Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award: Nominees
Description: Honors an MLS player who showed outstanding dedication to charitable efforts and serving the community during the 2024 season.
Eligibility: Nomination must include an accompanying biography, and photos and/or videos of the player interacting with the local community.
Nominee Assets are available to view **here**.
Throughout the 2024 season, Jay Fortune has been a mainstay within the greater Georgia community. From connecting with youth soccer players across the state of Georgia, to helping design one of the club’s best-selling retail collections centered around Juneteenth and Black Excellence, Jay has made it a focus this season to be present and show the youth of Georgia they can achieve their dreams as well.
For the second consecutive season and third time overall, Revolution defender Andrew Farrell has been named the club’s Humanitarian of the Year and is the team’s nominee for the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award. The longest-tenured player in Revolution history has become a beloved figure in the New England community over his decade-plus with the organization, for which he is the all-time leader in appearances, starts, and minutes played.
In 2024, Farrell once again set the shining example for his dedication to creating memorable experiences alongside the club’s community partners. Over his 12 seasons as a beacon of positivity and joy in the community, Farrell has raised the bar with his selflessness and generosity, attending well over half of all the clubs’ community events throughout the year.
Farrell’s passion for connecting with his community has helped the defender form meaningful, long-lasting relationships with several of the Revolution’s community partners including Special Olympics Massachusetts, the Jessie Rees Foundation, and many more. This year marked the 10th season of the Revolution’s Special Olympics Unified Team, which Farrell has supported every year of the partnership by attending their matches, training sessions, and signing days. As a leading ambassador for the Revolution’s annual fundraising event, Bowl for a Goal presented by the Arbella Insurance Group, he has helped the Revolution Foundation raise over $600,000 for Special Olympics Massachusetts to date.
During the 2024 season, Farrell’s infectious smile and positive spirit brought joy to dozens of children fighting pediatric cancer through his participation in Box Car Movie Night in August and by hosting Andrew’s NEGU Crew at four home games this year. Andrew’s NEGU Crew, which stands for “Never, Ever Give Up,” is a collaboration with the Jessie Rees Foundation that brings local childhood cancer fighters to Gillette Stadium for an unforgettable matchday experience, including a postgame lap of honor alongside Farrell in front of the Revolution supporters.
Additionally, Farrell has lent his time to hosting special guests from Make-a-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including four-year-old Brock Nowicki in August, and has helped spread awareness about summer pet safety through his work with the Animal Rescue League of Boston and its annual “Too Hot for Spot” campaign. This year, Farrell and his teammates once again delivered hundreds of pounds of dog and cat food to ARL Boston’s Animal Care and Adoption Center in Dedham, Mass., aiding pet owners throughout Greater Boston.
The veteran midfielder and his wife Rebecca volunteer with a Charlotte-based nonprofit called Beds for Kids, which furnishes households for families that can't afford it. Through his Annual BB13 Fundraiser, Bronico also unites other Charlotte FC players, local organizations, and community members to raise awareness and funds for families and kids around Charlotte who need support furnishing their homes.
As one of the league’s most respected players for his performance and sportsmanship on the pitch, plus his dedication to the Columbus community and supporters, Nagbe has a longstanding history of positively impacting the community and giving back to those in need.
Nagbe has a long-standing relationship with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio. Recently, he was profiled by The Players Tribune and highlighted for his community efforts through the Audi Celebrating Impact content series. As a result, Audi made a $40,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund on behalf of Nagbe to The Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio following a highly engaging visit with the group, leading to his desire to host children from the facility for one of the Crew’s final 2024 home matches.
In 2024, Nagbe frequently used his platform to promote children’s mental health awareness with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Kids Mental Health Foundation. Leveraging his social media presence, reputation, and stardom, Nagbe supported the foundation’s On Our Sleeves Moment and encouraged the community to participate in their 5k fundraiser, which he attended. The event ultimately raised more than $184,000 to help provide expert-created resources to promote mental health for children.
He also was frequently involved in advancing the League and Club’s efforts around major campaigns such as Kick Childhood Cancer month.
Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Drake Callender is a one-of-one individual among athletes, with diverse, creative interests. Among those interests is a desire to affect change, and a proclivity to inspire.
The California-native put these interests to use, co-authoring a children’s book with ex-Inter Miami teammate and close friend, DeAndre Yedlin. The book, which is titled “X Marks the Spot” focuses on mindfulness and was central to a pair of community initiatives for Callender in 2024.
First, he inspired elementary school students at the Foundation of Community Assistance & Leadership (FOCAL) program with a special book reading to commemorate Juneteenth. Callender engaged the young students with his reading, incorporating the importance of Juneteenth into his storytelling. As part of the activity, Callender and his wife Kyra toured the school, engaging with and answering questions from the group of children who eagerly interacted with them.
Then, in celebration of the Club’s back to school initiative in August, Callender returned to FOCAL to reconnect with the students, donating copies of “X Marks the Spot,” hoping that the story would serve as a source of inspiration for them. The students were thrilled to welcome Callender back and eager to go on their own mindfulness journey.
Callender also did environmental work with the Club, participating in a beach cleanup at the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County alongside his teammates. He took part in the community activation, helping collect 205 pounds of waste, thus helping to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution.
An executive board member of the MLSPA, Miller was an important player in the club's Stand Together Week, joining volunteers to help beautify the places in need around the community. Miller has connected with the local nonprofits through various community events throughout the season.
Felipe commitment to the city of Orlando and the Central Florida region as whole doesn't stop at the edge of the pitch but extends into the community every way possible. This year alone, he has appeared at and supported numerous IF YOU Foundation soccer camps, donating 50+ tickets for all the young athletes in their girls soccer camps, continuing to spread the love of soccer all across Orlando. Felipe has also gone on multiple visits to Orlando Health's Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, as well as visits to Ronald McDonald Houses around Orlando, spending time with children and families of children that were being treated for various forms of cancer. He has also taught a cooking class organized by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, teaching kids around Orlando new and healthy recipes that they can cook at home in their daily lives. Since arriving in Orlando in 2023, Felipe has made himself a valuable part of Orlando, using his platform in Major League Soccer to give back to all those in the Central Florida community.
Houston Dynamo FC defender Griffin Dorsey has spent the past few years with Houston shining on the field and in the community. During his time with the Dynamo, he has been the first to volunteer for activities and events in the community as well as finding ways to give back on his own.
Earlier this year, Dorsey asked for assistance in finding local youth soccer teams in which he could meet with and help provide connection and mentorship to. Throughout the year, he worked with various teams by attending practices and hosting his own sessions with the teams. Dorsey has also volunteered for other community activities, including visits to MD Anderson Cancer Center to meet with patients who are currently going through treatment. He also spent time at Ronald McDonald House visiting patients and their families. Dorsey embodies what it means to give back to the community selflessly.
Hector Jimenez, a defender for the Club since its inaugural season in 2021, was named Austin FC's Legend of the Year award winner for his commitment to serving the Austin community in 2024. He volunteered for several 4ATX and Austin FC community events held in the past year including 4ATX Clinics pres. by St. David’s HealthCare events, Verde Leaders practice at Dobie Middle School, Dia de los Niños w/ AVANCE & the Thinkery, and 4ATX Foundation Hat Trick Society Cocktail Hour.
Ilie Sánchez is the epitome of a man of the people. As an active participant in many of LAFC’s community efforts, Sánchez is a player who truly strives to make an impact. It is rare to see players connect with the public in the way he does. He understands the importance of giving back and goes out of his way to make the Los Angeles community feel embraced.
Sánchez is passionate about giving youth the opportunity to play soccer and helping to break the barrier of pay-to-play soccer and celebrating the diversity of the LA fan base and making LAFC a safe and welcoming environment for all. Sánchez emphasizes that being part of a community provides a keen sense of belonging. He believes that sports can bridge gaps and bring people together, fostering unity and collaboration within the community.
