CARSON, Calif. (Monday, Sept. 15, 2014) – The LA Galaxy announced today the formation of the LA Galaxy Science of Soccer, presented by Konica Minolta. The program is designed to empower teachers to increase participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in school and after-school programs. The LA Galaxy will kick off the exclusive program by hosting the first-ever “teacher camp” at StubHub Center Sept. 20 prior to the team’s match against FC Dallas.

“Creating a program to capture kids’ interest in STEM subjects while using soccer as the vehicle to drive engagement is important locally and nationally,” said Manager of Brand and Fan Development Zach Wells. “The LA Galaxy is extremely proud and excited to launch a unique program for MLS teams that will offer a fun and dynamic way of teaching and learning these STEM subjects. I believe it is vital to highlight STEM now because it will affect the future of Southern California businesses affiliated with science, technology, engineering and math, who will be looking to hire proficient students down the road.”

To form the program, LA Galaxy have collaborated with the non-profit group Science of Sport to develop curriculum consistent with the state of California’s Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards. Ricardo Valerdi, associate professor in Engineering at University of Arizona, has created a curriculum to use soccer demonstrations as dynamic hands-on, inquiry-based lessons for STEM subjects.

20 teachers from Newport Mesa Unified School District will attend the first-ever “teacher camp” at StubHub Center on September 20 before the LA Galaxy match vs. FC Dallas. Teachers attending the event will learn at least five classroom lessons and see the correlating soccer demonstrations. The teachers will receive a kit with all of the necessary materials to implement the lessons at their classroom or after school program.

LA Galaxy Science of Soccer will expand its reach each year with teachers from various school districts in Southern California, providing additional curriculum and events that offer resources to help increase student participation in STEM subjects in different elementary, middle and high school classrooms.

For more information on the program, visit www.lagalaxy.com/scienceofsoccer.

WHAT: Science of Soccer Teacher Camp, presented by Konica Minolta

WHERE: StubHub Center

18400 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 20

3-5 p.m. PT – TV Studio

5-6 p.m. PT – StubHub Center Field #5

6-7 p.m. PT – Pre-game recognition on field

7:30 p.m. PT – LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

Media members wishing to attend the event Sept. 20 can RSVP to the Galaxy Communications Department by emailing galaxycommunications@lagalaxy.com. For any questions or more information, please contact any member of the Galaxy Communications Department at the phone numbers or email addresses listed above.