CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, May 3, 2012) – The LA Galaxy and the Santa Ana Family YMCA announced today the formation of a partnership that will provide community outreach through soccer to youth in the Santa Ana community and the creation of the Galaxy Juniors program.
Open to boys and girls ages 5-10, the Galaxy Juniors program is the first soccer program of its kind in Southern California. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from qualified coaches and attend a Galaxy game at The Home Depot Center, where they will receive special recognition as Galaxy Juniors. The program, which will be available exclusively at the YMCA in Santa Ana, kicks off on June 25.
“The Galaxy are proud to partner with the YMCA, champions in their own field, on the creation of the Galaxy Juniors program,” LA Galaxy Vice President Chris Klein said. “The YMCA is known for the great things they do in the community and the Galaxy are known for the success that we have on the soccer field. Together we hope to create this unique opportunity that will serve the youth in Santa Ana for years to come.”
Known nationwide as the leading organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA, with help from the Galaxy, look to reinforce hope and create opportunities for the youth and families of Santa Ana to learn and love the game of soccer.
“Learning the game as a child can provide the skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a teen and an adult,” said Luis Carrido, Program Director for the Santa Ana Family YMCA. “The youth of Santa Ana will now have the opportunity to work with the LA Galaxy, and I think this will encourage the kids and show them that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard.”
The partnership comes as the YMCA is celebrating 125 years in Orange County. The first YMCA opened in Santa Ana in 1887 and ever since then it has been offering programs and opportunities - from swimming and child care to volunteerism and community services - that strengthen foundations for healthy children, families, and communities.
The Galaxy are back in action this Saturday, April 28 when they host FC Dallas at The Home Depot Center. That game, which is presented by City National Bank, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and tickets are on sale now starting at just $30. For more information about this game or to purchase tickets for all Galaxy home games, please visit the club’s official website at www.lagalaxy.com.
About LA Galaxy
The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners and MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy are currently playing their 17th season in Major League Soccer. One of the original 10 clubs in MLS, the Galaxy were founded in June 1994 before playing their first-ever game in April 1996. One of 19 teams in MLS, the Galaxy play all of their home games at The Home Depot Center, a 27,000 seat stadium that opened in 2003 on the campus of California State University – Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. A three-time MLS Cup champion in addition to their two U.S. Open Cup trophies and their CONCACAF Champions Cup title, the Galaxy boast a roster that features many of the biggest domestic and international stars in all of MLS. For more information about the club or to purchase tickets for any Galaxy home game, please call the 877-3GALAXY or visit the club’s official website www.lagalaxy.com.
About YMCAOC
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County through six Health & Wellness centers (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, and Santa Ana) and over 50 Afterschool Program centers. YMCA programs celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs; from youth sports and group exercise classes to parent/child programs and community services– Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise – To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org
