On December 8, 2025, LA Galaxy, one of the most celebrated soccer clubs in Major League Soccer, was honored as the 2025 Marisa Colaiano Community Impact Club of the Year. This award, presented as part of the 2025 Mark Abbott MLS Club Business Awards, recognizes the team that has made the most meaningful contributions to its local community. The recipient is chosen by a vote of all 30 MLS clubs and reviewed by a league panel. This recognition highlights LA Galaxy’s dedication not only to excellence on the field but also to creating a positive, lasting impact in the greater Los Angeles area.
Tom Braun, President and Chief Operating Officer of LA Galaxy, expressed the significance of the award. He said, “Winning MLS’s Community Impact Club of the Year means so much to us. This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating lasting impact in our city and the larger Southern California community. We are proud to serve our fans, neighbors, and local organizations through our initiatives.”
The award reflects the club’s extensive outreach in 2025. LA Galaxy players, staff, and alumni contributed over 800 volunteer hours to a variety of programs. The club also provided approximately two million dollars in monetary and in-kind donations to local initiatives focusing on inclusion, health, and education. Over 4,000 pounds of recyclable materials were converted into new soccer equipment for youth programs. The Galaxy partnered with fifty-six community organizations and directly supported more than five thousand young people through youth development programs and other initiatives.
Several programs and efforts played a pivotal role in earning this honor. In the aftermath of the devastating 2025 wildfires, LA Galaxy actively participated in relief efforts. The club and its foundation provided financial assistance, organized supply drives, and offered hands-on volunteer support to help affected communities recover. These efforts demonstrated the club’s ability to respond quickly and compassionately in times of crisis.
Youth development and inclusion were also central to the Galaxy’s community initiatives. The LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team completed an unbeaten season in 2025, offering athletes with and without disabilities the opportunity to compete together while promoting teamwork and inclusion. The club also collaborated with organizations such as Herbalife and A Place Called Home to distribute fifteen hundred backpacks filled with school supplies to students in South Los Angeles, providing both educational and wellness support.
In addition, LA Galaxy helped create safe and engaging spaces for youth. The club refurbished a garden at Annalee Elementary School in Carson, transforming it into an educational and accessible outdoor space. Together with partners like Herbalife and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Galaxy also supported the construction of a new mini-pitch at Ricardo Lizarraga Elementary in South Central Los Angeles. This new facility provides children with a safe environment to play soccer, stay active, and develop social skills.
The Community Impact Club of the Year award demonstrates that LA Galaxy views itself not only as a top-tier professional soccer club but also as a vital institution in its city. By leveraging its resources, visibility, and expertise, the team contributes to community cohesion, youth development, and social inclusion. The Galaxy’s efforts show that sports organizations can play an essential role in fostering resilience, opportunity, and pride within their communities.
The award is a testament to the club’s ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of real people across Los Angeles. From helping families recover from disasters to providing educational support and safe recreational spaces, LA Galaxy’s initiatives have tangible effects on the community. For residents and fans alike, this recognition confirms that the club cares deeply about the city it represents and the people who call it home.
Dwayne Paschke is an experienced news reporter and media professional, currently working as a senior news analyst for a private media organization based in Toronto, Canada. With years of experience in journalism, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, where he contributes to Los Angeles Headlines by providing accurate and comprehensive coverage of significant news stories.
