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Wonderful news to share regarding United City FC Women's player Darielle O'Brien who joins Utah Royals in the NWSL as a national team replacement players. https://lnkd.in/gtgMNtHm United City FC Women is a development club for female players. When I started UCFC in 2019 I had a vision to build an academy style club where players were there based on talent, and not financial means. We wanted to be a club that helped female athletes who fell through the cracks or went unnoticed, players who could not afford to go to college, players from minority backgrouds, players who needed a second chance. Unlike all the pay-to-play clubs, we do not charge players to be at UCFC, we invest in players to move on. We want to be a blueprint for other clubs. We want to move the needle for women's soccer by showcasing talent that has typically been overlooked. We are United City FC.

Kudos to Brindice Rodriguez & Ashley Bryant for making a big impact during your quick summer in Rip City. Check out this amazing video to learn more.

In the United States, aspiring soccer players face daunting odds of reaching Major League Soccer overshadowing their dreams. With around 1 million to one odds for American players, many struggle to break through due to preferences for foreign talent and the limited number of MLS teams. The National Soccer League™ has emerged as a beacon of hope, aiming to provide a platform for homegrown talents to flourish, unlike the MLS which predominantly recruits international players. By focusing on scouting and nurturing American talents, the NSL democratizes access to pro soccer, offering a pathway for ambitious players. Identifying overlooked talents and providing resources, the league bridges the gap between raw talent and professional success. Investing in coaching education and infrastructure, the NSL levels the playing field, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the soccer community through initiatives like community outreach and grassroots development.

Investing money in underserved Black communities in the USA has the potential to not only bring economic benefits but also contribute to the development of the sport, and bring the US closer to the level of European football. The increasing representation of Black players in the American national soccer team reflects the progress that has been made in providing equal opportunities based on merit. This increased representation has the power to inspire more young Black kids to pursue soccer and envision themselves succeeding in the sport based on their skills and abilities. By investing in these communities, providing access to training facilities, coaching, and resources, the USA can further nurture the talent pool and create opportunities for aspiring young players to compete on merit. Additionally, fostering a competitive environment in soccer can have positive social and cultural impacts, as it encourages individuals to strive for excellence and breaks down traditional stereotypes. Investing in underserved Black communities is not only an investment in the individuals but also in the overall growth and potential of American soccer. https://lnkd.in/egAqw9RA

Where is the next Austin, and why should Major League Soccer care about expanding there? CBRE looked at some of the significant economic factors that led to Austin's emergence as a top-tier market, and more importantly, they charted those factors to identify a markedly similar city: Raleigh, North Carolina. "Raleigh, North Carolina, is charting a course somewhat similar to Austin’s, benefiting from world-class research universities and a diverse tech industry mix that ranges from life sciences to advanced manufacturing. It is likely that Raleigh will continue to trend in the same direction as Austin." As #MLS became the first major league to expand to Austin, the right ownership group should consider #raleighnc as the next MLS expansion market. #mlsexpansion #mlssoccer #soccer #soccerbiz #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness Sports Business Journal Sportico

"From the Court to the Core of Courage: Glenwood Veterans Score a Salute at Creighton Games!" For a detailed account of how two esteemed veterans were honored at Creighton basketball games for their indomitable spirit and service, please read the full article Berry Law https://lnkd.in/gMjjZvXE

This is a great article for anyone following the now defunct proposal to move the Capital One Arena to Alexandria, VA or the Tropicana field redevelopment in St Petersburg. I value what they did in Toronto to modernize the Rogers Centre and think about how visitors want to spend time and experience games. The idea of revitalizing an existing stadium over building new has so many benefits from the environment to preserving the local economy to saving money. Let’s take some lessons from these examples!

On February 13, 1923, the New York Renaissance, the first all-Black professional basketball team, was organized. The Renaissance, commonly called the Rens, became one of the dominant teams of the 1920s and 1930s. Learn more about this amazing team here: https://lnkd.in/dGb96hpv  #todayinblackhistory #todayinhistory #Trailblazers #BlackHistoryMonth #blackhistory #AmplifyBlackVoices #kalabash # #blackconsultants #blackbusiness #blackentrepreneurs #consultants #community

My kids are part of the 1 million+ youth who are in Scouting America. Today is our Blue & Gold Celebration and I am reflecting on what my family has gained from participating. This wouldn't have been possible without Scouts BSA evolving to become a more inclusive organization, which pre-empted the name change to Scouting America. This Forbes article describes some of what the brand is getting right. Speaking as a den leader and Scout parent, I agree. #ScoutMeIn https://lnkd.in/gz6Rqfew

T3 When we talk about diversity and inclusion we often think about the physical differences in humanity. It’s more than that, I would say that the richness of humanity is found in the neuro diversity and complexity of the cultural differences. To me, this commercial is a great example of what’s possible when we embrace this concept. LOVE it, well done ESPN well done 👏 #diversityandinclusion #bethechangeweneed #thesannnordgroup #sannnordstudios https://lnkd.in/gNJjDgBg