East Wake Times

The landscape of American soccer has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years, with Black players gaining prominence and recognition for their achievements. Eboni Christmas, a long-time fan of the sport, reflects on this evolution. "It is kind of a dramatic change, but for the good. These players were already here, they just weren’t getting the recognition. Now that they’re winning the United States Olympic medals and things like that. It’s been really cool to see that change," Christmas said.

This growing representation extends beyond the field. "As a Black fan, more Black players are being recognized and celebrated. It’s been really cool, and now more people are like, ‘I see myself’ whether it is in media or on the field or in the stands,” Christmas added.

Christmas is involved with supporter groups such as American Outlaws and North Carolina FC’s Oak City Supporters. She highlights the importance of Black-centered supporter groups like Rose Room Collective in Washington D.C., and Black Fires in Chicago. "They are popping up because more Black fans are getting into the sport, and they’re creating a space for themselves to be able to go to games," she explained.

Young fans also feel this impact, including Anéssa Myers, a high school student who became a fan of Courage after moving to Raleigh in 2021. Myers noted the lack of diversity she observed growing up: “There just weren’t a ton on that National Team. It wasn’t very diverse."

Organizations like the Black Women’s Player Collective play an essential role in fostering growth and inclusivity within clubs. Myers appreciates initiatives by teams such as Courage: “I think having organizations like the Black Women’s Player Collective is really important... Days like [Juneteenth] are really important."

Media representation has also seen changes with outlets like Shea Butter FC providing platforms for Black voices in soccer media. Both Christmas and Myers contribute to this outlet which started in 2020. “We all see the game differently... Now that we have so many influential Black players showing up and performing well, it’s important to have those Black voices saying what we see as well,” Christmas stated.

Shea Butter FC has grown significantly since its inception, offering new opportunities such as participation at NWSL Skills Competition events and interviews during NWSL media day.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain for independent media outlets seeking equal access within sports journalism spaces. “On the media side I just want better access... That trust is very hard to get when you’re independent media,” Christmas remarked.

Overall representation remains crucial across all facets of soccer—from playing fields through stands into broader cultural contexts surrounding what many call 'the Beautiful Game.'