Audi Goals Drive Progress

Since 2019, Audi has teamed up with Major League Soccer to support the future generation of professional soccer players through the Audi Goals Drive Progress program. To date, Audi has invested $5 million into the program that distributes funding into the MLS Club Youth Academy systems.

In 2024, the Audi Goals Drive Progress program will continue to support player development on the pitch, via MLS Academies, but also bring impact off the pitch by financially supporting and spotlighting MLS Players’ community initiatives. In total, Audi will contribute up to $1 million per season through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund between both initiatives of the Audi Goals Drive Progress program.

Player-led initiatives will be highlighted in content throughout the season, showcasing select MLS players’ commitments to their communities, culminating with the winner of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award.

Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award

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The newly named Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award reimagines the MLS Humanitarian of the Year Award, highlights the best of MLS Players’ commitment to philanthropy, and helps to contribute to their ongoing relationships with 501c3 organizations in their communities.

2023 WINNER - Alejandro Bedoya

Throughout the MLS Regular Season, Audi will work with MLS content partners to bring selected players’ stories to life, and through the Celebrating Impact campaign will recognize MLS Players demonstrating excellence in driving progress in their communities. Audi and MLS content partners will consider candidates whose dedication to charitable efforts and social impact work create sustainable communities, fosters equity and inclusion, and enriches the lives of those in need across the U.S. and Canada. A $40,000 contribution will be awarded to each player’s select 501c3 organization through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund.

The winner of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award will be chosen as part of the MLS League Awards by an esteemed panel. A $150,000 contribution will be awarded to the winner’s select 501c3 organization during a trophy award presentation at MLS Cup presented by Audi.

Learn more about each player's impact on The Player's Tribune:

Jalen Neal: Just Off the 710
Darlington Nagbe: Living Proof
Zack Steffen: Bigger Than the Whole World
Ilie Sánchez: You’re Welcome Here
Brandt Bronico: C harlotte Forever
Taylor Washington: Forget the Milk
Jeremy Ebobisse: Let’s Grow This Game Together

MLS Academy Support

Audi is proud to invest in the development of youth players so that they may thrive on and off the pitch. For every goal scored, Audi invests directly into the Audi Goals Drive Progress Fund to support each MLS Club Youth Academy. Funds raised will be distributed equally among all MLS Academies to support their players’ Education, Housing, and Transportation.

For each regular season goal, Audi will contribute $200. During MLS All-Star and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, stakes are raised, and every goal is worth a $1,000 contribution. At MLS Cup presented by Audi, each goal is worth $10,000 from the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund.

Academies have a golden opportunity for additional funding. The winner of the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi will earn his Club’s academy an additional $50,000 contribution from Audi.

GOALS DRIVE PROGRESS IN 2024:

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1,515

Goals to date

$327,000

Committed to MLS Academies