On Saturday, June 15, we had one of our favorite events thus far with some of our favorite people. We partnered with Tyler Adams, Allstate, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Detroit City FC, and the city of Detroit to unveil a mini-pitch in Detroit, at the Fisher Magnet Upper Academy.
At the unveiling, we hosted one of our signature Black Star events, a First Touch Youth Clinic, for roughly 50 kids aged 7-12. The kids broke in the customized, hard court soccer pitch with laughter, learning, and skill building under the guidance of Tyler Adams.
To add perspective to the magnitude of this occasion, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that Tyler Adams is one of the most important modern Black Stars in the American soccer space. This is largely due to his gravitas both inside and outside the locker room.
He was not only the youngest captain at the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, he was also the first Black player to captain the United States on the game's grandest stage. His leadership and dedication to breaking barriers, extends off of the pitch. Said Adams to Allstate in this recent interview:
Soccer has been a driving force in my life, teaching me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline and resilience. By providing spaces where kids can play and grow, we hope to foster a sense of community and open doors for the next generation to experience the transformative power of soccer.
Want to read or hear more about this mini pitch project and why it's creation is so important? Check out this UPROXX interview where Adams speaks on the mini pitch, as well as his desire to use soccer as a way to spread social change.
Or you can hear from the man himself! Adams was recently interviewed by Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers and the two spoke about his partnership with Allstate, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Black Star.
Championing the next generation of Black players
It’s important for Black Star to champion the cultivation of the upcoming generations of Black American soccer fans and players, and this mini pitch will be a boon for providing equitable access to soccer for the youth in Detroit’s northeast side.
Hard court surfaces like this provide the community with an infrastructure to host organized soccer and pickup games year round. It’s especially critical in urban areas, as space is limited and it’s a great outlet for kids to stay active and improve community safety.
This mini pitch has a special significance to Black Star, as Detroit was the city where Black Star had its very first event in the Fall of 2021. It’s fitting the first mini pitch we partnered to create lives in the first city to have held a Black Star event. Said Black Star director, Patrick Rose:
This represents a commitment to providing the resources and opportunities youth need to thrive in soccer. By partnering with Allstate and Tyler Adams, we are taking significant steps toward providing a legacy impact and sustainable space to ensure every aspiring player, regardless of their background, has the chance to develop their skills and passion for the game.
Keep in touch with us on socials, and check back on the website to stay tapped into all the things Black Star is cooking up for the community.
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