Carson, Calif. – At Dignity Health Sports Park, pupusas have become a familiar matchday item for LA Galaxy supporters. Sales of the Salvadoran stuffed tortillas now support a nonprofit that operates youth soccer academies across several Central American countries. The effort operates through a dedicated social enterprise that directs proceeds from game-day concessions toward equipment, coaching, and related expenses.
The Nonprofit Driving the Initiative
Academia de Futbol Juvenil Amatence, known as AFJA, runs the program under the name Pupusas With a Purpose. The organization maintains a brick-and-mortar location at the stadium and sells pupusas at every LA Galaxy home game. Founder and Executive Director Steven Levy Cruz described the enterprise as an outgrowth of an existing partnership with the LA Galaxy Foundation and Levy Foods. Proceeds cover core operational needs for the academies, including transportation, coaching staff, uniforms, and the shipment of collected equipment to partner sites. The academies operate in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, among other locations. AFJA is one of more than 60 nonprofits that receive support through the Galaxy’s annual community partnerships.
Partnership Details and Operations
The arrangement brings together the LA Galaxy organization, its foundation, the stadium operator, and the food vendor. Gabriel Osollo, the team’s director of community relations and foundation, noted that the food sales align with the club’s focus on youth sports, health, and inclusion under the banner of “Soccer for All.” The model allows fans to contribute to international programs simply by purchasing a stadium staple. Equipment collected locally is shipped to the academies, addressing gaps that local resources alone cannot always meet. The partnership has produced a steady revenue stream tied directly to game attendance and concession activity.
Practical Outcomes for the Academies
Funds from the pupusa sales address recurring costs that keep the programs running. Transportation ensures players can reach training sessions, while uniforms and coaching support maintain consistent operations. Shipping collected gear extends the reach of donations gathered in the United States. The academies emphasize structured soccer development for young participants in the region. By linking a popular stadium food item to these activities, the initiative creates a direct channel between LA Galaxy supporters and youth programs abroad. The approach remains one component of the team’s broader community engagement portfolio. The connection between game-day concessions and academy support continues as long as the partnership and sales remain active.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.