MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Captain Steven Birnbaum to be Featured in Audi, MLS, and the Players' Tribune "Celebrating Impact" Content Series

Published on October 25, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


WASHINGTON // NEW YORK - Audi of America, Major League Soccer and The Players' Tribune today announced that D.C. United captain Steven Birnbaum will be featured in the "Celebrating Impact" content series for his demonstration of excellence in driving progress in his community.

Working directly with Birnbaumto spotlight causes that are important to him, content will be unveiled through written, video, and social across The Players' Tribune's channels, amplifying the power of Birnbaum's voice and raising awareness for charities close to his heart.

Since joining D.C. United in 2014, Birnbaumhas a been a pillar in the Washington, D.C. community and has a longstanding relationship with DC SCORES that has empowered students to succeed on the playing field, in the classroom, and in life. Birnbaum has been a champion of the nonprofit organization for the last decade and has positively affected the lives of countless students through school visits, recreational games, fundraisers, and community events across the DMV.

"Being a part of the D.C. United community and leveraging my platform as a voice for positive social change has always been important to me," said Birnbaum. "It's an honor to be featured in the Celebrating Impact content series to shine a light on DC SCORES who are making a daily impact in the communities where we live and play our games."

In honor of Birnbaum's incredible work driving progress off the field, Audi will be making a $20,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to the nonprofit organization Birnbaum selected: DC SCORES.

Audi's immense commitment to community projects will also be highlighted as part of the end of year player recognitions with the new Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award presented by MLS WORKS (formerly MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year). A selection committee - comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff and media members - will consider current MLS players whose dedication to charitable efforts and social impact work creates sustainable communities, fosters equity and inclusion, and enriches the lives of those in need across the U.S. and Canada. During MLS Cup presented by Audi, the League and Audi will present the winner of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award with a $100,000 contribution to the player's select nonprofit organization. The finalists for this recognition will be announced on Oct. 26 via MLS' owned channels.

As a longstanding partner, Audi has made an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players as the force behind the Audi Goals Drive Progress program. Launched in 2019, the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative provides funding to further enhance the experience of young players on and off the field at MLS academies, which play an essential role in developing talented players in the U.S. and Canada. With a new program development starting in 2023, the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has evolved to not only support player development on the pitch but also bring an impact off the pitch by financially supporting and spotlighting MLS players' community initiatives.

Audi has been a champion of MLS during a period of tremendous momentum behind the sport of soccer in North America, as Major League Soccer is in the midst of its 28th season and as the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico approaches. The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has funded over $4 million to support MLS academies - making an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players.

For more information on Celebrating Impact, visit theplayerstribune.com and MLSsoccer.com. Join the conversation and excitement by following @Audi, @MLS, @MLSWORKS, and @ThePlayersTribune on social media.




Major League Soccer Stories from October 25, 2023


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