CARSON, Calif. (Friday, September 5, 2013) – The LA Galaxy announced today that South Bay Force, one of the most successful youth clubs in Los Angeles County, is being rebranded LA Galaxy South Bay. As a result of the transition, the Galaxy create a greater foothold and strengthen their presence in the soccer rich South Bay region.
The South Bay Force was one of the founding members of the LA Galaxy Academy Alliance, an extensive soccer development program that is an integral part of the pathway to playing for the LA Galaxy Academy. The name change expands the Galaxy’s reach within the California youth soccer community, provides the club with a unique opportunity to develop players at a younger level and creates younger teams, allowing the club to a deeper player pool for the Galaxy Academy. The club also gains 46 additional youth teams, including 24 boys teams ranging from Under-7 through Under-18 as well as 22 girls teams that will be the first to represent the Galaxy in an official girls competition.
“We are excited to expand our relationship with South Bay Force and create an even larger footprint for the LA Galaxy Academy in the South Bay and all of Los Angeles County,” said LA Galaxy Technical Director Jovan Kirovski. “This is one of the premier regions for talent in the entire United States and through this rebranding we will be able to create a deeper player pool while also continuing our goal of player, coach and parent education throughout the Academy. This evolution will also allow us to more directly influence players and inject our philosophy and training methods to a greater number of players beginning at a much younger age.”
In addition to installing the same training methods and coaching curriculum as the Academy, the Galaxy will also share coaching resources, staff and best practices with the focus of creating an improved environment in which to help develop players. Former Galaxy defender Greg Vanney, who is already the head coach of the Galaxy’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-14 Team, was hired by the LA Galaxy South Bay Board of Directors as the club’s Technical Director.
All teams will wear specially-designed Galaxy South Bay uniforms, including the girls teams. For the first time in club history, the Galaxy will field girls teams in official competitions. The LA Galaxy South Bay Girls Program includes 22 teams ranging from Under-8 through Under-19. The Galaxy Girls Program will also enjoy access to the same coaching curriculum, training methods and style of play that will be available to other teams. All of the girls teams will compete in the Southern California Development Soccer League. Former Manchester City player Michael Quigley will be the Director of Girls Coaching.
