Former Major League Soccer stars Bradley Wright-Phillips, Earl Edwards Jr, Jalil Anibaba, Ray Gaddis, and Calen Carr recently joined forces at a meeting with youth academy players from the New York Red Bulls, denouncing racial abuse faced by the teams during a youth tournament earlier in the year. The players, including seasoned veterans like Eddie Pope and Jozy Altidore, who have endured their share of challenges, are now actively addressing racism in the sport.

In a pivotal session held at the Red Bull Arena, the former players shared their experiences and discussed strategies to combat racism within the youth soccer community following incidents of racial abuse against the Red Bulls' academy teams in matches against Hajduk Split and Monterrey. The players have taken a firm stand against such unacceptable behavior, emphasizing the importance of unity and support among teammates.

Former USMNT defender Eddie Pope stressed the significance of addressing racism in sports and not letting such incidents go unnoticed. His comments highlighted the ongoing struggle against racism in various regions and the need for collective action to combat discriminatory behavior. The former players' valuable insights resonated with the young athletes, encouraging them to take pride in their backgrounds and stand up against injustice.

The meeting, initiated by the head of academy scouting Tiger Fitzpatrick, received commendation for its impactful message of solidarity and empowerment, aiming to create a safe and inclusive environment for all players. Allen Hopkins, executive director of Black Players for Change, emphasized the importance of standing up against racism and reclaiming personal power in the face of adversity.

The dedicated efforts of the former players and the supportive environment fostered by the New York Red Bulls organization have set a positive example for addressing racism in sports. As the Black soccer community continues to strive for equality and inclusion, the actions taken during this meeting serve as a crucial step towards eradicating racism and promoting a culture of respect and understanding in the soccer world.