CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, Aug. 20 2014) – The LA Galaxy announced today the addition of three new clubs to the LA Galaxy Alliance Club Program. Following the success of the flagship program with LA Galaxy South Bay, West Coast FC of Orange County, Galaxy Blues of Placer County and LA Galaxy Bakersfield of Kern County will join the Galaxy’s player development program in 2014 and look to enhance the learning environment for their players and coaches.
The LA Galaxy Alliance Club Program is an extensive soccer development initiative for youth clubs that gives its members the best resources to reach their soccer and community potential.
“Through our Alliance Club program and commitment to each of these organizations, the Galaxy will play an integral role in the development of the area’s most talented youth players and coaches,” said Jovan Kirovski, Technical Director of the LA Galaxy. “Youth development is important and we have seen firsthand what a critical role these programs can play in local communities. We are excited and focused on improving and advancing the level of coaching and players across the country. The Galaxy been able to share a comprehensive approach in directly engaging our local communities and applaud the roles that the clubs have taken to make these relationships truly meaningful endeavors.”
The LA Galaxy create unique working relationships with each club to encompass community programs, technical development, scouting, coaching, and soccer operations; giving the youth soccer community an unprecedented level of access to professional soccer expertise and involvement.
The Galaxy also share coaching and organizational resources, creating a common curriculum and methodology for developing young players, ensuring the Alliance Clubs are central to integrating players into the Academy and preparing players for college soccer.
Additionally, youth clubs in the program will be allowed the unique privilege of incorporating the LA Galaxy brand into their club name and wear the same color uniforms – navy, white and gold – in recognition of their partnership with the LA Galaxy.
Each LA Galaxy Alliance Club is chosen based on its strong quality of players, dedicated coaching staff and commitment to the community. There are now a total of four clubs involved in the program: LA Galaxy South Bay, West Coast FC, Galaxy Blues and LA Galaxy Bakersfield.
Members of each LA Galaxy Alliance Club provided comment on the program:
Michael Quigley – LA Galaxy South Bay
“We are delighted to be part of the LA Galaxy Alliance Club program. It’s been 5 years as an alliance club and we are realizing the fruits of our labor: improving the opportunities at our club to challenge all players, growing the club to include more local members, improving involvement with special LA Galaxy game day experiences and producing an LA Galaxy Academy player. We feel that the relationship has a positive effect on the south bay community. We are thankful to be in a unique situation to partner with a prestigious MLS club that continues to prove their dedication to youth development. We appreciate the help from the LA Galaxy to engage with special events at the stadium and on game days that create wonderful memories for the families at our club. I can say that this relationship is real.”
Oliver Wyss - West Coast FC
“The partnership will allow West Coast FC and LA Galaxy coaches to work together to develop elite athletes and teams, while creating a common curriculum and methodology for development. The program will provide a single organization with the best staff, facilities, resources and opportunities to help players perform at the highest level in all aspects of the game.”
Dominick DeRosa - Galaxy Blues "We're extremely pleased to partner with the LA Galaxy to create the first MLS alliance club in Northern California. The LA Galaxy Academy has had great success in developing homegrown players and we're excited to partner with them to bring the same programs to Northern California. This alliance elevates youth soccer and will align youth club culture, values and players to the professional game." Lorin Sabin- Galaxy Blues "With this partnership, we're able to provide unrivaled opportunities for youth players in the Sacramento, Foothills and Placer regions to reach the highest level of play possible, and for a select few, a pathway to potentially playing professionally. It also allows us to provide the most robust coaching education program in Northern California, all to support and benefit to our players."
Bert Perkins – LA Galaxy Bakersfield
“Our affiliation with LA Galaxy directly aligns with our goal of developing youth soccer players. The LA Galaxy Alliance Club Program will provide an exceptional resource that will help us improve the standard of youth soccer here in Central California. The LA Galaxy will help us stay on the leading edge of soccer education and methodology. The LA Galaxy's contributions will be used to improve local player opportunities at every level of play.”
