Anderson .Paak Kicks Off Soccer Collab to Give Girls ‘Chance to Shine’

Anderson .Paak is kicking off a creative collaboration in partnership with GOAL Projects, the new initiative from global soccer media brand GOAL. Under the Anderson .Paak x GOAL Projects banner, the Grammy-winning artist has co-designed a soccer kit in support of the girls’ youth soccer team from his hometown of Oxnard, Calif.

Proceeds from the kit — comprised of a limited-edition soccer jersey, T-shirt and ball — will benefit the nonprofit Brandon Anderson Foundation and the Oxnard Eagles girls’ soccer team. Founded by farmworker Victor Garcia, the Oxnard Eagles is a nine-team community club serving more than 100 youth from immigrant and working-class families. GOAL Projects is also partners with global collective Common Goal which, according to the press announcement, uses “the power of football to drive social change, ensuring continued support for the Oxnard Eagles as well as other grassroots teams.”

“Man, you have an opportunity to uplift kids in the same streets where I made my way, you give me a call,” .Paak tells Billboard. “When GOAL came to me with this idea, I was all in. It wasn’t just about a jersey; it was about connecting music and soccer — two things that bring people together everywhere. And the fact that every jersey helps out the Oxnard Eagles, these amazing young girls from my hometown? That’s the part that made it a no-brainer. It’s bigger than sport. It’s about community and giving these kids the chance to shine.”

Further discussing the burgeoning intersection between music and sports, .Paak adds, “Growing up, I thought I was gonna be in the NBA, then finally music hit. Sports and music are the same energy, man. They’re passion, rhythm and discipline — but also joy and culture. Soccer especially: It’s global, it’s in every neighborhood just like music. So when I got to co-design a kit that brings my fans into that world and also supports the next generation of athletes, that’s exactly the type of intersection I want to live at.”

Of teaming with .Paak for GOAL Project’s first collaboration, GOAL’s head of culture and lifestyle Jake Cohen said in a statement, “Anderson was the perfect partner to kick things off — he loves doing projects that give back and connect with the community. GOAL Projects is all about bringing sports, music, art and culture together. We want to break down the barriers to soccer and make sure every kid has a shot to play, and this is just the start. We’ve got more projects coming that will inspire and connect soccer fans and players everywhere.”

The Anderson .Paak x GOAL Projects collection is available now online in unisex adult sizes at  Goalprojects.goal.com. The collection’s in-person release will take place at the .Paak House Festival held Oct. 11 on the campus of California State University Channel Islands. Hosted by the Brandon Anderson Foundation, the family-friendly festival will once again feature live performances by special guests and rising artists. Past performers include Mario, Raphael Saadiq and Smokey Robinson. Tickets for the .Paak House Festival are also available now via .Paak House’s website.

“.Paak House has always been about giving my community a VIP experience, showing kids and families that they deserve the same love and spotlight as anybody else,” says .Paak. “So having the jersey release tied to and available for purchase at .Paak House makes perfect sense. You’ll see the music, the food, the art, the culture — all the stuff that shaped me  — and now we’re adding the global game of soccer into the mix. It’s about creating spaces where people can come together, celebrate and feel supported. That’s the same energy behind this GOAL collab.”