra - the concessionaire of Exploria Stadium - donated 1,875 lbs of food to Christian Service Center for Central Florida.
• Philadelphia Union – The Union will be launching a campaign that will include providing meals to front line workers and communities in need, highlighting men and women on the frontlines of the pandemic and engaging our fans to stay home and stay connected. The Philadelphia Union have established a Game Day Employee Assistance Fund to financially assist part-time game day staff due to the postponement of the Major League Soccer season as well as donated stadium food to local charities. In addition, Philadelphia Union joined the “Philly Shines Blue” campaign and lit Subaru Park up blue in appreciation of healthcare workers. As a part of an ongoing ‘April Feels’ campaign, Union players are reaching out to fans to read books, provide messages of appreciation and hope, and entertain with creative videos.
• Portland Timbers – The Portland Timbers have announced a number of community initiatives, including the ‘Stand Together Assistance Fund,’ to assist staff members and individuals in the Portland area affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Real Salt Lake – Feeding the Frontlines Fund – The club is working with club healthcare partners to accept donations to provide meals to hospital workers and staff on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to accepting donations for meals, the RSL Foundation will also be accepting games, puzzles, etc. for a donation to the VA Hospital. Yard Care Services in Surrounding Areas –The RSL Foundation together with the RSL Grounds Crew have organized an initiative to mow the lawns of senior citizens in an effort to minimize outside exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning on April 1.
• Sacramento Republic FC – Sacramento Republic FC is providing support for families facing new challenges, supporting the small business community, as well as stepping in to bridge connecting non-profits and the communities they serve with the resources needed to get through the local shelter in place guidelines. In collaboration with club partner Raley’s, the Indomitable Club is distributing free meals for vulnerable, home-bound seniors isolated during the state’s public health guidance. The club’s volunteer corps comprised of players, staff, and supporters have delivered over 2,000 free meals in two weeks. Through donations and by purchasing a special scarf, Club supporters have contributed over $30,000 to help reach the 42,000 food-insecure seniors in the region. On the club’s social media channels, players are leading backyard skill workout videos, hosting children’s story times for families working from home, and providing a musical moment to lift supporters’ spirits. To support local businesses and employees, the club is highlighting local specials and small businesses. In addition to Indomitable Hands, Republic FC’s volunteer corps have joined local partners to help distribute over 4,500 additional meals to students who rely on school lunches for daily nutrition and provide a transportation resource for local restaurateurs connecting people in need with food kits.
• San Jose Earthquakes – The San Jose Earthquakes raised money to support the Alum Rock Child Nutrition Program, a local organization providing free meals to individuals under 18. Funds were used towards safety materials for volunteers and staff, supplies and meals, and support for day-to-day and operational necessities during this crisis. More than $10,500 was raised, with donations received from numerous Quakes players and staff members. The Quakes Foundation matched the total amount raised and $21,020 was contributed.
• Seattle Sounders FC – Seattle launched the Seattle Sounders FC Relief Fund, aimed at supporting individuals, non-profits and small businesses in the neighborhoods surrounding CenturyLink Field that have been impacted by the postponement. The Hanauer Family has provided an initial investment of $500,000 to the fund, while the club’s annual Sports Science Seminar raised an additional $25,000 through donating its registration fees. The Sounders, along with Seafair, Seattle Seahawks, The Bite of Seattle, the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Storm and the Washington State Fair joined forces to create the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” campaign regarding the small steps fans can take now that could help stop this virus in the community, while Sounders players also took part in a PSA campaign for Washington state Governor Jay Inslee’s office, posting videos shared by the governor on social media encouraging Washingtonians to continue staying at home and limiting non-essential travel. In partnership with the team’s jersey sponsor, Zulily, Sounders FC is running a weekly Skills Challenge for young fans, encouraging activity with soccer skills that can be practiced in enclosed spaces and without specialty gear, recognizing the limitations many families may be facing. Young fans who share their videos have a chance to earn a surprise video from a Sounders FC first team player and a prize pack from Zulily.
• Sporting Kansas City – Sporting Kansas City announced on April 10 the launch of Sporting Community Kitchen, partnering with City Foods & Events and Operation BBQ Relief provide 1,000 free hot meals every weekday to citizens across Greater Kansas City affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sporting Community Kitchen is part of a newly established philanthropic platform called Sporting Serves, which will see Sporting Kansas City and The Victory Project—the club’s flagship charitable arm—join several community partners to provide relief to citizens across the metropolitan area in a unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, Sporting and The Victory Project have donated 1,200 non-latex gloves to Children’s Mercy Hospital and 200 soccer balls to Ott Elementary School in Independence, Missouri, while continuing to support children and families affected by pediatric cancer through the Sporting Wishes program and a family assistance fund to aid with medical bills and household needs. Additionally, multiple Sporting players have conducted virtual visits to Children’s Mercy Hospital to interact with kids receiving treatment at the facility
• St. Louis’ MLS Team - Since the beginning, Saint Louis’ MLS team has been committed to being a good neighbor on and off the pitch. The ownership group has and will continue to support local community efforts, including local COVID-19 relief efforts, and will share more information as it becomes available.
• Toronto FC – The five major sports franchises in Toronto created the ‘Team Toronto Fund.’ Team management, coaches and players from the five teams are personally contributing to the fund to provide additional aid to the many workers that support them. MLSE also donated 27,000 pounds of food to those in need and Toronto FC filmed PSA’s in partnership with Toronto Public Health about the importance of handwashing, staying home and social distancing. Jonathan Osorio made a virtual visit to Sick Kids Hospital. Michael Bradley joins fellow Toronto sports starts and Mayor John Tory in Team Toronto video.
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Whitecaps FC’s efforts began by donating team meals from postponed matches to the Metro Vancouver Food Bank. Among other initiatives, every night at 7 p.m. as Metro-Vancouver erupts with a city-wide balcony salute to front line workers, the club highlights one such worker on social media with the club’s #FrontlineHeroes initiative. Whitecaps will conduct a variety of fundraising efforts including an online auction in support of Providence Health Care & St. Paul’s Foundation, Food Banks Canada, Covenant House Vancouver and the BC Centre for Disease Control Foundation.