Number 106
Image source: Black Star
Allstate, Tyler Adams, Black Star Ignite
Youth Soccer with Philly Mini-Pitch
Featured Focus:
Athlete-Driven Impact,
Community Programs, Access/Inclusion/Equality
Scope of Impact: Local
The recent unveiling of a new mini-pitch in Yeadon, Philadelphia, marks a significant stride in youth soccer development, driven by a powerful coalition. Here’s what you should know:
Collaborative Power: Allstate, U.S. Men's National Team player Tyler Adams, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Black Star, and The SWAG united to create a safe, accessible soccer space at Bell Avenue Elementary.
Athlete-Driven Access: USMNT star Tyler Adams' personal involvement and commitment, including this being his fourth mini-pitch opening with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, underscores the initiative's authenticity and inspirational impact.
Targeted Impact: The project specifically targets underserved Black and immigrant communities in Philadelphia, leveraging soccer to promote physical activity, teamwork, and long-term development.
First and foremost, we love the tangible impact of this initiative. It successfully addressed the critical need for accessible play spaces for underserved communities, contributing substantially to physical well-being, social cohesion, and youth empowerment.
The multi-stakeholder collaboration—corporate power from Allstate, authentic athlete advocacy from Tyler Adams, national programmatic expertise from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and vital grassroots engagement from Black Star and The SWAG—creates a robust, sustainable model. Their ongoing commitment to expand these efforts nationally, coupled with Philadelphia's broader strategic investments in youth soccer, points to a promising future for the sport at the grassroots level.
We have a soft spot for Tyler Adams’ involvement, because his personal journey resonates deeply with this project. His name and success will inspire youth to engage with soccer and dream of her professional career. But even if they don’t make it to the pros, this opportunity will give them great foundations for the rest of their lives.
Allstate and Black Star have already gone above and beyond this initiative to create additional events, aiming to help teenagers get scouted and recruited to play in college, youth soccer, U.S. Soccer, and professional playing opportunities.
Our competitive spirit would love to see a Black Star March Madness-like tournament, with teams from all of their markets competing against each other. It would bring even more exposure to the youth involved, and more awareness to the work done by Black Star, supported by Allstate.
Partnerships like this one are what makes the WIN | WIN team smile, and it doesn’t have to be a national event. If you were part of something similar in your city, we’d support it with the same enthusiasm. Tell us what you’re up to so we can celebrate it with you, or send us a note about what you’re inspired to make happen — we might be able to help you bring it to life!
