Soccer Nonprofit Supports Youth in Los Angeles
Academia de Fútbol Juvenil Amatense provides recycled gear and sports access to children in need.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Soccer
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Founded by Steven Levy Cruz, the Academia de Fútbol Juvenil Amatense recycles sports equipment to benefit children across Los Angeles and Central America. The organization fosters youth development by providing organized sports access to underserved communities.
Why it matters
The initiative promotes youth education and leadership development while bridging cultural gaps through sports. By leveraging local partnerships, the nonprofit creates sustainable opportunities for children who otherwise lack consistent access to organized athletics.
The organization has successfully reached more than 800 children through its recycling and sports access initiatives. These efforts are supported by local sports partnerships and community fundraising events.
The players
Steven Levy Cruz
He is the founder of Academia de Fútbol Juvenil Amatense who drew inspiration from childhood experiences delivering supplies to El Salvador.
LA Galaxy
This professional soccer club hosts a food truck at their home games to generate revenue for the nonprofit's sports initiatives.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The professional baseball franchise collaborates with the organization to host celebrations focused on Salvadoran heritage.
LA Kings
The professional hockey team partners with the nonprofit to support community-centered events for local families.
The details
Academia de Fútbol Juvenil Amatense distributes recycled sports gear to children while collaborating with professional organizations like the Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Kings on Salvadoran heritage celebrations. The nonprofit also operates a pupusa truck at LA Galaxy home games to fund its ongoing programs.
Timeline
September 2026: KTLA highlights the nonprofit's community contributions during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Season Trajectory
This nonprofit aligns its growth with the model of institutionalized community engagement prevalent in professional sports. It marks a shift where local charities utilize the platform and resources of major franchises to expand their reach across diverse regional demographics.
Residents can participate by attending LA Galaxy home games where the nonprofit operates its pupusa truck. These interactions directly facilitate the donation of recycled sports gear to children participating in the organization's regional programs.
The takeaway
Supporting grassroots sports organizations can provide meaningful educational and leadership benefits for underserved youth. Families interested in community service can contribute by donating used sports equipment to programs that directly serve local children.
Further reading
Discover more about local initiatives in Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTLA 5.
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