MLS announces multi-year DoorDash partnership

Liam Watson

Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a multi-year partnership with DoorDash, who becomes the official on-demand delivery platform of MLS, MLS NEXT, and eMLS.

To kick things off, MLS NEXT and DoorDash are introducing ‘MLS NEXT Delivering Access presented by DoorDash,’ aimed to empower the next generation of stars. Starting in the 2022/23 season, DoorDash and MLS NEXT – MLS’ youth development program providing the highest level of training and competition for youth soccer players in the U.S. and Canada – will activate their shared commitment to the advancement of the sport for everyone by creating equal opportunities associated with playing at an elite level.

By uncovering stories of exceptional self-sacrifice by members of the soccer community, ‘MLS NEXT Delivering Access presented by DoorDash’ will provide $203,000 of annual relief to soccer communities across the MLS NEXT ecosystem. Clubs will have the opportunity to submit stories to a select review board, reflecting the grassroots efforts made by players, staff, families, and local businesses. Up to six MLS NEXT clubs will be selected to receive a maximum of $33,000, which will help provide training, equipment, and more.

MLS Executive Vice President of Brand Alliances and Consumer Products, Carter Ladd:

“Major League Soccer is extremely proud to partner with DoorDash – an extraordinary company that shares our passion for innovation and commitment to providing opportunities in the sport of soccer through MLS NEXT.”

“At an incredible time of growth for MLS and the game in the U.S. and Canada, DoorDash will be a dedicated and forward-thinking collaborator with us on initiatives to provide support to future soccer stars and their communities. We welcome DoorDash as the Official On-Demand Delivery Platform Partner of MLS, MLS NEXT, and eMLS, and we look forward to working with them for many years throughout this momentous period for soccer and MLS.”

DoorDash Head of Brand Marketing, David Bornoff:

“We are proud to partner with Major League Soccer to further connect with the soccer community, while mobilizing to activate against our shared values of providing access and empowering local communities.”

“This partnership will further enable us to use our platform and resources to help the next generation of soccer players transcend boundaries, and we look forward to working with MLS to create authentic experiences for fans this season and beyond.”

DoorDash is also partnering with DeAndre Yedlin, a star defender with Inter Miami CF of MLS. He shared his own inspirational journey to a professional soccer career.

“Soccer has played an integral role in my life, and I’m thrilled to partner with DoorDash as they kick off with MLS to champion future generations of soccer stars everywhere,” he said.

“As someone who intimately knows the barriers that playing on a competitive level can pose, I’m honored to team up with DoorDash and MLS NEXT to share my story and play an active role in making the sport more accessible for all.”

Over the course of the partnership, in addition to collaborating on meaningful support for young soccer players, MLS and DoorDash will bring unique, authentic experiences to fans at major events such as the MLS All-Star Game, MLS Cup, and eMLS season competitions.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

Avatar
Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

Avatar
Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend