Los Angeles has had its ups and downs this year, winning championships to rising cost of life due to COVID-19. But one thing that has kept us emotionally stable amidst the chaos has been sports and entertainment. Sports has healed us in moments of uncertainty and sorrow. NWSL expansion team Angel City FC, part of expansion is set to play in 2022 with at least dozen teams at the Banc of California Stadium, also home of the Black & Gold, LAFC. “From the beginning, we set out to build a Club where everyone was welcome — a Club that would strive to unite the world’s city through the world’s game,” LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman said. “We are thrilled to welcome our new partners, Angel City FC, to our family, to our home, and to their new home. We look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with ACFC to create great experiences here in the Heart of Los Angeles.”
To witness this historic announcement were many who made Angel City a reality as well as the fans who were present at the drive-through gift card drive to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood. “Announcing our venue partner is a major milestone for Angel City, and we could not be more excited than to play in this spectacular venue right here in the heart of Los Angeles,” said ACFC Founder and President, Julie Uhrman. “We are building a club for all Los Angelenos, united in their support of women’s soccer and the magic that L.A. brings to its fans, players, and teams.” The team also announced their first founding partner, Heineken. In October, the team launched its Angel City Sponsorship Model in which they will collaborate with each of its partners to re-allocate 10% of the value of their sponsorship via product, asset, or monetary donation, to local causes. They have agreed on allocating 10% of sponsorship funds to directly support the LGBTQ community in and around Los Angeles.
After Carson-based LA Sol women’s soccer team ceased operations a decade ago, there hadn’t been another first-tier women’s professional soccer team in Los Angeles.
Fans in the “City of Angels” have been waiting for this moment since, and now see another step of their wishes come to life with the home base announcement, yet there is much to be done in the coming year – head coach, key players their own training complex that will double as a community center. For now, rather than operating out of Carson as LA Sol did, they have chosen a home within LAFC’s walls. Fans have just a little longer to wait for their next steps. Here’s to a successful future in the City of Angels for Angel City FC.
