Club Coaches Visit StubHub Center!
Partnership provides LA Galaxy OC with a clear pathway for player development and strengthens its coaching education program.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016) – Earlier this week, four members of our coaching staff visited StubHub Center to learn more about the emerging partnership with LA Galaxy, America’s #1 soccer brand. The entourage included Gordon Scott, Carlos Gonzalez, Glen Gamble, and Rob Harrison. The group was provided a look into the daily routine of the LA Galaxy professional coaches and players. The visit was hosted by LA Galaxy Brand and Fan Development Manager Zach Wells and included a tour of the facility, a discussion with the LA Galaxy coaching staff on player development, and the opportunity to observe the LA Galaxy II and the Youth Academy training sessions. “This is truly an incredible opportunity for the Orange County soccer community,” said Gordon Scott, older girls Director and College Placement Advisor. “This partnership with the LA Galaxy provides our club and its members with an opportunity to improve and further enhance our existing curriculum and offer our athletes a clear pathway for development and advancement.”
left to right: Gordon Scott, Zach Wells (LAG), Rob Harrison, Glen Gamble, Carlos Gonzalez
Our coaching staff were treated to a back stage pass inside the LA Galaxy organization. “Zach and the entire LA Galaxy coaching staff were extremely welcoming and made us feel right at home,” said Carlos Gonzalez, the club’s newest head coaching addition. “We had the opportunity to interact with the professional coaches at all levels and got a good look at their training sessions, daily schedule, structure, and organization. The LA Galaxy is obviously on the cutting edge of soccer in this country and they will continue to lead the MLS in terms of vision, innovation and follow through, “added Gonzalez.
The group was given a behind the scenes look at LA Galaxy II and the soccer operations of the Boys Academy as well as detailed insight on the future and vision of the Girls Academy. Each youth academy player is treated and trained as a young professional at top notch facilities by an elite coaching staff. Academy players receive recovery treatment, quality food, nutrition and on site schooling. “It doesn’t get any better than this!” added Gonzalez.
The relationship with the LA Galaxy will provide each athlete in LA Galaxy Orange County with a clear pathway to the highest level of soccer in this country. The LA Galaxy coaching staff will soon be sharing their knowledge and training expertise with our LA Galaxy OC coaching staff. Thus, our players will benefit from the advanced training, methodology and curriculum that each coach will be able to implement from one age group to the next!
“Establishing a positive relationship between LA Galaxy and our staff is integral to the success of our partnership. Having the opportunity to observe the Academy coaches and discuss their plans and see their methodologies in action was insightful and beneficial,” said Glen Gamble, Director of recreational leagues and B02/B04 Head Coach. “Personally, I am excited about the future for our players/teams/coaches and the club. I look forward to becoming immersed in the exciting opportunities ahead,” added Gamble.
When asked about what the experience meant to him, Rob Harrison, our younger girls Director stated, “The LA Galaxy are clearly the main force moving forward as the #1 MLS Soccer Club. The introduction provided us with an environment to learn, and better still, witness the day to day operation of the club. It’s great to see the young academy players getting an insight to the professional game. There is a clear vision at LA Galaxy, and with our club becoming the fifth and final alliance club, LA Galaxy OC and everyone involved will become a key contributor to the future success and force that is LA Galaxy.”
Thanks to Zach and his team for welcoming us to the Stub Hub Center and providing us with an insider’s perspective of the LA Galaxy and its plan for the development of our alliance. We are truly fortunate that LA Galaxy has identified our club to partner with in developing a nationally recognized standard for player development. LA Galaxy OC will be the exclusive Orange County affiliate that will help carry out this vision.
left to right: Rob Harrison, Gordon Scott, Danny Rodgers (Academy Coach), Carlos Gonzalez, Glen Gamble
The LA Galaxy Alliance Club Program was created to help grow and influence youth soccer in Southern California. The program establishes a unique relationship between the affiliate clubs – LA Galaxy South Bay, LA Galaxy San Diego, LA Galaxy Bakersfield, LA Galaxy Conejo Valley, and LA Galaxy Orange County—the LA Galaxy Alliance, which encompasses community programs, technical development, scouting, coaching and soccer operations, providing affiliate clubs with an unprecedented level of access to professional soccer expertise.