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Toronto FC becomes first MLS club to officially partner with Black Players for Change

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Toronto FC, MLSE Foundation, and Black Players for Change announce community partnership ahead of the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.

By Michael Singh
Toronto FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC players hold a banner in support of the Black Lives Matter movement prior to the start of MLS soccer action at BC Place on September 5, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada.
(Lam/Getty)

TORONTO, Canada—Toronto FC continue to lead by example in Major League Soccer (MLS).

On Monday, the club became the first-ever franchise to partner with Black Players for Change (BPC), an organization consisting of over 170 players, coaches and staff members of MLS clubs, working to bridge the gap in racial equality.

“What a year it has been, both on and off the field. These programs and partnerships are crucial as we collectively strive to address issues relating to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis said in press release. “I am proud of our organization, and we are excited to be working alongside Black Players for Change. Also, I am very happy to know that we have solidified this partnership prior to the start of what we hope will be an exciting and successful playoff campaign. Off the field, it should be a great partnership, on the field, it should be a competitive and exciting playoff run.”

The initiative is branded as ‘UNITE’ and will be used to raise funds during TFC’s playoff run to provide youth equitable access to sport in Toronto.

The Reds, of course, begin their quest to reach the MLS Cup Final for the fourth time in five seasons on Tuesday when they play host to Nashville SC in East Hartford, Connecticut.

“We’re excited to team up with Toronto FC to create this campaign that highlights Unity, in all ways. The campaign fits perfectly into our fight for social justice and racial equality,” said Toronto FC Defender and Black Players for Change Executive Director Justin Morrow in a press release. “Toronto FC is the first club to officially partner with Black Players for Change, highlighting the value that the city places on diversity. We will work together to use the funds from this campaign to foster change in the community for our generations to come.”

There are two ways fans can support this initiative:

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