Things we love? Athletes giving back to their local communities and extending their influence beyond the game. Recently, several U.S. Men's National Team stars have taken significant steps to invest in and shape the future of their communities by becoming owners of professional clubs.
Let's take a closer look at how Timothy Weah, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards are leading this trend and are making a difference close to home.
Timothy Weah: Cultivating Growth in Brooklyn
In May 2024, it was announced that Weah was joining the ownership group of USL Championship club, Brooklyn FC. The Juventus and USMNT player's journey has taken him across continents, but he has a strong connection to New York City—the city where he was born. And now he's giving back to Brooklyn communities and furthering the growth of the sport by investing in the club's men's, women's, and academy programs.
Said Weah, "I am grateful for the opportunity to join Brooklyn Football Club's ownership team and strengthen our connection to the people of New York...the city I love."
Photos courtesy of Brooklyn FC
Tyler Adams: Empowering Westchester Soccer
Tyler Adams, known for his prowess on the field for Bournemouth and the U.S., has also made waves by joining the ownership group of Westchester SC in USL League One. This move marks a pivotal moment for Adams, who not only hails from the region, but also owns the semi-pro Hudson Valley Hammers of USL League Two alongside his stepfather. His investment aims not only to elevate the club's profile but also to provide opportunities for local talent to thrive.
Adams expressed his excitement about the venture, stating, "Westchester Soccer Club represents everything I value about the game—community, development, and opportunity...Joining this ownership group is not only an honor, but also an incredible chance to give back to the region that played such a huge role in my journey."
Chris Richards: Building a Legacy at Legion FC
Chris Richards, a rising star in U.S. soccer circles, has taken a bold step towards community engagement by joining the ownership group of hometown club and USL Championship club, Birmingham Legion FC. His investment not only strengthens the club's foundation but also reinforces his ties to the local soccer scene.
Richards reflected on his decision, saying, "This city means everything to me. It's the city I was raised in and the city that made me, so to be able to give back to it and the people who formed this soccer community around it means the world to me."
Impact Beyond the Field
These investments by Adams, Weah, and Richards underscore a broader trend of athletes using their influence to create lasting change in their communities. By leveraging their success on the international stage, these players are not only investing in soccer clubs but also in the futures of young athletes who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
In many ways, they are continuing down a path that previous U.S. Men's National Team players have already walked. Trailblazers like DaMarcus Beasley, an owner of Fort Wayne FC, and Jozy Altidore, an investor in Bay FC, set the stage for this new wave of player-owners. Inspired by those who came before them, Adams, Weah, and Richards are carving out their own legacy—one rooted in giving back, building stronger communities, and ensuring future generations have greater opportunities to thrive.
As these players continue to shape the landscape of American soccer, their commitment to community investment serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Their actions inspire the next generation of soccer fans, showing them that with determination and vision, they too can make a profound impact both on and off the field.
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