Open Goal Project’s Amir Lowery has been named to Major League Soccer's list of 23 finalists for the 2018 MLS WORKS Community MVP contest. The Community MVP grand prize winner, as voted by fans, will be recognized on the field at halftime of the 2018 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 1, 2018, and will receive a $25,000 donation for their selected charity.
Passionate about inner-city youth being able to access the beautiful game, Amir co-founded Open Goal Project in 2015. Open Goal Project is a D.C. nonprofit dedicated to helping youth soccer players navigate the financial and logistical challenges that persist in American club soccer. As the Executive Director for Open Goal Project, Amir plays an active role in programming, coaching, and mentoring a growing number of youth in the D.C. area. Through his work, Amir aspires to change the landscape of U.S. soccer by making it truly accessible to everyone, regardless of race, class, or socioeconomic status.
MLS' Community MVP finalists were selected after being nominated by members of their communities for using soccer as a tool to help make a positive impact in one of the following areas:
- Social issues focusing on inclusion, diversity and equality
- Health issues affecting men, women or children
- Community service for a local, national or international charitable organization
Click here to see the complete list of nominees. Voting for the grand prize winner will take place between Thursday, July 19 (12 PM ET) – Wednesday, Aug. 1 (2 PM ET).
