CHICAGO (May 25, 2021) – On the one-year memorial of the murder of George Floyd, U.S. Soccer is underlining its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) by announcing specific actions that will drive meaningful impact for important social issues and create more equitable and inclusive communities across the soccer landscape.
Under the umbrella of ‘One Nation,’ U.S. Soccer’s social responsibility platform, the Federation is focused on taking specific actions to inspire greater inclusion and generate real change.
As our Women’s and Men’s National Teams return to regular programming and start once again playing matches across the country, U.S. Soccer has outlined consistent and continuous DEIB programs and projects that Federation staff will implement in each community our senior teams play matches with the goal of driving change at a local level.
“As we honor the life of George Floyd, we must take time to reflect on the impact his murder has had on the entire country while continuing our commitment to taking action to eliminate the systemic racism that affects our society,” said U.S. Soccer Director of Diversity & Human Resources Angie Mason. “Our initial focus at the Federation was to drive change within our own organization and amplify the voices of our players, staff and soccer community. As we continue our commitment to DEIB, we are now looking forward to launching more action-oriented initiatives as part of our ‘One Nation’ platform. This will help us foster a community of belonging that is welcoming and supportive to everyone.
“While we know we are still early in our journey and have much more to do, U.S. Soccer is looking forward to the amazing opportunity we have in utilizing the power of soccer to help unite this country, inspire change and make a real lasting impact.”
The following list of programs are only the beginning of the overall vision for ‘One Nation’ as we move forward, and U.S. Soccer’s approach will evolve and adapt by considering the specific aspects and needs of each city and market it plays matches in across the country.
U.S. Soccer will announce its ‘One Nation’ plans for each city in advance of the match, and the main digital hub, which is located at ussoccer.com/onenation, will also showcase U.S. Soccer’s full programming in each market. As it has for the past year, the ‘One Nation’ website will continue to amplify the efforts of the entire U.S. Soccer family – players, coaches, referees, staff, member organizations and fans – in areas such as LGBTQ+ issues, anti-racism, disability, diversity and inclusion.
“We want to support the ideals that are important to our employees, and are excited to move forward with these staff-led initiatives,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “We know we can do much more in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and we are dedicated to making a difference in every community we are in across the country.”
Also, in advance of going into a market, U.S. Soccer will select an individual making an indelible impact in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion in the local community and showcase their efforts. Along with recognizing this person on game day, U.S. Soccer will develop content focused on telling the story of their work and success in creating a positive change.
In the lead-up to matches, U.S. Soccer will oversee free coach education opportunities for underserved communities through support from our state and local members. Where U.S. Soccer recently announced its commitment to supporting the growth and development of female coaches via the SheChampions Coaching Mentorship Program, presented by VW, and the Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund, Coach for Community aims to ensure education is accessible regardless of zip code.
After working with Vote.org to drive the importance of voting in the led up to the national election on Nov. 3, 2020, U.S. Soccer is partnering with the nonprofit to make sure each and every person has the tools they need to participate and have their voice heard in every election.
With a focus on state and local elections that happen every single year, U.S. Soccer and Vote.org will work together to provide non-partisan information, tools and resources to help people check their voter registration status, locate their polling place or a nearby dropbox, find information about future elections, and more.
U.S. Soccer will share this information in various ways, including voter registration check stations inside or outside the stadium, in-stadium branding and promotion, social media posts, Information on the ‘One Nation’ website on ussoccer.com and including voter registration information in pre-game emails sent to ticket purchasers.
As U.S. Soccer has done in the past, the Federation will celebrate and help to promote LGBTQ+ Pride during the month of June with U.S. senior National Team players wearing a pride-inspired rainbow number pack on their jerseys. The players will wear the unique numbers during the USMNT match on June 9 and two of the three USWNT Summer Series presented by AT&T matches on June 10 and 13.
In cooperation with the Women’s National Team Players Association and the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association, U.S. Soccer will donate game-issued jerseys to The You Can Play Project for auction, the proceeds of which will be used to support their programming dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches, and fans without regard for sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
While Pride Month is the first social issue to be highlighted in 2021 as part of the One Nation platform, U.S. Soccer will look to showcase additional important causes during the course of the year.
U.S. Soccer is partnering with KultureCity to make all matches sensory inclusive. KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. This new initiative will provide an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue. U.S. Soccer staff will be trained through the KultureCity program and sensory bags will be available for check out at each stadium during Women’s and Men’s National Team matches.