95. Black Players for Change Executive Director - Allen Hopkins, Jr.

Hi I’m Scot Cooper and this is the Tales From the Trail Podcast by MatchPlay.  In this episode I welcome Allen Hopkins, Jr.  Allen had a long career through college and professional soccer.  He went on to be a sports broadcaster, which is a great story he shares and now is the Executive Director of Black Players for Change, which is comprised of Black MLS players, staff, and coaches BPC is a positive bridge between sport, life and soccer, it’s a universal language that can be used to advance and advocate for Equality.  BPC spearheads impactful programs that transcend the game that are designed to tackle racial inequality head-on. The collective strength of BPC leverages the influence and visibility of Black soccer players to drive meaningful change contributing to a more equitable and fair environment in the world of sports.This was an enjoyable and enlightening conversation; Allen’s positivity is contagious!  Allen discusses his background and soccer journey, the growth of MLS, and the formation and priorities of Black Players for Change. He emphasizes the importance of legacy projects and increasing access to the game, particularly in underserved communities. Allen also highlights the need for representation and opportunities for black coaches in the soccer industry. In this conversation, Allen discusses his role in supporting coaches and job seekers in the soccer industry. Allen also talks about the importance of being a good teammate and collaborator, and how he strives to create a strong team at the Black Players Coalition (BPC). He emphasizes the need for athlete activism and the support BPC receives from organizations like Players Coalition. Allen highlights the unique challenges and opportunities for soccer in America and the importance of connecting with other black athletes and civil rights leaders. He concludes by discussing the importance of knowing your value and finding the right fit, and expressing gratitude for meaningful dialogue.Legacy projects and planting trees for shade you'll never sit under are important in making a lasting impact.Increasing access to soccer in underserved communities is crucial for growing the game.Representation and opportunities for black coaches and executives in the soccer industry are essential for equality and diversity.Collaboration, communication, and transparency are key in creating meaningful change. Supporting coaches and job seekers in the soccer industry is an important role that Allen takes on.Being a good teammate and collaborator is crucial in creating a strong team at the Black Players Coalition.Athlete activism is a powerful tool for creating change, and BPC seeks to support and empower athletes in their activism.Soccer in America faces unique challenges and opportunities, and there is much to learn from other leagues and organizations.Connecting with other black athletes and civil rights leaders is important for creating meaningful change in the soccer industry.Knowing your value and finding the right fit is essential for personal and professional fulfillment.00:00 Introduction and Legacy Projects02:01 Allen's Background and Soccer Journey09:26 Covering MLS and the Growth of the League14:48 Black Players for Change and its Connection to MLS25:14 Developing the Youth Game and Increasing Access30:44 Formation of Black Players for Change36:28 Priorities as Executive Director44:02 Addressing Issues in the Black Soccer Community46:14 Representation and Opportunities for Black Coaches49:53 Supporting Coaches and Job Seekers51:29 Learning from Other Leagues53:46 Supporting Athlete Activism55:09 Understanding the Magnitude of the Fight56:41 Knowing Your Value and Finding the Right Fit57:02 Gratitude and Meaningful Dialogue