This season, Sánchez has focused his community efforts on the LAFC Special Olympics Unified Team. Sánchez has been a vocal advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities, raising awareness about their capabilities and the importance of inclusion. He has actively participated in Special Olympics events, dedicating time to engage with athletes and promote their talents. These events include trainings, team signing day, home matches, and away matches. Sánchez serves as a mentor to Special Olympics participants, inspiring them through his own experiences in sports and encouraging them to pursue their passions.
LA Galaxy defender Jalen Neal has emerged as a significant figure in community outreach, particularly through his support of the Special Olympics and Care Closet LLC. His commitment to these organizations highlights his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the pitch.
Neal's involvement with the Special Olympics exemplifies his passion for inclusion and empowerment. By actively engaging with athletes, he fosters a sense of community and champions the abilities of individuals of all abilities. His participation in events and advocacy for the Special Olympics showcases his belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire. Through meet-and-greet sessions and sports clinics, he not only motivates young athletes but also raises awareness about the importance of acceptance and equal opportunities for all.
In addition to his work with the Special Olympics, Neal’s support for Care Closet LLC further amplifies his community impact. Care Closet provides essential resources, including clothing and hygiene products, to those in need. By partnering with this organization, Neal addresses the critical issue of homelessness and poverty in Los Angeles. His involvement helps ensure that individuals have access to necessities, fostering dignity and hope in challenging circumstances.
Neal uses his platform to advocate for these causes, inspiring fans, and fellow athletes to engage in community service. His efforts have encouraged many to support similar initiatives, demonstrating the ripple effect of his actions.
Through his work with the Special Olympics and Care Closet LLC, Jalen Neal embodies the spirit of community service and social responsibility. His genuine commitment to helping others and promoting inclusivity reflects the core values of the LA Galaxy and sports. By bridging the gap between athletics and community welfare, Neal not only enhances the lives of those he directly helps but also fosters a culture of compassion and engagement within his fan base. His impact resonates deeply, proving that sports can be a powerful vehicle for social change.
Johnny Russell has been an integral member of the Kansas City community since joining the club in 2018, and that commitment has continued throughout 2024. Russell was a constant presence at Children's Mercy Hospital, signing up for all but one visit to cheer up children and families across the city. Over the course of the season, Russell visited almost 100 families. Always one to engage in some light-hearted fun, during Camp Week at Children’s Mercy Hospital, patients had a “kids’ choice” vote on who to slime and Johnny was chosen.
Russell is the leader of the team when it comes to welcoming The Victory Project honorees - children fighting cancer and other life challenges - to training before each home match, presenting every honoree with a special custom jersey and a welcome from the team. Russell was also the team's Kick Childhood Cancer ambassador, welcoming honoree Daniel Diaz to the training facility and partaking in a photoshoot to promote the KCC warm-up tops.
Jonathan Osorio is an outstanding candidate for the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting communities in need, both in Toronto and his parents' home country of Colombia. As a proud sponsor of the Canadian Colombian Children’s Organization, which has over 33 years of service, Osorio has made a lasting impact by nurturing the love for sports among children in impoverished areas of Colombia. His efforts include sponsoring the construction of soccer fields that meet safety standards in Armenia, as well as building a multi-sport facility in Barranquilla, with the potential of benefiting children from 10 schools in the surrounding area and plans to extend this initiative to other cities. Osorio is deeply committed to the belief that providing children with greater access to sports not only enhances their learning skills, but also significantly boosts their potential for success in life. His dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in these communities is truly inspiring and reflects his passion for making a meaningful difference.
We also recognize his exceptional commitment to charitable efforts that uplift the Toronto community. For years, Osorio has made a meaningful impact by purchasing four tickets for every home game and generously gifting them to SickKids Hospital, giving young patients the chance to experience the thrill of live soccer. This heartfelt tradition underscores his dedication to bringing joy to those facing challenging times. Additionally, Osorio has participated in various community initiatives, such as BMO KickStart (BMO on X: ""Proud to team up with @TorontoFC on the BMO Kickstart program to create opportunities for kids to grow and experience the game. ⚽ Who knows, the next Jonathan Osorio might be right here. #ALLIN https://t.co/k40Qepj7Oa"" / X), where he engages with youth from underserved neighborhoods, inspiring them through soccer and sharing valuable life lessons. His support and genuine connection with the youth at these events embody the spirit of leadership and compassion.
