CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, May 15, 2014) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed 15-year-old forward Jacob Trainor, as his “wish to be a Galaxy teammate” is granted by Make-A-Wish®. Entering his 10-year soccer career, Trainor joins the LA Galaxy after spending time with the 2012 YMCA champions The Force in Pelham, Alabama. Per club and league policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Jacob will begin training with the LA Galaxy on Tuesday, May 20 in advance of his first Galaxy match against FC Dallas at StubHub Center on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 pm PT.

“We are pleased to add Jacob Trainor to our roster,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “Jacob’s experience, dedication and love for soccer are truly inspiring and we believe he will make a great addition to our team.”

The Galaxy teamed up with Make-A-Wish Chapters in Alabama and Greater Los Angeles to grant the wish to Jacob, who was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia on February 8, 2011 and was forced to miss that year’s spring soccer season.

Soccer has been an instrumental part of Jacob’s healing and his love for the game helped Jacob return to the soccer fields soon after he was diagnosed. Given his condition, most ports used to deliver chemotherapy are inserted in the upper chest, just below the clavicle or collar bone, but Jake’s pediatric surgeon suggested a lower area so it would be less likely to be hit by a soccer ball.

Jacob was determined to play soccer while he was undergoing chemo treatments, even after 3.5 years of treatment. When Jacob had the opportunity to make a wish, he chose to attend an LA Galaxy game. A product of Pelham, Alabama, Jacob loves soccer, the LA Galaxy and Galaxy forward Landon Donovan.

Jacob, his three siblings and his parents also will enjoy a unique game-day experience and watch the game field side during the Galaxy’s home match on Wednesday, May 21 against FC Dallas as part of his wish. Additionally, Jacob and his family will also get to watch the Galaxy at training a day before the game, and meet the whole team in a once in a lifetime experience.

Player: Jacob Trainor Position: Forward Age: 15 Hometown: Pelham, AL Citizenship: USA Wish: To attend a Los Angeles Galaxy game because he “loves soccer and the LA Galaxy.” How Acquired: Signed May 15, 2014

About Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. The Greater Los Angeles Chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013, having granted more than 8,400 wishes to local wish children between the ages of 2 ½-18. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the network of Make-A-Wish chapters grants a wish every 38 minutes somewhere in the country. It has granted more than 226,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 14,000 in 2013 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles at la.wish.org to learn more.