Key Takeaways
- The LA World Cup 2026 Host Committee will launch free soccer clinics starting December 6, 2025, bringing together LA Galaxy, LAFC, and Angel City FC to train coaches, referees, and youth players
- Over 640,000 youth in LA County played soccer in 2024, with participation increasing annually according to the Play Equity Fund’s 2024 report
- The first clinic on December 6 will introduce healing-centered coaching techniques designed to support youth who have experienced trauma or injustice
- Coaches attending the December clinic will receive a specialized playbook developed by the Play Equity Fund, Center for Healing and Justice, and Cal South
- Additional coach, referee, and player clinics are scheduled for early 2026 across the LA region
Building Infrastructure Around a Global Event
The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee announced a community legacy program November 5 that positions the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a catalyst for youth soccer development across Greater Los Angeles. The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series will offer free programming for players, coaches, and referees, coordinated through partnerships with the region’s three professional soccer clubs and Cal South, the state’s official soccer association.
The initiative launches December 6, 2025, at the Los Angeles City College Soccer Field with a coaching clinic focused on youth development beyond technical skills. Registration is now open, though space is limited and registration does not guarantee participation.
A Coaching Model Centered on Trauma-Informed Development
The December 6 coaching clinic introduces what organizers describe as a healing-centered approach to youth sports. Participating coaches will receive a playbook developed by the Play Equity Fund, the Center for Healing and Justice, and Cal South that incorporates techniques designed to support young people who may have experienced trauma or injustice.
According to the announcement, the curriculum emphasizes how soccer can support emotional growth, physical activity, and relationship building alongside traditional skill development. Training sessions will be led by the Center For Healing and Justice Through Sport and Cal South.
Kathryn Schloessman, President and CEO of LASEC and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, said in the announcement: “The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic series is about more than just soccer, it’s about creating opportunity, building community, and leaving a lasting legacy for Los Angeles.”
Multi-Club Collaboration in a Fragmented Market
The clinic series brings together LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, and Angel City Football Club in a coordinated programming effort. This structure is notable in a youth sports market where professional clubs typically operate independent development pathways and compete for the same player pool.
The Host Committee’s role as convener allows the clubs to participate in community programming without directly competing for participants or resources. The Play Equity Fund serves as the implementation partner, with financial backing from what the Host Committee describes as Foundational Partners.
Cal South, which serves as the regional governing body for youth and adult soccer under U.S. Soccer Federation, U.S. Youth Soccer, and the U.S. Adult Soccer Association, provides curriculum development and technical expertise.
Soccer Participation Data Reveals Growing Youth Market
The Play Equity Fund’s 2024 report found over 640,000 youth in LA County played soccer in 2024. The research, commissioned by the LA84 Foundation, tracks youth sports participation trends in the LA region and shows soccer participation increasing on an annual basis.
Renata Simril, President of the Play Equity Fund and President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, stated: “Our research shows how important soccer is to our kids and communities in LA. These clinics will shine a light on coaches and kids who are writing new chapters on the pitch and in life.”
The participation figures position LA County as one of the largest youth soccer markets in the United States. The clinic series aims to provide access points for communities that may face barriers to organized soccer programming.
Planned Programming Through 2026
The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series will expand beyond the December 6 coaching clinic to include three program types: youth clinics designed to develop players on and off the field, coaching and referee clinics featuring the healing-centered curriculum, and engaging experiences with giveaways, player appearances, and partner activations.
The Host Committee plans to announce additional clinic dates and locations for early 2026 in coming months. Registration details will be available through the LA World Cup 2026 Host Committee website at losangelesfwc26.com.
Strategic Implications for Host Cities
The LA model demonstrates how host cities can use major sporting events to build long-term youth sports infrastructure rather than focusing solely on event operations and economic impact. By launching programming eight months before the World Cup begins, the Host Committee creates a timeline for relationship building with local clubs, coaches, and communities.
The healing-centered coaching approach also reflects broader trends in youth sports toward social-emotional development and trauma-informed practices. Whether this curriculum model gets adopted beyond the World Cup timeline will depend on coach feedback, community uptake, and continued funding after the tournament concludes.
For youth sports operators and facility owners in host markets, the LA initiative illustrates how major events can generate attention and resources for grassroots programming. The challenge will be converting short-term World Cup enthusiasm into sustained participation and infrastructure investment.
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
