July 27 Hometown Heroes Showcase, Presented by RBC Wealth Management, to Celebrate Local Leaders Driving Positive Change across the Carolinas During MLS All-Star Week in Charlotte
Charlotte FC Midfielder Brandt Bronico Named 2026 MLS Hometown Heroes Program Ambassador
The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation to Match 2026 Hometown Heroes Grants in Support of Community Impact Initiatives Across the Carolinas
NEW YORK AND CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (June 24, 2026) -- Major League Soccer (MLS), Black Players for Change (BPC), and RBC Wealth Management today announced the 2026 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes, an annual honor celebrating non-profit organizations and their leaders who demonstrate innovative approaches to serving individuals and communities with the greatest need across the Carolinas.
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The 2026 Hometown Heroes include:
- Anderson Outreach – Alesia Fleming, Board Chair
- Two-Six Project – Janae Aiken, Director, Emerging Leaders Program
- Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe -- Ashley Allen, Co-Executive Director
- Charlotte ToolBank – Maureen Krueger, Executive Director
Each Hometown Hero will receive a $15,000 grant from Major League Soccer to support the mission of their respective organizations. These initiatives focus on literacy, physical and mental wellness, and ensuring access to meals and other essentials to basic needs throughout the region. The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation will match the $15,000 grants awarded to each of the four 2026 Hometown Heroes organizations, contributing an additional $60,000 in support of community impact initiatives across the Carolinas.
In addition, MLS will posthumously recognize Dr. Victor Kidd as the 2026 Honorary Hero. Affectionately known as "Vic", he was a trusted collaborator and advocate for Major League Soccer, partnering with the league on numerous initiatives, including MLS Next, designing training programs for MLS Academies and helping to co-create Playing as One, MLS's flagship program dedicated to combating discrimination on and off the pitch.
As a licensed psychotherapist, Vic supported countless individuals and athletes with compassion, wisdom, and integrity, while championing greater access to culturally competent and affirming mental health care. Outside the office, Kidd spent his time mentoring youth in the Fort Mill, South Carolina community, inspiring youth to strive for excellence.
Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico will serve as the official ambassador for the 2026 MLS Hometown Heroes program, continuing his commitment to advocacy and driving positive change across the greater Charlotte area.
"We're incredibly proud to celebrate this year's Hometown Heroes as part of MLS All-Star week," said Jen Cramer, EVP of Partnership Marketing at MLS." These individuals exemplify the spirit of leadership, compassion and innovation, and it's their dedication to service and the ongoing commitment of their organizations to drive meaningful impact that is truly inspiring. We're thrilled to recognize them all at this year's Hometown Heroes Showcase and help amplify the impactful work taking place to provide opportunity for youth and improve local communities throughout the Carolinas."
In collaboration with BPC – an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches and staff working to bridge the racial equality gap in soccer and society – and Charlotte FC, the honorees will be recognized at the fifth annual MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management. The private event will take place on Monday, July 27, at the Carolina Theatre. The event is part of the League, Charlotte FC, BPC, and RBC Wealth Management’s ongoing efforts to amplify and celebrate the impactful work taking place within local communities.
"The 2026 Hometown Heroes show us what's possible when dedicated people show up for their communities every single day," said Pat Vaughan, Co-Head, Private Client Group at RBC Wealth Management. "These organizations are creating lasting change across the Carolinas — and that work deserves to be celebrated. We're proud to amplify their missions and support the communities they serve alongside MLS and Black Players for Change."
“Black Players for Change was founded on the principle that real, systemic progress requires moving from protest to sustainable programs, and that begins by lifting up the grassroots leaders who are doing the heavy lifting on the ground every single day,” said Allen Hopkins Jr., Executive Director of Black Players for Change. “This year’s honorees are tackling the racial and economic equity gap head-on, creating tangible pathways in education, literacy, and wellness across the Carolinas. It is also a deeply emotional privilege for us to posthumously honor our brother, Dr. Victor Kidd. 'Vic' was a brilliant, trusted collaborator whose work designing anti-discrimination programs like Playing as One changed the fabric of MLS. His legacy of compassion, integrity, and mental health advocacy remains a guiding light for our organization and the game at large.”
To further extend support beyond MLS All-Star Week, MLS has launched a dedicated donation page for fans and supporters to champion both current and past Hometown Heroes organizations. The donation page connects directly to each organization's individual fundraising platform, ensuring that all contributions go directly to the nonprofits. Supporters can learn more and donate by visiting mlshometownheroes.com/donations.
The MLS Hometown Heroes Showcase will be one of several official events leading up to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime, featuring the best of MLS vs. LIGA MX on Wednesday, July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Tickets for the MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime can be purchased by visiting mlssoccer.com/allstar.
For more on this year’s honorees, visit MLSHometownHeroes.com. Media interested in attending are encouraged to R.S.V.P. by contacting MLS@berkcommunications.com or Peter.OBrien@mlssoccer.com.
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2026 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Honorees Presented by RBC Wealth Management
Anderson Outreach – Alesia Flemming, Board Chair
Anderson Outreach supports equity-impacted youth by addressing critical needs related to education, housing stability, life skills and overall well-being. Through mentorship, workforce readiness programs, transitional support, and community-based initiatives, Anderson Outreach empowers young people to navigate challenges, strengthen mental health resilience, expand their capacity for success and ability to thrive independently.
Two-Six Project – Janae Aiken, Director, Emerging Leaders Program
The Two-Six Project empowers historically under-resourced youth through leadership development, education, mentorship, and community engagement. Through innovative programs focused on career readiness, STEAM learning, athletics, scholarships, and exposure opportunities, Two-Six Project equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to become future leaders and advocates.
Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe -- Ashley Allen, Co-Executive Director
Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe works to close the race-based opportunity gap through community-powered literacy programs that engage children, families, and community partners. Through reading tutoring, family literacy initiatives, culturally responsive resources, and volunteer-driven support, Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe helps young learners become confident readers and build a foundation for lifelong success.
Charlotte ToolBank – Maureen Krueger, Executive Director
The Charlotte ToolBank strengthens communities by equipping nonprofit and community organizations with the tools and equipment they need to carry out service projects, volunteer initiatives, and community events. By removing barriers associated with purchasing, storing, and maintaining these items, the Charlotte ToolBank helps organizations operate more efficiently, focus more resources on their missions, and create lasting impact throughout the Charlotte region.
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About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 31st season in 2026 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. All MLS and Leagues Cup matches can be watched 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, and features 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 Black Players for Change
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of over 170+ Black players, coaches and staff from MLS, working to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society. BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have limited Black people from having an equitable stake in the game of soccer and society. Among the many goals, the organization strives to advance the attention on human rights inequalities from protests to programs, partnerships, and policies that address systemic discrimination. For more information visit www.BlackPlayersForChange.org.
About RBC Wealth Management
RBC Wealth Management is a leading financial services company in the United States, delivering trusted advice and world-class wealth solutions to individuals, families and businesses. With 196 offices across 43 states, RBC Wealth Management supports the complex needs of high-net-worth clients through customized wealth planning, investment management, retirement planning and more. As part of RBC, a diversified global financial institution and one of the world’s largest banks based on market capitalization, RBC Wealth Management offers the scale, resources and expertise to help clients achieve their financial goals. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. Learn more at rbcwm.com.
Media Contacts:
Major League Soccer
Sal Petruzzi
Peter O’Brien
For Black Players for Change
Allen Hopkins Jr.
Megan Fontenot
RBC Wealth Management
Kris Herberg
