LOS ANGELES (Friday, May 13, 2022) – As part of Major League Soccer’s Soccer For All Week (May 12-23), the LA Galaxy yesterday welcomed Ukrainian refugee Matvei “Mathew” Mykhalevych as an honorary team member.
Matvei, 15, signed a one-day mock-up contract with the Galaxy and experienced what it’s like to be a professional soccer player during the club’s training session. Born in Odesa, Ukraine, Matvei and his father fled the war in Ukraine and have been living with a host family in Pasadena, Calif. An avid soccer player, Matvei has recently joined a club team in Pasadena.
Soccer For All, an MLS league-wide initiative, reinforces the collective commitment to drive positive social change, foster more inclusive and equitable communities and support an end to discrimination. Introduced in 2018 through MLS WORKS, the League’s social responsibility platform, Soccer For All signifies that everyone is welcome.
