The Black Coaches Advocacy Group distributes a newsletter to keep its members up to date on news, deadlines and other association happenings. The newsletter also serves to let members know what the group is working on, highlighting group members and information on how you can get involved. Below is a letter from group chair Nicole Hercules. To read the full newsletter, click here.

(In addition, a link to the article from the newsletter detailing Lincoln Phillips receiving the Walt Chyzowych Lifetime Achievement Award can be found by clicking here.)

Hello Soccer Family,
How are you doing today?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spoken to many members of our beloved family, and you have shared your experiences, worries, and concerns with me even though I’m very much aware that we’re in a scary & hugely uncertain time. As the chair of this group, I do not take your struggles or fears lightly at all and never will I. I have been in constant contact with the National Office and the Advocacy Council working together to find collective ways to provide support and resources in this new reality away from the beautiful game that we all know and love. I have also decided to personally make myself available for your questions, concerns or should you just need someone to talk to about anything at all. Please have it in mind that I am always here, our strategic leadership team is also here, and most importantly do know that we are in this together and we will be here for each other. We are the largest soccer membership network in the world so we have to ensure that we optimally maximize that at a time like this. Please be sure to check in on fellow coaches as your soft word of hope and encouragement might mean a lot to that member.

To assist you with resources you may need, I’ve created a list that is entirely dedicated to making vital resources available for Employees & Employers. You will be kept abreast of all developments as regards this as we will be sharing more information as they become available through our social media platforms. We will also send out emails, organize Instagram & Facebook Live, and host webinars in days to come. At the moment, I have attached information from United Soccer Coaches and some other information from my personal accountant which you will find below. I hope you find them helpful.

Sincerely,
Nicole Hercules
Chair- Black Soccer Advocacy Group
United Soccer Coaches
nmhercules@gmail.com

United Soccer Coaches New COVID19 webpage:

Loans

  • Payroll Protection Program Loan (PPP)

This loan application is currently open!!!! Fund are available on a first come, first serve basis. Last week, we explained why it’s so important to apply quickly. Applicants are eligible to receive up to 2.5 x Monthly payroll.

The EIDL application process has been simplified. Businesses that successfully submitted an application or uploaded documents late last week via the temporary document upload portal do not have to take additional action as their applications have been received for processing. EIDL Advances­ – also available now are advances of up to $10,000 on EIDL loans.


Grant Relief:
Stimulus Check
Taxpayers will receive a stimulus check of up to $1200 if you are an adult and $500 for each child. However, there are income thresholds that must be met and your taxes must be filed for 2018 or 2019.

Unemployment for employees
Benefit amounts will be calculated based on previous income, using a formula from the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, according to a congressional aide. Self-employed workers will also be eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit provided by the federal government.

Unemployment for self employed individuals
For the 1st time ever; self-employed, freelancers and gig workers can file for unemployment. This was a great addition to the bill as there are so many Americans that fall into this category.

Payroll Protect Program (PPP)
There is a way this loan can turn into a grant.

SBA Economic Injury disaster loan (EIDL)
A Portion of the EIDL Loan can be forgiven.