Jonathan Sirois distinguished himself in 2024 by his positive impact, his commitment, and his extensive involvement in the community through CF Montréal activities and the Montreal Impact Foundation. He has demonstrated exemplary availability, whether for community events, youth meetings or local activities (The Procure Walk of Courage, Soccer Celebration Tour, hospital visits, private training sessions, inauguration of a mini-pitch, footgolf tournament, etc.). Beyond being an athlete, Sirois is a sincere and caring human being. He is not only content with being a role model on the field but strives to embody the values of humility and respect in all his interactions. He goes beyond simply interacting with children by taking the time to research who he is talking to and their personal stories, demonstrating a genuine interest in people.
Founder of the Jordan Morris Foundation, Morris is committed to diabetes awareness, education and connecting with those affected by Type 1 Diabetes. The mission of his foundation is to educate, inspire, and support children living with T1D through community outreach and fundraising to support a variety of programs.
Since 2017, the Jordan Morris Foundation has operated the T1D Playmakers program, offering youth with T1D the opportunity to meet with Morris after Sounders FC matches, both home and away, throughout the regular season. This exclusive experience offers youth and their families thew ability to experience the match pitch side, meet Jordan post-match, and ask him questions about living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Morries continued his charitable work this season, meeting with a T1D Playmaker after nearly every match. With assistance from Sounders FC club staff, his foundation continued to reach out to kids with T1D in almost every city Seattle played in during 2024, as well as after every home fixture, helping give kids of all ages an unforgettable experience with Morris as they learn to navigate living with their condition.
Morris also operates JMO Soccer Camp, an annual camp for youth players with T1D providing a safe space for those with the condition. This season marks the sixth edition of the JMO Soccer Camp since the start of the Jordan Morris Foundation.
“That's an awesome event,” said Morris. “150 young kids that are Type 1, come out and play together and interact and I think it's cool because a lot of times kids maybe go to school or they play on a soccer team or sports team where nobody has Type 1; but on this day, they're out there playing and when there's a break, all 150 kids go over and check their blood sugar and they just get to feel that sense of community with each other.”
Josh Yaro utilizes his platform to make a difference in the local St. Louis community as well as in his home of Ghana. Inspired by his parents who were both educators, Yaro established the Josh Yaro Foundation to construct classroom facilities in Ghana and help provide young Ghanaian students with essential school supplies and required uniforms. As a part of St. Louis CITY SC, he contributes to the development and activation of player community service engagements, serves as a liaison between the club’s community relations team and first team players, and mentors MLS Next Pro and Academy players.
JT Marcinkowski has been a pillar of the San Jose community ever since his arrival to the Earthquakes in 2018, constantly volunteering his time and effort. His commitment grew even stronger this year. As a Special Olympics Northern California Board Member, he attended and was a keynote speaker at several events, namely co-chairing the organization’s annual Bocce Ball Bash in May and for the Special Olympics Quakes Unified Soccer Team’s signing day, as well as their big matchup against their Chicago Fire counterparts at PayPal Park in October. Marcinkowski also showed his advocacy for organizations like San Jose Clean Energy and coached kids at Earthquakes Summer Camps, as well as helped to run our Get EQ Fit free clinics for kids to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Kai Wagner has become deeply involved with the Union’s pediatric cancer initiatives over the last few seasons. He has formed meaningful relationships with the kids and their families and has greatly helped the Union expand their efforts. From inviting the families into his home, to being at the hospital for a final treatment bell ringing, and even being able to deliver a Make-A-Wish surprise Disney trip for a young fan, Wagner always welcomes the opportunity to meet and help pediatric cancer warriors.
