You want hope that American soccer will take the next step? Look no further than the LA Galaxy.
There’s no way to overstate what the Galaxy announced today. In a climate of expensive inclusion for young athletes, the MLS side announced a tuition-free girls academy.
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The Galaxy says its the first MLS club to do this, and the initiative covers the U14/15, U16/17 and U18/19 teams in the new U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy League.
From LAGalaxy.com:“The LA Galaxy want to continue to invest in and lead the development of youth soccer in North America in every facet,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein. “Adding an Academy program for girls is a huge step for this club in order to continue that investment. We are thrilled to launch this program and provide a structure for young girls to grow and develop in a professional environment free of charge.”
The LA Galaxy Girls’ Academy team will be the first and only program to be fully-funded by a Major League Soccer side, allowing talented local athletes to join free of charge.
Seeing a club do this when it could easily charge boatloads of money is so encouraging. This is how top-end talent truly gets nurtured at a club.
"This is a lot more than just soccer." #ThisIsLA pic.twitter.com/s2eBaHOBWZ
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 11, 2016