Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Open Goal Project will host the Chevron Soccer Academy clinic, designed to bring high-level soccer training and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning to local youth in Los Angeles.
Approximately 300 boys and girls ages 9-18 from Hawthorne will receive firsthand soccer training from professional coaches and get an up-close look at what it takes to play soccer at a high level, with former and current professionals including LAFC players making appearances at the clinics on March 23 and March 24.
The program will also inspire STEM learning through the science of soccer, as part of Chevron’s commitment to equipping youth with the critical skills they will need to succeed in jobs of the future.
A sample of some of the former professional players at the clinic include:
Lauren Sesselman: Lauren Sesselmann is a former member of the Canadian National Soccer team who won the bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics and who competed for Canada in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sesselmann competed professionally for years, including with FC Kansas City and the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League. Sesselmann currently plays for the Santa Clarita Blue Heat.
Janelly Farías: Janelly Farías is a California native who competed collegiately for University of California Irvine and internationally for Mexico’s Women’s National team. In addition to competing with the senior women’s national team for Mexico, Farías competed in the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship for Mexico. Farías also played in the UEFA Champions League with Apollon Ladies FC of Cyprus. Last year, Farías worked on live broadcasting for the U-17 Women’s World Cup with Telemundo. This season, she will be playing with LA Galaxy OC in the United Women’s Soccer League.
Lori Lindsey: Lori Lindsey is a former professional soccer player and former member of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Lindsey, who played professionally for more than a decade and represented the U.S. at the 2011 Women’s World Cup, currently works as an analyst and color commentator for US Soccer, USL, NWSL, and NCAA Soccer broadcasts. She also works as a Strength & Conditioning Coach with the NWSL’s Washington Spirit Developmental Academy.
Clarence Goodson: Clarence Goodson is a former professional soccer player and former member of the United States Men’s National Team. Clarence played professionally for a decade, including stints with Brondby IF in Copenhagen, Denmark, and FC Dallas and the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer. Goodson was a regular contributor for the United States Men’s National Team, and represented them at the 2010 World Cup as well as helping lead them to victory at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He currently works as a Player Relations Consultant for the Major League Soccer Players Association.
James Riley: James Riley is a former professional soccer player who played in Major League Soccer for more than 250 games over the course of 11 seasons. Riley’s MLS career included playing with the New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Chivas USA, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, and Colorado Rapids. During his 11 years, Riley won five Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles and one MLS Cup championship. After retiring, Riley worked as Director, Player Relations & Competition for MLS, before launching his own elite soccer training program, JR7 Soccer.
Dan Gargan: Dan Gargan graduated from Georgetown and played 12 seasons of professional soccer after being drafted by the Colorado Rapids in 2005. During the course of his MLS career, Gargan won two Canadian Championships with Toronto FC and an MLS Cup championship with LA Galaxy in 2014. After retiring, Gargan moved up to the booth as an MLS analyst with Fox Sports. He also operates Lou Fusz Athletic in St. Louis as the Vice President & Managing Director
Edson Buddle: Edson Buddle competed professionally for more than a decade in Major League Soccer and abroad in Germany. Buddle also competed internationally for the United States Men’s National Team, including as a member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup team in South Africa. In 2014, Buddle became Major League Soccer’s eighth player to score 100 goals. As of 2019, Buddle is the 11th leading scorer in league history.
Chevron Soccer Academy is a groundbreaking partnership designed to help ensure all children have access to youth soccer at a time when income disparity can limit youth from competing in the sport they love.
