Black Star partners with LA Galaxy for clinic and more on Juneteenth

Updated: Jun 27

We've done several events in LA over the years, but the latest might just be our favorite!

On June 19, a day on which we celebrate Juneteenth, we partnered with the hometown LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer to host a special First Touch Youth Clinic. The event was held at Galaxy Park from 5pm to 6pm for more than 90 players ages 7-12.

First Touch Youth Clinic details

Our free-to-participate First Touch Youth Clinics - thanks in part to Black Star partners adidas, Allstate, and King's Hawaiian - provide a fun, engaging soccer and cultural experience for players of all skill levels and is designed to improve participant skills and strengthen players' (and parents') love of the game.

At our most recent event, LA Galaxy legend and Black Star board member Cobi Jones joined us and spoke to players about his career and the growth of soccer in the Black community.

This special-edition First Touch Youth Clinic also provided players the opportunity to join the LA Galaxy's Juneteenth Game Experience. All clinic participants were provided free tickets to the team's match later that night against New York City FC. Said one parent after the event:

Much gratitude to these organizations for this opportunity allowing our youth players to engage with other kids from around LA. Being able to play for the love of the game and the culture! Meeting Cobi Jones and going to the Galaxy game were the icing on the cake.

While at the game, attendees had access to special Juneteenth merchandise from a collaboration between MLS, Black Players for Change, and adidas. The LA Galaxy Foundation also auctioned player-signed Juneteenth pre-match shirts.

Photos from our Juneteenth event

Take a look at photos from our special-edition First Touch Youth Clinic. We had an incredible time with players, their parents, and everyone who came out for this great event.