Entering a New Galaxy : Local Youngsters Troop to the Rose Bowl for a Clinic Designed to Introduce Them to New Professional Soccer Team
Twelve-year old Jose Benites has been to Pasadena’s Rose Bowl before to watch his favorite soccer stars from the stands, but bright and early Thursday, Los Angeles’ new soccer team, the L.A. Galaxy, made it his field of dreams.
The Westlake youngster and other boys and girls from Southern California got to display their soccer skills on the hallowed stadium’s turf, with coaching and guidance from four of the Galaxy’s stars--including Andrew Shue, who is also a star of “Melrose Place.”
As a group of eager teenagers passed the ball around, they even made Galaxy defender Dan Calichman, clad in the team colors--described as “black, chili and Kenyan gold”--sweat a little on the field where his team will debut Saturday night against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars.
“It’s amazing. I wish I could do this every day,” said Benites, who along with other young soccer fans got up at the crack of dawn to attend the clinic at the site of the 1994 World Cup final.
Like no other Los Angeles team before, the L.A. Galaxy, a member of the new Major League Soccer, is banking on young fans. By organizing dozens of soccer clinics and other community events this summer, Galaxy officials hope to excite youngsters, who will then persuade their parents to head to the Rose Bowl.
Clinics have already been held in Boyle Heights and at Occidental College, and more are planned.
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Even on the eve of the team’s debut, Galaxy players such as goalkeeper Jorge Campos will be attending a rally in honor of the team, staged in Old Pasadena by the city and merchants. Children from Pasadena’s Villa Parke soccer league will be guests at the event, scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. tonight on Colorado Boulevard between Fair Oaks and Raymond avenues.
The team is sponsoring prep soccer all-star games, has hooked into Mayor Richard Riordan’s Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, and plans to start a tour of local schools soon to emphasize an anti-dropout program.
“Our players will be more visible than anything you’ve seen in the community before from other sports,” said Galaxy official Ron Acosta.
“Our teams have a strong commitment to the community and particularly youth. That is where our audience is,” said Major League Soccer Commissioner Doug Logan, who noted that the viewership for the league’s first televised game last week was primarily made up of youths.
Among the league’s top attractions is Galaxy winger Cobi Jones, a part-time MTV host complete with dreadlocks. Jones, a native of Westlake Village and a former UCLA star who also plays for the U.S. national team, is particularly popular with teenage girls.
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The boys and girls at the Rose Bowl on Thursday certainly appreciated the clinic. “I love playing ‘keep the ball!’ ” screamed Chantal Hayes, 9, of Newbury Park, as she attempted to intercept passes.
While signing autographs, Shue told the youngsters that they will determine if the new soccer league flourishes. He also gave them advice about the importance of teamwork.
And the Galaxy plans to make some children part of the team--giving youngsters who otherwise would be unable to afford tickets the chance to attend games by serving as as game-day flag carriers and ball boys, Acosta said.
Pasadena Councilman Bill Crowfoot, a teacher who represents the predominantly Latino Villa Parke area near the Rose Bowl, said, “If this team is going to succeed they must reach out to kids, particularly in the areas such Villa Parke. My students simply can’t get enough of the team. They’re soccer-crazy. I’m taking about 25 of them to the first game.”
