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Can We Kick It?: new doc is timely take on Black history, pay-to-play and future of US soccer
Can We Kick It?, directed by Akbar Majeed, examines why football has struggled to connect with Black American communities despite their long-standing role in the sport’s history. The documentary is especially timely after the United States’ disappointing 2026 World Cup exit, which Majeed believes risked reinforcing scepticism about the game at a moment of unprecedented national attention.
Told through Black players, coaches, administrators, parents and supporters, the film highlights overlooked history, including Howard University’s contested 1971 NCAA title and undefeated 1974 championship, and Joe Gaetjens’s 1950 World Cup winner against England. Majeed argues that economic and structural barriers, including limited access to grassroots facilities and a pay-to-play culture, have excluded many urban communities; he contrasts football’s global accessibility with the US, where he says the sport remains out of reach for large parts of the population.
In short
- Documentary explores Black Americans’ overlooked place in US football.
- US World Cup failure may hinder the sport’s wider appeal.
- Pay-to-play and access barriers limit participation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Football’s pay-to-play culture and uneven access to facilities can shut talented Black players out, while neglect of figures and teams such as Joe Gaetjens and Howard University obscures Black Americans’ contributions to the sport. Recognising this history and widening affordable grassroots access could make US soccer more inclusive and strengthen its connection with communities it has failed to reach.
The case against
Fees and facility gaps are serious concerns, but they may not fully explain why soccer has struggled to connect with Black American communities, whose interests and sporting choices are diverse. A thoughtful critic might argue that the documentary’s focus on exclusion risks overlooking other factors, and that broadening participation also requires sustained local investment and community-led efforts, not only greater recognition of history.
Explained simply
A new documentary called Can We Kick It? explores why football has not established a strong following among Black American communities, despite the significant role Black players have historically played in the sport. Directed by Akbar Majeed, the film features interviews with Black players, coaches, administrators, parents and supporters to tell this largely untold story.
The documentary examines the economic and structural barriers that have prevented many urban and Black communities from participating in football. These include the expense of youth football programmes and the lack of grassroots facilities in certain areas, which contrasts with the sport's broad accessibility globally.
The film arrives at a particularly significant moment, following the United States' disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup. Majeed argues that the national team's poor performance could reinforce existing doubts about the sport in America, whilst also underscoring the urgent need to address the barriers that have long kept large sections of the population from engaging with football.
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