This year has been no different. Wagner continued his relationships with the families he has met and was invited to the very special bell ringing at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, Voorhees, signifying the end of treatment for his young friend Charlotte. To celebrate, Wagner and Charlotte teamed up to participate in the club’s tradition of striking the Union’s drum prior to kickoff at the next Union home match.
Wagner and his teammate Leon Flach also visited Sunrise Day Camp, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. They played games, danced, took pictures, and overall gave the kids a memorable day.
Additionally, Wagner ran a summer soccer camp this past summer with a couple of his Union teammates, committing to giving 10% of the profits to the non-profit organization, Kisses for Kyle. Kisses for Kyle offers a variety of services to families fighting childhood cancer in the Delaware Valley. The night prior to the Union’s Kick Childhood Cancer (KCC) theme night, Wagner, along with his teammates Flach and Oliver Semmle, went down to a KCC event at Subaru Park where they were able to present a check for $4,100 to Kisses for Kyle. Wagner has and will continue to deeply impact the lives of those in his community who need it the most.
In June 2024, the Kellyn Acosta Foundation partnered with the Chicago Fire Foundation and Chicago Parks District to unveil a refurbished turf field at Gage Park in Chicago. The new turf field will help to provide more access to the sport of soccer, while providing a safe space for youth to connect and build healthy habits. Acosta will host free clinics at the new turf field from September through November for children ages 8-12 in the Gage Park community. Additionally, the Kellyn Acosta Foundation will host a series of drives to benefit the local community, including a book drive, Halloween costume drive, hospital visit and a coat drive.
Since his arrival in Utah earlier this year, Matt Crooks has helped fund a local refugee soccer league in conjunction with Catholic Community Services. In addition, the philanthropic Crooks has volunteered with several organizations, including the Utah Food Bank, Special Olympics Utah, the RSL Unified Team, Primary Children's Hospital and led refugee soccer clinics.
Through his own foundation established in his native England, Crooks has also donated to the Utah Epilepsy Foundation and provided funds and time to the Volunteers of America local Teen Resource Center.
Crooks has also already purchased tickets to bring kids from underserved communities to RSL’s first home game of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Matt Freese has made a tremendous impact as one of New York City FC's Player Ambassadors for the Club’s community work through its nonprofit foundation, City in the Community (CITC). As a committed Player Ambassador, Freese has engaged over 300 kids across various neighborhoods in NYC, connected his teammates to volunteer opportunities, and consistently participated in CITC events and programs throughout the year.
One of Freese's standout contributions this year was his involvement in CITC's Community Cup, a celebratory soccer tournament that brought together youth aged 8-11 from all five boroughs of NYC. His presence and enthusiasm inspired and uplifted these young athletes.
Earlier this year, Freese also played a pivotal role in fulfilling a young cancer patient named Jack’s Make-A-Wish dream, marking the first time a player from New York City FC was involved in granting a wish. After the participant’s first-ever MLS match on June 14, Freese went above and beyond to make the experience truly special. He met with Jack and his family post-match, provided words of encouragement, and presented Jack with signed team gear. This act of kindness showcased Freese's commitment to making a real difference in the lives of young fans and their families, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
As a team veteran, Pedro Santos continues to show his commitment to the DMV community. Throughout the 2024 season, Santos was always eager to participate in programming and continuously encourages his teammates to become active members in the community. Santos serves as a reminder that kindness does not go unnoticed. As a family man, it is important to him to give back to the community and continue to show up and do his part, making genuine and unique connections with families facing adversity. As a champion of the D.C. United Foundation, Santos participated in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll and the ultimate soccer clinic experience at Audi Field. Santos fuels his passion for mentorship through Soccer & Soar, D.C. United’s signature program dedicated to providing in-school and out-of-school programming focused on the D.C. community values of Empowerment, Opportunity, and Service. Santos is at his best when he can inspire youth players while also growing the game. Most recently, he surprised DC SCORES poet athletes at Brightwood Elementary School where he ran warm-ups, joined their scrimmage, and encouraged the students to keep working hard to achieve their goals. Santos was also an integral part of Casa Chirilagua’s pillar series, a non-profit that mentors Latinx youth and focuses on their development into future leaders. Santo’s actions make him a pillar of community in the area, and his commitment to bettering the DMV is evident in all that he does on and off the pitch.
