LA Galaxy Host Student Athletes From Coachella Valley Unified School District Migrant Program at LA Galaxy Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, Calif.
LA Galaxy kicked off its inaugural preseason invitational on Feb. 10 vs. Seattle Sounders FC at the Empire Polo Club; Event to run through Feb. 19 and features D.C. United, LA Galaxy II, Los Angeles Football Club and New York Red Bulls.
AEG’s LA Galaxy recently welcomed 30 high school student athletes from Coachella Valley Unified School District’s Migrant Program to be a part of the club’s official kick-off to its inaugural LA Galaxy Coachella Valley Invitational at Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif. on Feb. 10.
The students were greeted by LA Galaxy President Chris Klein and heard remarks from LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney from the sidelines of the pitch prior to the scrimmage between LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders FC.
Following the scrimmage students met with LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo and took photos and received autographs from LA Galaxy midfielder Victor Vazquez and LA Galaxy striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
“It was an honor to host the Migrant Education Program Student Athletes from the Coachella Valley Unified School District during our preseason match at the Coachella Valley Invitational,” said LA Galaxy Defender Julian Araujo. “The LA Galaxy appreciates them and everything their families do for our communities. I hope their visit to our preseason scrimmage inspires them to dream big, work hard and achieve all of their goals.”
"The engagement that the LA Galaxy had with our migrant student population that attended the game was beyond inspirational. Our students were able to interact with players with similar backgrounds, which reinforced the message that with hard work, dedication, and applied effort, the possibilities are endless,” said Gracie Gutierrez, director of English Learner Services, Coachella Valley Unified School District. “We are truly grateful for the opportunity the LA Galaxy provided which allowed our students to see themselves reflected in the players.”
Each student also received an LA Galaxy backpack with school supplies and a 25th Anniversary MLS Galaxy replica jersey.
The LA Galaxy Coachella Valley Invitational at the Empire Polo Club concludes Feb. 19. For more information, click here.
