LOS ANGELES (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)– The LA Galaxy and MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, are gearing up to host the Third Annual Greener Goals Week of Service, April 16-20, leading up to Earth Day weekend. The LA Galaxy will implement a week of community outreach initiatives in advance of their game on April 21 against Atlanta United at StubHub Center (7:30 p.m. PT) as part of Greener Goals Week of Service.
Additionally, in conjunction with Greener Goals Week of Service, the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer have collaborated with adidas to support Parley for the Oceans. LA Galaxy players will wear special adidas kits built of technical yarns made using Parley Ocean Plastic™ during their April 21 match at StubHub Center against Atlanta United. This collaboration was first introduced in 2017 when four MLS clubs – New York City FC, Orlando City SC, LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC – donned the MLS x Parley kits on Earth Day. The 2018 edition of the jerseys will be supported by all 23 clubs and comes in two colorways, non-dye and carbon, differentiating the two teams in each game. Also new this year, the exclusive adidas 2018 MLS Parley jerseys will be available for purchase online at MLSStore.com and adidas.com and in select in-stadium retailers beginning April 10.
Galaxy fans can purchase the Parley jersey to be used on April 21 by clicking here. An extremely limited supply remain. Fans can also bid on jerseys worn by players during the April 21 contest at the LA Galaxy Foundation booth in Soccer Fest during the contest. Fans can text GALAXY to 52182 to bid.
Each product is crafted using Parley Ocean Plastic™ upcycled from plastic waste intercepted on beaches and in coastal communities. Once collected, the original plastic source is reworked into technical fibers that can then be repurposed for use in either apparel or footwear. To commemorate this unique process of repurposing plastic debris, the message “For the Oceans” is featured in the inside of the neck tape detailing, and each club’s name is featured on the back-neck. The jerseys are then shipped in recyclable envelopes.
In addition, MLS WORKS will share #GreenerGoals tips to educate the soccer community on ways to create a cleaner environment, including the reduction of plastic pollution. Beginning, April 16, fans will be encouraged to apply these tips and share images and videos of their actions (through social media). The grand prize winner will receive an MLS x Parley jersey of their choice.
MLS WORKS Greener Goals helps to identify ways to reduce our carbon footprint and raise awareness about environmental issues throughout the soccer community. A member since 2013, Major League Soccer and the Green Sports Alliance (Alliance) have formed a new League-wide partnership that will now include all MLS clubs as members, providing access to Alliance resources and enhanced support of the League’s effort to strengthen and promote healthy, sustainable communities in the United States and Canada.
Thursday, April 12 – Protect the Pitch Field Trip
The LA Galaxy will host 55 local fifth-grade students from Jackson STEM Academy for a field trip to StubHub Center, which will include a stadium tour and visit of the in-house StubHub Center greenhouse and garden, which grows local produce that is served to athletes and staff at StubHub Center. In continuation of LA Galaxy and StubHub Center’s Protect the Pitch sustainability initiative, the LA Galaxy Foundation will host four dedicated field trips to StubHub Center this year.
Thursday, April 17 – Galaxy Giving: Leapwood Elementary School
Partnering with the Garden School Foundation, LA Galaxy will put the final touches on a school garden for produce as well as an LA Galaxy mural at Leapwood Elementary School in Carson. The Garden School Foundation, a nonprofit partner of the LA Galaxy, is dedicated to providing a wide scope of education through hands-on learning in real, outdoor, living classrooms while offering interactive gardening and cooking classes. Information on volunteer registration can be found at lagalaxy.com/community/galaxygiving.
Saturday, April 21 – LA Galaxy vs. Atlanta United FC
The Galaxy will take the field against Atlanta United FC in the adidas Parley jerseys, made from recycled ocean plastic. Galaxy TV will feature an in-game video recap of the Galaxy Giving event with Garden School Foundation on April 17. LA Galaxy will collaborate with the Surfrider Foundation for in-stadium recycling collection. Additionally, an online auction of player worn and autographed Parley jerseys will be available for purchase to benefit the LA Galaxy Foundation. Fans can text GALAXY to 52182 to bid.
