Sports stats

MLS Major League Soccer

MLS Unveils 2023 All-Star Hometown Heroes

June 27, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


NEW YORK, N.Y AND WASHINGTON, D.C. - Major League Soccer, D.C. United, Black Players for Change (BPC) - an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff working to bridge the racial equality gap in soccer and society - and RBC Wealth Management announced today the 2023 All-Star Hometown Heroes. This honor recognizes the work of impactful organizations and leaders who are making positive change in the communities of the District of Columbia and that embody D.C. United's community values of Empowerment, Opportunity, and Service.

Below are the 2023 Hometown Heroes. Each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact.

Latin American Youth Center, Lupi Quinteros-Grady (she/her), President and CEO

Rainbow Families, Darren Paul-Vance (he/him), Executive Director

So Kids Soar (formerly Dreams for Kids), Glenda Fu Smith (she/her), Executive Director

We're Empowered to Achieve the impossible (WETATi), Dr. Margaret Dureke (she/her), Founder, President and Executive Director

Additionally, Howard University Men's Soccer Program is being recognized as the Honorary Hero for positively impacting the local community through soccer. The program's current and past coaches - Phillip Gyau (he/him), Keith Tucker (he/him), and Lincoln Phillips (he/him) - will accept the award on the program's behalf.

The second annual MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management and in collaboration with BPC and D.C. United, is a private event that will take place on Tuesday, July 18, the day before MLS faces off against Arsenal FC. The event is part of the League, D.C. United, BPC and RBC Wealth Management's ongoing efforts to amplify and celebrate inclusion and equity.

As local stars off the field and in the community, the Hometown Heroes sported the 2023 All-Star jerseys at Audi Field, home of the 2023 All-Star game. The jersey design was inspired by the Nation's Capital's famous landmarks and the three stars of the District of Columbia's flag. Jerseys are on sale starting today at MLSstore.com and in D.C. at various All-Star activations.

Check out the Major League Soccer Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from June 27, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central