Community Outreach

DC's Paul Arriola's shin guards protect — and serve a message of diversity

Paul Arriola shin guards-1

When are shin guards more than just shin guards?


When they protect and serve — a message.


D.C. United midfielder Paul Arriola will wear diversity-themed shin guards for his team’s next two games in honor of Soccer For All month.


Inspired by the message behind MLS’ Soccer For All campaign, of which he participated in the public service announcement, Arriola took things a step further by showing his support on the field.


Created by D.C.-based artist Dez Customz and Kreative Custom Kicks, Arriola’s shin guards include the USA and Mexican flags — an homage to Paul’s diverse background — an image of a soccer globe with youth in a variety of colors representing the diversity found in the world’s game, and the MLS WORKS Soccer For All and D.C. United logos.

DC's Paul Arriola's shin guards protect — and serve a message of diversity - https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/PaulArriola%20shinguards-1.JPG