LOS ANGELES (Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019) – As part of David Beckham’s lasting impact on the city of Los Angeles and the sport of soccer, the LA Galaxy, David Beckham and Herbalife Nutrition will unveil a refurbished turf field in downtown Los Angeles, located at The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth and Community Center (1532 West 11th Street, Los Angeles, CA).
As part of Beckham’s commitment to local Los Angeles youth, this field will provide a safe soccer environment to over 2,000 youths monthly in an underserved neighborhood in Downtown LA. The field is being built with generous donations from Herbalife Nutrition, AEG, the LA Galaxy Foundation and David Beckham.
“David’s commitment to the city of Los Angeles has been evident from the moment he arrived,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein. “We are so proud to work with David, Herbalife Nutrition and AEG to create the beautiful new field that will impact the lives of so many in our community. Soccer has the power to transform lives and leave an immeasurable impact, and we hope this field can provide a place for the people of Los Angeles to experience the beautiful game for years to come.”
In addition to the field, a mural featuring Beckham’s time as a member of the LA Galaxy will accompany the project. The mural will be designed by Mark Paul Deren, commonly known as MADSTEEZ, a local artist whose work is featured around the city of Los Angeles.
The field will be unveiled at 11 a.m. PT on Friday, March 1 in advance of the Galaxy’s 2019 MLS home opener at Dignity Health Sports Park. A local youth soccer clinic at the field will begin at 10 a.m. PT in advance of the ceremony.
“We are a proud sponsor of the LA Galaxy, as they share our commitment to giving back and impacting the lives of people in our community,” said Michael Johnson, chairman and CEO of Herbalife Nutrition. “This new field will provide children a safe place to play the games they love, fueling their passion for sports and a healthy lifestyle.”
The following day, the Galaxy will unveil the #BeckhamStatue of the legendary midfielder and celebrate the iconic player in the club’s Ring of Honor at Dignity Health Sports Park ahead of the team’s match vs. the Chicago Fire on Saturday, March 2 (5 p.m. PT, FS1, FOX Deportes). The two-time MLS Cup Champion will become the newest member of the Ring of Honor, joining Cobi Jones, Mauricio Cienfuegos and Doug Hamilton.
Beckham was introduced as an LA Galaxy player on July 13, 2007 at the Dignity Health Sports Park field, making his debut on the same field just eight days later. Beckham won two MLS Cups on the Dignity Health Sports Park pitch, collecting back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012, his final two years with the Galaxy. In his six-year career with the Galaxy, he recorded 18 goals and 40 assists in 98 appearances.
| WHO | Featured Guest: David Beckham LA Galaxy: Chris Klein, President AEG: Dan Beckerman, CEO Herbalife Nutrition Red Shield Community Center: Irene Lewis, Executive Director City Officials/ Red Shield Partners
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| WHAT | LA Galaxy, David Beckham and Herbalife Nutrition to unveil a refurbished turf field in downtown Los Angeles. Field will provide a safe soccer environment to over 2,000 youths monthly in an underserved neighborhood in Downtown LA |
| WHEN | Friday, March 1 10 am. PT – Soccer skills and drills for LA youth 11 a.m. PT – Dedication of field 12 p.m. PT – Event ends |
| WHERE | Salvation Army Red Shield Youth and Community Center 1532 West 11th Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
The LA Galaxy will begin with the 2019 Home Opener at Dignity Health Sports Park when the Galaxy host Chicago Fire on Saturday, March 2 at 5 p.m. PT. Tickets to that match are on sale now, available here.
