Black Star partners with Emirates FA Cup for NYC Clinic

Updated: Jun 28

Since it's inception, Black Star has engaged in endeavors across the country, simultaneously growing the game's relevance in Black American communities and highlighting the existing space and community within. During Black History Month earlier this year, Black Star made a huge leap in its continued efforts by partnering with the English Football Association and the Emirates FA Cup, the oldest national soccer competition in the world, to host a sold-out youth clinic for U11 to U13-aged kids in NYC.

USMNT legend leads clinic for young Black players

On February 25, over 70 players from underserved communities joined us at SoFive Brooklyn for this special occasion, and participants had the opportunity to engage in skill-building activities, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience the joy and camaraderie that soccer fosters.

DaMarcus Beasley, the only man to represent the U.S. Men's National Team in four different FIFA Men's World Cups and bonafide U.S. Soccer legend, headlined the event. This entailed Beasley leading a soccer clinic alongside local coaches, and sharing his soccer journey—allowing the players in attendance to gain invaluable insights. Said Beasley:

Black Star teaming up with the FA Cup to grow the game in Black communities and inspire the next generation is so important. Programs and clinics like these are much needed. My time spent with the kids was so much fun. To be able to watch them compete, learn, and have fun was the best outcome I could have asked for.

Celebrating the Black American soccer community

With this being the Emirates FA Cup's first U.S. tour ever in its 151-year history, it was important that the Black American soccer community was represented and celebrated—Black Star certainly delivered on this front. Ryan Armstrong, Marketing Lead of The Football Association, had this to say about the experience:

The Black Star clinic was by far the most rewarding thing for me on this Tour. It was so well-executed and seamless. The impact was grand.

The Emirates FA Cup has a rich history of Black players starring in the competition, and the English FA has placed a worthy focus on highlighting this. Many Black players, including Beasley for Manchester City, have featured in the competition, as well.

More than 20 Black Americans have made at least one appearance in the Emirates FA Cup, with current USMNT players Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Haji Wright among the players to have laced up their cleats in the prestigious competition. Check out a longer list of players to have featured at the bottom of the blog.

Perhaps nobody put it better than Black Star Director Patrick Rose, who stated, “It was heartening to witness the joy from players and parents alike at the Black Star x Emirates FA Cup soccer clinic. Whether it was the screams of excitement upon introducing FA Cup legend DaMarcus Beasely or the cheers from our 1v1 competition—the passion was evident. The central Brooklyn and greater NYC Black soccer communities are full of talent with a clear appetite for the game.”

Representation is everything and you can't be what you can't see. Beasley's presence left an indelible impression on all participants and we're thankful to the English FA for allowing us to host a first-class experience for our Black Star youth.

Photos from the Emirates FA Cup x Black Star clinic

Want to see more from our incredible event? Check out the gallery below. 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.