For Soccer Ventures (FSV) announced on Oct. 7 the “Black Star Initiative” (BSI), a new program developed to help accelerate the growth of soccer in Black American communities and to increase access and opportunity in the sport at the grassroots level, on and off the field.
As part of the program’s launch, BSI has partnered with Detroit City FC to host a weekend of community-based activity in Detroit from Oct. 29-31 at Keyworth Stadium and the Detroit City Fieldhouse.
“The goal of the Black Star Initiative is to facilitate every step of the soccer journey for aspiring Black soccer players, coaches, and professionals while building community through the celebration and amplification of the diverse Black soccer culture,” said Patrick Rose, Director of Black Star Initiative. “Our aim is to introduce more Black Americans to soccer and reduce barriers to youth participation and coaching while engaging the soccer community, Black youth and their parents.”
In an attempt to recognize the factors which have contributed to the underrepresentation of the Black community in American soccer, FSV and BSI have developed and designed programming aimed to address systemic racism in soccer by providing better access to soccer resources, facilitate educational and professional pathways and increase community awareness and credibility of the sport.
Below is an overview of the programming that will be available for participants:
- Black Star Initiative “Coaching Clinic” on Friday, Oct. 2
- “The Market” 1st Annual Black Business Expo on Friday, Oct. 29
- The Black Star Initiative “Youth Clinic” on Saturday, Oct. 30
- The Black Star Initaive “Elite Showcase” on Sunday, Oct. 31
“As a community richly rooted in Black history, we are excited that For Soccer Ventures is launching the Black Star Initiative in Detroit and with Detroit City FC,” said T.J. Winfrey, Chief of Partnerships of Detroit City FC. “This is a monumental moment for the city of Detroit and we look forward to a weekend of empowerment and soccer education for our community. Part of our mission at Detroit City FC is to grow soccer in our region and it begins right here in Detroit.”
For registration and more information, visit www.blackstarsoccer.com.
