LAFC, the LAFC Foundation, and The 3252 Independent Supporters Union have teamed up with the City of Cudahy to launch a low-cost youth soccer league that will kick off this Saturday, July 13, at Cudahy Park in Cudahy, Calif.
“This is an exciting day for our club and community as we come together with the City of Cudahy to honor the memory of our friend and one of our club's most loyal supporters and leaders, Mo Fascio,” LAFC Co-President & CBO Larry Freedman said. “Mo was a larger-than-life presence for LAFC, The 3252, and this community, and we know he would be proud to see this program - which aims to provide access and opportunities for youth soccer players in his hometown - become a reality.”
The new youth soccer league, set to kick off on Saturday, July 13, is offered at a low cost to participants and will be hosted at a combination of parks throughout the city including Cudahy Park, Clara Street Expansion Park, and Lugo Park, until the completion of the new field, which will be called Colibrí Field in Memory of Mo Fascio, and is projected for Spring 2026. Operated by the City of Cudahy Parks & Recreation Department, the soccer league provides a safe space for youth from the Southeast Los Angeles community to play soccer and learn life skills through participation in a team sport.
“The sport of soccer is at the heart of many in Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) including our very own families in Cudahy,” said City of Cudahy Mayor Jose R. Gonzalez. “LAFC’s positive impact ensures that the youth in our community have access to a new soccer field and training opportunities. We look forward to developing the youth of our community to be the next leaders of Major League Soccer, inspired and prepared for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.”
In addition to the youth soccer league, LAFC and the LAFC Foundation will be hosting a minimum of two annual youth soccer clinics and soccer coach training workshops beginning in Fall 2024. LAFC will also be providing support in securing equipment and uniforms for youth league participants and will participate in annual youth league opening day activations.
“The City of Cudahy is excited to partner with the Los Angeles Football Club in launching a new youth soccer league in our community,” said Vice-Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar.
“This partnership includes free coaching, clinics, and a brand-new soccer field at Clara Street Expansion Park. LAFC is uplifting the youth in our community by providing a pathway for them to hone their athletic skills and sportsmanship. The future of Major League Soccer starts in Cudahy.”
“Even though he isn’t with us in person today, Mo’s spirit still carries on in our community - one he was fundamental in building,” The 3252 Supporters Union said in a joint statement. “He was always concerned with making a positive impact in people’s lives and the places we call home. His caring and selfless nature serve as inspiration for those who knew him.”
Funds to cover the full operational, material and maintenance costs of the league for a minimum of five years are being raised jointly by The 3252, LAFC, and the LAFC Foundation. DONATE NOW.
