• by Phyllis Fine , July 31, 2019

Audi of America is partnering with Major League Soccer for  a new multiyear program, "Audi Goals Drive Progress," that will help fund MLS Academies, the development programs for aspiring professional players.

Audi will pledge funds to the Academies for every regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs goal scored -- up to $1 million -- in 2019.

The Academies will use the money to develop programs at each club that support player education, housing and transportation, as well as for the launch of Audi Performance Centers. These Centers, located at select MLS Academies, will be equipped with technology, tutorial and educational resources to help enrich off-field academic development.

One of the first Audi Performance Centers is set to open at the Orlando City Soccer Club in late summer.

Fans can use social media to support the “Audi Goals Drive Progress” launch, too, by posting a celebratory message on their Twitter and/or Instagram accounts using their team-specific hashtag as well as @audi. At the end of the season, the team with the highest average fan social posts per game can earn an additional $50,000 for its club’s Academy.

For the 2019 playing season, ESPN, Fox and Univision will offer dedicated broadcast and digital integrations covering the program.

Since the start of the 2019 MLS season through July 31,  Audi has already committed over $407,000 to academies across North America.

The program, which “illustrates how deep [Audi’s] commitment”  is to soccer, is “going to have an incredibly positive impact on the next generation of soccer players,” stated Todd Durbin, MLS executive vice president, competition and player relations.

This season marks the fifth year of support from Audi as the official automotive partner for MLS and presenting sponsor of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

New in 2019, Audi has become the presenting sponsor of the MLS Cup MVP, as well as the official presenting sponsor for the 2019 MLS Golden Boot award, which  recognizes the league’s top scoring player of the regular season.

Audi and its nationwide dealers further support MLS on a local level with sponsorships such as naming rights to the Audi Field in Washington D.C..