Angel City FC recently partnered with L.A. Care to host a soccer clinic at Ross Snyder Recreation Center for youth from Girls Play LA (GPLA). ACFC attacker Messiah Bright visited the clinic to hold a Q&A session and participate in the drills with the GPLA youth.
L.A. Care desires to see young girls thrive, both as people and as possible pro athletes, according to L.A. Care Health senior community relations specialist Mariah Walton.
“We know statistically, getting girls active in sports at an early age will increase their likelihood of staying physically active as well as helping their mental health,” Walton said. “It’s vital and important for us as an organization to ensure that we are investing our dollars in women’s sports.”
During the Q&A, Bright talked about transitioning into being a pro athlete and her experience being a college student. Every child got a chance to get an autograph and photo with Bright before participating in the clinic. Some participants offered their cleats to be signed and took selfies with Bright.
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“It’s been really fun just being in the community and being a huge representation for the younger generation,” Bright said.
After doing warmup exercises, the youth were divided into groups. Some worked on dribbling and footwork drills while others played two-on-two pick-up matches. Bright played in the pick-up matches alongside the youth.
“It kind of brings you back to childhood, you realize your purpose of why you play this game and why you have fun when you have younger people looking up to you,” Bright said. “Hopefully they can be in the position to follow your footsteps and pursue the same dream.”
Football for Her facilitated the clinic, the organization was founded by Shawna Palmer. She recently was inducted in the Cal State Long Beach Hall of Fame. Palmer is also the first Cal State Long Beach alumni to play for the NWSL.
Football for Her provides a welcoming environment for those who identify as female and non-binary individuals to play soccer. They also provide resources and mentorship to their participants. The event was also done in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Bright recently finished her second season in the NWSL. During her career, she has played 43 games, starting at 23; Bright has also scored seven goals.