Celentano has fully embraced a Cincinnati community which drafted him in 2022. As the young goalkeeper has grown into an elite shot stopper in MLS on the field, he's grown into a diligent community member in the city of Cincinnati.
During Kick Childhood Cancer month, while the club was promoting their new pre-match tops, Celentano surprised the young child, Max, modeling the kits with an appearance, wearing the pre-match top himself. He stayed, signed autographs, and took photos with him and his family. He invited Paddy, another young soccer fan and cancer patient in Cincinnati, out to a training session to fulfill his wish of taking a penalty kick on a professional goalkeeper.
Roman’s personal investment into making Cincinnati a more positive place to live is tangible in everything he does, and his commitment to advancing the culture of the club is second to none. He’s always one of the last players out on the pitch after a game signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.
He’s the total embodiment of All for Cincy.
Berhalter has been an outstanding member of the Vancouver community, always taking extra time to acknowledge young fans and make them feel special. His biggest impact this year was through the club’s partnership with BC Children’s Hospital. Berhalter was inspired by the young patients and felt that it was important to visit the hospital more frequently. This year the club conducted four visits, and Berhalter was there each time, making a lasting impact by spending more than six hours with 40 children on the oncology floor and in the Whitecaps FC designed playroom.
Nashville Soccer Club Defender Taylor Washington is an exemplary humanitarian who has been a pillar of the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community since he joined the club during its USL days in 2018. The club’s back-to-back Humanitarian of the Year Award winner has made helping others his core mission, as evidenced by his acts of service to underprivileged and underrepresented communities with a special emphasis on children in need and the homeless. Washington consistently uses his platform to enact positive change in his local community through volunteer service, support, and advocacy at various organizations including:
Bridge Ministries: A ministry serving the homeless and providing meals to Nashvillians in need where Washington volunteers his time.
Dominic’s Toy Chest: Washington is a supporter of this fundraiser for Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt which honors Dominic Liples by providing patients with gifts during the holiday season.
Freedom’s Promise: A non-profit combatting human trafficking in Cambodia and raising awareness in the local community about what’s happening in other parts of the world where Washington gives his time and support.
Golden Roots: Washington both plays with and coaches local neighborhood-based teams over four weeks at Nashville SC mini-pitches, culminating in a community tournament.
Kickin’ it 615: A grassroots soccer program that provides a safe space for local children to play soccer in East Nashville where Washington volunteers as a coach and encourages children to grow their self-confidence and self-belief through their enjoyment of the beautiful game.
Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: Washington visits the Children’s Hospital to play games with patients and support the children and their families during a very difficult time in their lives.
Nashville Rescue Mission: A faith-based community committed to helping the hungry, hurting, and homeless that received a $20,000 contribution in honor of Washington’s incredible work driving progress off the field from Audi through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund in 2023.
Nashville Soccer Club Special Olympics Unified Team: Washington plays with the Special Olympics Unified team during practices and encourages its athletes during their matches.
VOYCENOW was founded as a direct response to the Black community’s fight for equality. After the tragic murder of George Floyd, Zack Steffen felt empowered to act and speak out against the racial inequalities plaguing the nation. This pushed Steffen to join forces with his former University of Maryland and Columbus Crew teammate Alex Crognale to create VOYCENOW Foundation, a nonprofit that unites athletes from across the world to use their platforms to advocate Equality for All. Propelled by their desire to use their social media platforms to ignite positive change, the founders are committed to rallying their fans and supporters to become allies for the Black community.
Since its origins, VOYCENOW is now backed by the collaborative efforts of 150+ Athlete Ambassadors spanning 20 leagues and 13 countries. Together they make up VOYCENOW, a community of change-makers fighting for equality.
The VOYCENOW community is dedicated to empowering the next generation of changemakers. VOYCENOW efforts are organized into three key programs: Academic Success, Sports & Activities and Healthy Habits.
