In a dynamic effort to reshape the soccer landscape at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the organization HBCU FC is making strides to promote the sport. Amidst the excitement of the World Cup held in America, Mexico, and Canada, HBCU FC introduced the “HBCU Football Club Classic,” aiming to bridge the gap for soccer enthusiasts at these institutions.
The inaugural event took place at Durham County Memorial Stadium in North Carolina, with Raymond Brooks, the head of Digital Development for HBCU FC, leading the initiative. Based in Greensboro, Brooks emphasizes the mission to “amplify HBCU culture” through soccer, a sport with universal appeal.
Brooks, who has a background in playing soccer at Mars Hill University, shares insights on the tough choices faced by athletes of color when selecting colleges based on sports availability. Reflecting on his own experience, Brooks noted, “It was a very, very harsh decision,” as he weighed options between predominantly white institutions with soccer programs and HBCUs lacking them.
The HBCU FC Classic, though held in an empty stadium, saw energetic performances in six-on-six matches and individual skills contests. Participants sported team names like “Equality FC,” “The Yard FC,” “Unity FC,” and “The Fight FC,” proudly displaying HBCU colors.
Virginia State University’s women’s soccer team, including co-captain Loryn Sturgis, participated in the event. Team members emphasize the importance of solidarity amidst challenges on the field, with Tatiana Ward from Woodbridge sharing experiences of being stereotyped during matches against predominantly white teams.
Virginia State Trojans clinched the USCAA Small College National Championship last fall, highlighting the strength of HBCU women’s soccer teams. Most of these teams compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), representing universities like Jackson State, Grambling, and Alabama A&M.
Howard University, renowned for its historic achievements in the sport, remains the only HBCU to have won an NCAA Division I Championship, a feat accomplished by the Bison men’s team in 1971 and again in 1974.
Jacky Fulu Kiazayadioko of Shaw University expresses optimism about HBCU soccer’s future, fueled by the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a winger for one of the few HBCU men’s soccer teams, Kiazayadioko is eager to see the sport gain momentum.
Equality FC emerged victorious in the HBCU FC Classic, securing a $5,000 prize, which was donated. HBCU FC plans to continue its mission with a Match Day Tour this fall, spotlighting HBCU athletes and their contributions to the game.
