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Image via Getty Wilfried Nancy has made US soccer history, becoming the first Black manager to win an MLS Cup after leading Columbus Crew to victory on Saturday, December 9.The Ohio team’s 2-1 triumph over LAFC was a culmination of the French manager’s immediate impact as he took the reins of a side that failed to qualify for the MLS Playoffs last season. In his first season at the club, Nancy’s put the team back on top whilst also helping to pave the way for others.Nancy is currently the only Black coach in the MLS, serving as the league’s only touchline representation in a country that could cover half of continental Europe. There’s no denying football has a problem with ethic diversity off the pitch, not just in America, but everywhere. As of the 2023/24 campaign, there have been a total of just 11 Black managers in the history of the Premier League. And according to the Black Footballers Partnership, only 4.4% of management-related positions in English football are held by Black individuals. Staggeringly low statistics compared to the 43% of Black players currently playing in Prem. However, for a sole Black figure like Nancy to win an MLS Cup in their first domestic season in charge, that serves as an inspiration for Black players, aspiring coaches, and fans not only across America, but the world.Soccer is not the most popular sport Stateside. American football, basketball and baseball continue to dominate the public’s sporting interests, a contributory factor for this is perhaps, the increased level of representation in coaching positions. According to Statista, in the last two seasons the number of African American NBA Head Coaches has doubled, with 50% of coaching positions in the league currently held by the demographic. Despite soccer’s recent growing popularity across all 50 states, it’s a sport many Black people in the US still find exclusive. But we can only hope the level of representation experienced in the NBA, indicates positive change can in fact be made across all American sports. Figures like Nancy, though, prove that soccer isn’t just for white, middle class people. It is well and truly for everyone. Take a bow Wilfried for changing the game for the better, one kick at a time.
Wilfried Nancy is the First Black Coach to Win an MLS Cup
Paving the way, one trophy at a time.
Wilfried Nancy is the First Black Coach to Win an MLS Cup
Paving the way, one trophy at a time.
Image via Getty Wilfried Nancy has made US soccer history, becoming the first Black manager to win an MLS Cup after leading Columbus Crew to victory on Saturday, December 9.The Ohio team’s 2-1 triumph over LAFC was a culmination of the French manager’s immediate impact as he took the reins of a side that failed to qualify for the MLS Playoffs last season. In his first season at the club, Nancy’s put the team back on top whilst also helping to pave the way for others.Nancy is currently the only Black coach in the MLS, serving as the league’s only touchline representation in a country that could cover half of continental Europe. There’s no denying football has a problem with ethic diversity off the pitch, not just in America, but everywhere. As of the 2023/24 campaign, there have been a total of just 11 Black managers in the history of the Premier League. And according to the Black Footballers Partnership, only 4.4% of management-related positions in English football are held by Black individuals. Staggeringly low statistics compared to the 43% of Black players currently playing in Prem. However, for a sole Black figure like Nancy to win an MLS Cup in their first domestic season in charge, that serves as an inspiration for Black players, aspiring coaches, and fans not only across America, but the world.Soccer is not the most popular sport Stateside. American football, basketball and baseball continue to dominate the public’s sporting interests, a contributory factor for this is perhaps, the increased level of representation in coaching positions. According to Statista, in the last two seasons the number of African American NBA Head Coaches has doubled, with 50% of coaching positions in the league currently held by the demographic. Despite soccer’s recent growing popularity across all 50 states, it’s a sport many Black people in the US still find exclusive. But we can only hope the level of representation experienced in the NBA, indicates positive change can in fact be made across all American sports. Figures like Nancy, though, prove that soccer isn’t just for white, middle class people. It is well and truly for everyone. Take a bow Wilfried for changing the game for the better, one kick at a time.
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Image via Getty Wilfried Nancy has made US soccer history, becoming the first Black manager to win an MLS Cup after leading Columbus Crew to victory on Saturday, December 9.The Ohio team’s 2-1 triumph over LAFC was a culmination of the French manager’s immediate impact as he took the reins of a side that failed to qualify for the MLS Playoffs last season. In his first season at the club, Nancy’s put the team back on top whilst also helping to pave the way for others.Nancy is currently the only Black coach in the MLS, serving as the league’s only touchline representation in a country that could cover half of continental Europe. There’s no denying football has a problem with ethic diversity off the pitch, not just in America, but everywhere. As of the 2023/24 campaign, there have been a total of just 11 Black managers in the history of the Premier League. And according to the Black Footballers Partnership, only 4.4% of management-related positions in English football are held by Black individuals. Staggeringly low statistics compared to the 43% of Black players currently playing in Prem. However, for a sole Black figure like Nancy to win an MLS Cup in their first domestic season in charge, that serves as an inspiration for Black players, aspiring coaches, and fans not only across America, but the world.Soccer is not the most popular sport Stateside. American football, basketball and baseball continue to dominate the public’s sporting interests, a contributory factor for this is perhaps, the increased level of representation in coaching positions. According to Statista, in the last two seasons the number of African American NBA Head Coaches has doubled, with 50% of coaching positions in the league currently held by the demographic. Despite soccer’s recent growing popularity across all 50 states, it’s a sport many Black people in the US still find exclusive. But we can only hope the level of representation experienced in the NBA, indicates positive change can in fact be made across all American sports. Figures like Nancy, though, prove that soccer isn’t just for white, middle class people. It is well and truly for everyone. Take a bow Wilfried for changing the game for the better, one kick at a time.
Wilfried Nancy is the First Black Coach to Win an MLS Cup
Paving the way, one trophy at a time.
Image via Getty Wilfried Nancy has made US soccer history, becoming the first Black manager to win an MLS Cup after leading Columbus Crew to victory on Saturday, December 9.The Ohio team’s 2-1 triumph over LAFC was a culmination of the French manager’s immediate impact as he took the reins of a side that failed to qualify for the MLS Playoffs last season. In his first season at the club, Nancy’s put the team back on top whilst also helping to pave the way for others.Nancy is currently the only Black coach in the MLS, serving as the league’s only touchline representation in a country that could cover half of continental Europe. There’s no denying football has a problem with ethic diversity off the pitch, not just in America, but everywhere. As of the 2023/24 campaign, there have been a total of just 11 Black managers in the history of the Premier League. And according to the Black Footballers Partnership, only 4.4% of management-related positions in English football are held by Black individuals. Staggeringly low statistics compared to the 43% of Black players currently playing in Prem. However, for a sole Black figure like Nancy to win an MLS Cup in their first domestic season in charge, that serves as an inspiration for Black players, aspiring coaches, and fans not only across America, but the world.Soccer is not the most popular sport Stateside. American football, basketball and baseball continue to dominate the public’s sporting interests, a contributory factor for this is perhaps, the increased level of representation in coaching positions. According to Statista, in the last two seasons the number of African American NBA Head Coaches has doubled, with 50% of coaching positions in the league currently held by the demographic. Despite soccer’s recent growing popularity across all 50 states, it’s a sport many Black people in the US still find exclusive. But we can only hope the level of representation experienced in the NBA, indicates positive change can in fact be made across all American sports. Figures like Nancy, though, prove that soccer isn’t just for white, middle class people. It is well and truly for everyone. Take a bow Wilfried for changing the game for the better, one kick at a time.
