In addition to sending local players to compete on the global stage, one Irvine-based soccer league has helped nearly 1,000 children throughout the county develop an appreciation for the sport, free of charge.
The Orange County Soccer Club—the county’s only professional soccer team, in partnership with its foundation—has dedicated thousands of hours to serving the local community with an emphasis on underserved youth.
According to Chad Romiti, a spokesperson for the club, the foundation has donated over $100,000 to Orange County residents in need since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including free meals, creating sports curriculum to help students maintain school PE credits during lockdowns, and providing remote soccer training.
The organization, which is celebrating its 10th year to be based in Irvine this year, is known for its “Soccer for All” program, which provides free in-person training after school to 700 4th- and 5th-grade students throughout 35 schools in the Santa Ana Unified School District, according to a club spokesperson.
Lisa Keston, who heads the foundation, says she hopes to expand the program in the next few years to the Anaheim Unified School district, along with others in the county.
“It’s just so cute seeing the kids building a team and bonding together over [soccer]. It’s been incredibly rewarding,” she told The Epoch Times.
In addition to free soccer training and facilitating team leagues in Santa Ana, Keston says, the foundation also “grants wishes” for its child players.
“We had some kids that had never ridden a school bus before, so we made that happen. It was so simple but it made them so happy,” Keston said.
Her husband, James Keston, launched the club’s foundation in 2020 to increase the club’s community outreach.
“He truly believes in giving back to his community and in philanthropy. It’s in his DNA,” she said.
The foundation is now hosting its first gala on Feb. 23 to raise funds to expand their programs. Those in attendance can socialize with the club’s professional players, of which one will be assigned to each table at the event.
