LA Galaxy Inspires Coachella Valley Students Through Soccer and Education Initiative
During AEG’s fourth annual Coachella Valley Invitational, the LA Galaxy reinforced its dedication to education, inclusion, and community development by engaging more than 50 students from the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s Migrant Program in a multi-day initiative designed to inspire and expand opportunities through soccer. As part of the program, LA Galaxy players Edwin Cerrillo and Mauricio Cuevas shared their personal stories of progressing from youth leagues to professional soccer, highlighting the importance of perseverance, discipline, and overcoming challenges to reach long-term aspirations.
Organized by the LA Galaxy Foundation, the initiative reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to leveraging sport as a force for positive social change—connecting young people with professional athletes, career possibilities, and relatable role models who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
The program kicked off on Saturday, February 7, when students attended a preseason training session at the Empire Polo Grounds, where they observed how professional players prepare for competition. The visit also included a meet-and-greet and autograph opportunity with the team.
The experience continued on Wednesday, February 11, when students attended the LA Galaxy’s match against St. Louis City SC and took part in a post-game discussion with Cerrillo and Cuevas. During the session, the players responded to student questions and shared insights from their own journeys, emphasizing resilience, representation, and the value of staying committed to their goals.
“Soccer connects people across the world, and opportunities like this help students recognize the value of their own stories and ambitions,” said Gabriel Osollo, Director of Community Relations for the LA Galaxy and the LA Galaxy Foundation. “By providing access and meaningful engagement, we hope to build confidence and show students that their future possibilities extend far beyond what they might currently imagine.”
To further support student success, the LA Galaxy Foundation donated $5,000 to the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s Migrant Program to enhance educational resources and student support services.
The program serves children from families involved in seasonal and agricultural work in the region, with an emphasis on academic continuity, graduation preparedness, and long-term achievement. Through collaborations like this, AEG and the LA Galaxy highlight how sport can foster inclusive growth, strengthen communities, and open doors to opportunity on a broader scale.
Organized by the LA Galaxy Foundation, the initiative reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to leveraging sport as a force for positive social change—connecting young people with professional athletes, career possibilities, and relatable role models who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
The program kicked off on Saturday, February 7, when students attended a preseason training session at the Empire Polo Grounds, where they observed how professional players prepare for competition. The visit also included a meet-and-greet and autograph opportunity with the team.
The experience continued on Wednesday, February 11, when students attended the LA Galaxy’s match against St. Louis City SC and took part in a post-game discussion with Cerrillo and Cuevas. During the session, the players responded to student questions and shared insights from their own journeys, emphasizing resilience, representation, and the value of staying committed to their goals.
“Soccer connects people across the world, and opportunities like this help students recognize the value of their own stories and ambitions,” said Gabriel Osollo, Director of Community Relations for the LA Galaxy and the LA Galaxy Foundation. “By providing access and meaningful engagement, we hope to build confidence and show students that their future possibilities extend far beyond what they might currently imagine.”
To further support student success, the LA Galaxy Foundation donated $5,000 to the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s Migrant Program to enhance educational resources and student support services.
The program serves children from families involved in seasonal and agricultural work in the region, with an emphasis on academic continuity, graduation preparedness, and long-term achievement. Through collaborations like this, AEG and the LA Galaxy highlight how sport can foster inclusive growth, strengthen communities, and open doors to opportunity on a broader scale.
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