SANDY, Utah // NEW YORK (Tuesday, July 11, 2023) – Audi of America, Major League Soccer and The Players’ Tribune today announced that Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath will be featured in the “Celebrating Impact” content series for his demonstration of excellence in driving progress in the Utah community.
Working directly with MacMath to spotlight his leadership in support of Club and Community initiatives, including the Special Olympics and Unified Teams, content will be unveiled through video and social across The Players’ Tribune’schannels, amplifying the power of MacMath’s voice and raising awareness for charities close to his heart.
Throughout his 12-year MLS career and especially during his last four years in Utah, MacMath has consistently used his platform as the Club’s goalkeeper and fan favorite to advocate for people and causes. MacMath has played an integral part of RSL’s community efforts since his arrival in late 2019, serving as a catalyst for the growth of the club's Special Olympics Unified Program, forming unbreakable bonds with the athletes who look up to him for guidance and mentorship. MacMath – RSL’s 2021 Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year – has also participated in soccer clinics & camps encouraging healthy lifestyles, made hospital visits, and participated in several impactful events and fundraisers benefiting numerous causes throughout Utah, including the “Defenders of the Great Salt Lake” initiative.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award from Audi and MLS,” MacMath said, proud of his advocacy alongside the Governor and First Lady of Utah to grow unified sports in the State. “I love the way our locker room recognizes the impact our voices can have off the field, and it is incredible to see our fans and our community meet us at that level in support of so many people and causes that require our attention. Together we can provide resources to help the marginalized and underserved, while spreading positivity and wellness for our community.”
The son of parents who are mental health professionals that serve as community ambassadors for the homeless and veterans, the ideas of education and inclusion have always been at the center of MacMath’s life. Since his arrival in Utah in late 2019, MacMath has led the Club in volunteer and service hours, accelerating Real Salt Lake’s Special Olympics initiatives, boosting the RSL Unified signing days and the Unified Sports Championships held at America First Field. Additionally, MacMath played a role as a representative of the club in the Healing Fields project to commemorate and remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
MacMath has jumped at any opportunity to volunteer his time and efforts to strengthen the fabric of the Utah community, having previously been named the Humanitarian of the Year during his time with the Colorado Rapids in 2017 and 2018 for having played an active role in the Rapids’ Special Olympics Unified Program, providing mentorship and guidance to the athletes. He also participated in soccer clinics for local nonprofits and military and provided resources for donations to the American Heart Association with the Transamerica Saves Campaign.
In honor of MacMath’s incredible work driving progress off the field, Audi will be making a $20,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to Special Olympics Utah, which hosts youth leadership summits, supports youth-led projects, and has created Unified Schools to develop and maintain an inclusive community for young people of all abilities that go beyond the playing field.
Audi’s immense commitment to community projects will also be highlighted as part of the end of year player recognitions with the new Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award presented by MLS WORKS (formerly MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year). A selection committee – comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff and media members – will consider current MLS players whose dedication to charitable efforts and social impact work creates sustainable communities, fosters equity and inclusion, and enriches the lives of those in need across the U.S. and Canada. During MLS Cup presented by Audi, the League and Audi will present the winner of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award with a $100,000 contribution to the player’s select nonprofit organization.
As a longstanding partner, Audi has made an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players as the force behind the Audi “Goals Drive Progress” program. Launched in 2019, the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative provides funding to further enhance the experience of young players on and off the field at MLS academies, which play an essential role in developing talented players in the U.S. and Canada. With a new program development starting in 2023, the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has evolved to not only support player development on the pitch but also bring an impact off the pitch by financially supporting and spotlighting community initiatives advocated by MLS athletes.
Audi has been a champion of MLS during a period of tremendous momentum behind the sport of soccer in North America, as Major League Soccer enters its 28th season this month and we approach the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has funded $4 million to support MLS academies – making an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players.
For more information on Celebrating Impact, visit theplayerstribune.com and MLSsoccer.com. Join the conversation and excitement by following @Audi, @MLS, @MLSWORKS, and @ThePlayersTribune on social media.
