Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their role in the history of the United States.
The Maryland and Washington, D.C. (DC) soccer world has a long and storied history filled with examples of black and African American players, coaches, club administrators, and volunteers that have helped to grow the game, build and improve communities, expand playing opportunities, win championships, develop players, and have represented the United States at the highest level of soccer, the FIFA World Cup.
Whether it’s the distinguished playing career of Desmond Armstrong, or the more recent inspiration of Midge Purce, the lifetime achievements of Lincoln Phillips, the community impact of Myron Garnes, or the recently recognized quartet of Pat Noel, Andrew Bulls, Kevin Gnatiko and Ellis Pierre, we see the influence of black leaders on the soccer community here in Maryland and DC.
Soccer truly is one of the most diverse communities that exists, bringing together people of every age, gender, and ethnic and racial background to enjoy the beautiful game. The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association recognizes the black coaches, players, and leaders in our communities who play an integral part in the soccer landscape of Maryland and DC, and we say thank you!
We are committed to continuing to support the great work that you are doing and that we are doing together! We want to hear from you and engage in conversation around how we can best grow the game and provide additional opportunities to even more players, coaches, and leaders to fulfill their soccer dreams and ambitions. If you have not done so already, then please reach out to our newly appointed, Director of Outreach and Grassroots, Nathean Meadows to start a conversation!
CHECK IT OUT
While not a complete list, please also check out the inspirational links below that highlight some of the very real and meaningful contributions of black soccer leaders in U.S. soccer history!
THE FIRST BLACK PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS (click image below)
THE INSPIRING COMEBACK STORY OF THE 1974 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING HOWARD UNIVERSITY MEN'S SOCCER TEAM:
Stay engaged with other great stories across the soccer world!
https://chapelboro.com/sports/unc-sports/brianna-pinto-crystal-dunn-discuss-their-careers-as-black-soccer-players
https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/black-history-month
https://blacksoccercoaches.org/celebrating-30-years-of-black-soccer-history
https://theundefeated.com/tag/hbcu-soccer/
https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2020/7/14/21324413/crystal-dunn-brianna-pinto-honest-talk-about-being-black-soccer-uswnt-nwsl-players