The LA Galaxy Community Clinic Series continued on Sunday, April 22 hosting thirty youth from A Place Called Home alongside Herbalife Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and Positive Coaching Alliance.
The community clinic kicked off with LA Galaxy Nutritionist Nicolette Leffler, who discussed how to hydrate properly before playing in a match by drinking at least six glasses of water per day. Nicolette highlighted how important it is to have carbohydrates before playing a match. Protein bars and bananas were passed around to keep the youth from cramping and stay energized throughout the afternoon.
After nutrition, LA Galaxy Camps and Clinics coaches split up the youth into three groups. The three youth groups rotated between with scrimmages, passing drills, and shooting accuracy. The youth enjoyed testing out their moves, shots, and playing together with teammates.
The soccer clinic wrapped up and entered into a CHLA discussion about injury prevention. Shannon Azizi from CHLA discussed how to tell the symptoms and signs of a concussion. She also displayed proper form for planking. The youth learned the importance of core strength by interacting in games that required them to balance a tennis ball in their hand while walking around. The thirty youth learned these tips that will benefit their health on the field.
Marti Reed from Positive Coaching Alliance focused on being a positive leader both on and off the field for other athletes. Youth were asked who their role model is and what traits made them standout. Marti had two groups compete in a game to see which team worked together to help everyone reach the end goal. Positive Coaching Alliance highlighted work ethic and how to positively impact others that are around you within the sports environment.
With nutrition, injury prevention, and positive leadership knowledge in place, A Place Called Home’s thirty youth received tickets to enjoy the LA Galaxy II home match versus New York Red Bulls.
The LA Galaxy Community Clinic Series will continue to provide the opportunity for students to learn and use soccer to improve personally as a healthy athlete as well as and in our community both on and off the field.
