Meet the Board

Hugh Roberts II, MBA

Professional Athlete, Entrepreneur & Advocate

Hugh Roberts II, MBA

Hugh Roberts II is more than just a seasoned pro on the field—he’s a purpose-driven leader committed to creating lasting change in the game of soccer. With over a decade of experience as a professional athlete, an MBA, and years of entrepreneurial and advocacy work, Hugh brings both passion and perspective to everything he does.

Background
Born and raised in Olney, Maryland, Hugh attended Good Counsel High School before going on to play college soccer at George Mason University from 2010 to 2013. His professional career launched in 2014 with the Richmond Kickers, where he quickly became a standout defender, eventually earning USL All-League First Team honors in 2016. He went on to play for several respected USL clubs including Bethlehem Steel FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and Charlotte Independence. In 2022, he captained the inaugural squad of Monterey Bay FC, even scoring the game-winner in the club’s first-ever victory. In 2024, Hugh returned to Charlotte Independence, now competing in USL League One, continuing to lead both on and off the pitch.

Mission & Impact
Hugh’s mission is grounded in his words: “My mission’s always been to speak up and make a difference in this game. A mission that I will always fight for.” His impact stretches far beyond game days. He co-founded the United Black Players of the USL (UBPUSL), is a board member of the USL Players Association (USLPA), and uses his voice to advocate for equity, opportunity, and representation in the sport. Through his platform and podcast, BackYardFooty, he sheds light on the untold stories of professional athletes and opens up meaningful conversations around life, identity, and progress in sports. He also launched the Footy’s Got You Foundation, aimed at supporting and mentoring the next generation of youth players. With experience in locker rooms across the country and a deep understanding of the game’s culture, Hugh continues to use his journey to uplift others.

Notable Achievements

  • Named to the USL All-League First Team (2016)

  • Co-founder of the United Black Players of the USL (UBPUSL)

  • Board Member of the USL Players Association (since 2022)

  • Founder and Host of the BackYardFooty podcast

  • Founder of the Footy’s Got You Foundation

Andre Michael Anderson

Marketing & Creative Director | Business Owner

Andre Michael Anderson

Andre Michael Anderson is a creative force who blends the worlds of digital marketing, media production, and mentorship with intention and impact. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy and content creation, Andre brings a unique energy and visionary approach to the work he does—whether behind the camera, at the editing desk, or mentoring youth.

Background
Andre currently serves as the Social Media & Production Manager at Montgomery College, where he leads digital campaigns and brings stories to life through creative content. He’s also the founder and creative mind behind PLP Media and Pass The Aux, a digital music platform that highlights emerging artists and elevates new voices in music culture. His entrepreneurial journey and creative ventures have made him a standout in digital media spaces.

Mission & Impact
For Andre, giving back isn’t a trend—it’s a personal mission. “Being a positive influence on the next generation is something that means a lot to me. Having once been in the exact position as these young players allows me to connect with them and understand the experience they are going through.” His ability to bridge creative excellence with mentorship is what makes him such an asset to our board. Whether he's leading digital strategy or just having a conversation with a young athlete, Andre leads with empathy, purpose, and authenticity.

Notable Achievements

  • 12+ years of experience in marketing, content strategy, and digital production

  • Emmy-nominated voiceover artist

  • Accumulated over 300,000 followers across social platforms

  • Earned two YouTube Creator Awards (100,000+ subscribers per channel)

  • Founder of PLP Media & Pass The Aux

BackYardFooty

BackYardFooty
BackYardFooty