Stuver content to debut across _The Players’ Tribune_ channels on June 5
AUSTIN, Texas // NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 5, 2023) – Audi of America, Major League Soccer and The Players’ Tribune today announced that Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver will be featured in the “Celebrating Impact” content series for his demonstration of excellence in driving progress in his community.
Working directly with Stuver to 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 Stuver’s voice and raising awareness for charities close to his heart.
Since signing for Austin FC in December of 2020, Stuver has consistently used his platform as the Club’s starting goalkeeper and fan favorite to advocate for marginalized people and to provide resources for underserved members of Central Texas communities. His work has seen him recognized as a back-to-back MLS Humanitarian of the Year Finalist and a 2022 ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian of the Year finalist, the first-ever soccer player to be nominated for that award.
“Leveraging my platform as a voice for positive social change is extremely important to me,” said Stuver. “It is an honor to be featured in the Celebrating Impact content series and continue to shine a light on organizations that are making an impact in communities where we live and play our games.”
Stuver is actively involved with Current Initiatives’ The Laundry Project, an initiative which holds events to provide free laundry services and materials to low-income families. His work with The Laundry Project is the primary focus of The Players’ Tribune content.
As part of this support of The Laundry Project, Stuver has led eight Laundry Project events since arriving in Austin, helping thousands of families do tens of thousands of loads of laundry for free. He has also organized multiple laundry supply drives in partnership with Austin FC supporters’ groups and local businesses to collect donations. Last August, Stuver organized a Laundry Project in support of the community in Uvalde, Texas, where volunteers washed laundry and donated toys and school supplies following the tragic elementary school shooting which took place there.
Stuver’s work in public service also consists of being on the Equality Texas Foundation Board of Directors, the largest LGBTQIA2+ advocacy nonprofit in Texas. He is also an ambassador for Athlete Ally, an organization that works to encourage athletes to be outspoken for LGBTQIA2+ equality. Stuver is a regular volunteer at Austin FC and 4ATX Foundation community events, including Verde Leaders, an after-school program which provides free soccer and social emotional skills training for underserved youth.
In honor of Stuver’s incredible work driving progress off the field, Audi will be making a $20,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund: $10,000 to Current Initiatives, the nonprofit organization which runs The Laundry Project, and $10,000 to the Equality Texas Foundation.
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.
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 enters its 28th season this month and we approach the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has funded $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.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer — celebrating its 28th season in 2023 — features 29 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including 2023 expansion team St. Louis CITY SC. All MLS, Leagues Cup,and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
At Audi of America, we believe the future is electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be at least 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2022, Audi sold 186,875 vehicles in the U.S., sold more fully electric models than ever before, and achieved a record-breaking year in after sales. Learn more about who we are and how we're working to create a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com.
ABOUT THE PLAYERS’ TRIBUNE
The Players’ Tribune is an online sports media platform that developed the blueprint for athlete-driven storytelling. Developed by athletes for athletes, The Players’ Tribune brings together the athlete voice with the power of trusted and authentic narratives. By giving athletes premium tools and resources to create truly personal content and tell their stories, The Players’ Tribune is reimagining the world of sports and culture globally, through the player’s point of view. Co-Founded by Derek Jeter in 2014, and acquired by Minute Media in 2019, The Players’ Tribune provides creative partnership and a curated experience built on trust and representing the athlete point of view above all else. For more information visit www.theplayerstribune.com, or interact with the team on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contacts:
For Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano
For Audi
Amanda Koons
For The Players’ Tribune
Paige Graham
