Like no other local professional team, The L.A. Galaxy – who play in Long Beach, just a short trip above the OC border – reaches out to its youngest fans and lets kids get in on the action. "I spy something that is orange” my husband announces as we head north on the 405. "The orange Home Depot Center sign!” my sons shout in unison. We exit at Avalon North after our half hour drive and everyone’s heartbeats start to quicken in anticipation of the game ahead. My five- and eight-year-old boys, Justin and Jacob, have been making this regular pilgrimage for the last three years since we have become season ticket holders for the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team. It has been the best family investment we have made, uniting us in a perhaps unlikely passion. We’ve cheered our heads off, developed a genuine enthusiasm for the game, and have even been able to meet and get autographs from real professional soccer players who have become our family heroes. Many dinner table conversations have revolved around such topics as Cobi Jones’ injury and signature dreadlocks hairstyle, the amazing footwork and work ethic of Landon Donovan who joined our home team last season, the speed and talent of Hercules Gomez, the Galaxy players’ performances in this year’s World Cup, and the bleached-blond hair and bright goalie uniforms of Kevin Hartman. Before becoming a mother of three boys, I never would have imagined that I would know so much about soccer. Our families affinity for these trecks to Long Beach (no further from our Newport Beach home than the Big A, where the L.A. Angels of Anaheim play) is not simply our boys’ love of the game. Like no other pro team I know, The Galaxy offers myriad opportunities to get kids in on the action. From special birthday party packages to the Galaxy Stars program (the official youth supporters club of the team), from summer soccer clinics to behind-the-stadium tours offered to local camps, organizations and school groups, the team reaches out to all of its youngest fans. Clever give-aways are common at most games, usually to the first 5,000 attendees. We have collected Galaxy bobbleheads, soccer balls, t-shirts, youth jerseys, hats, visors, and even lunch boxes. The Home Depot Center facility is very kid-friendly, too, with family bathrooms located around the stadium, great kid foods such as hot dogs, pretzels and slurpees, and appearances throughout the game from Cozmo, the team mascot. The Galaxy Stars membership program is a throw back to the good old days in both concept and price. Kids age 16 and under can join the standard program for free online or by signing up at games and will receive a Galaxy Stars membership card and lanyard, exclusive Galaxy Stars wristband, an invitation to watch a Galaxy training session, followed by a meet-and-greet with some team members, and other special offers. For a fee of $25 per year, kids also receive an exclusive Galaxy Stars cleat bag, two buy-one, get-one-free coupons for Galaxy regular season home games and an invitation to an autograph session with club spokesplayers. My sons Justin and Jacob have participated in the on-field high five line where kids can line up before the games on the field and actually high five the players as they enter to play. Local soccer clubs, teams and organizations allow kids to be in parades before the games where they can walk across the field or compete in short soccer matches on field at half-time that are prearranged through ticket partnerships with local leagues. The Galaxy has other opportunities for kids to set foot on the real playing field before all games. Kids ages 12 and up can participate in a Ball Kids program where they assist from the sidelines during games, or The Dream Team, in which they are allowed to walk out with the Galaxy at the beginning of games (both are arranged through the group ticket sales office). The Parade of Champions is a recognition program for local youth soccer finalists and champions in tournaments to walk across the game field and just before the pre-game singing of the National Anthem. For Justin’s eighth birthday, his name flashed “Happy Birthday” on the scoreboard. Season ticket holders have even more access to players through an annual barbecue offered during the season. My boys are always on cloud nine when they get to meet, take photos with and collect autographs from their favorite players. One hour and a half prior to each home game, the “Soccer Fest” opens outside the stadium complete with music, food, vendor booths, Galaxy jumpy house, a new area to try out a game called soccer-tennis, a dance contest, and even an outdoor soccer area for kids to play a quick game of three on three. Even when it isn’t a game day, your kids may want more. Oblige them with a meal at the American Express Stadium Club – a restaurant overlooking the field that is usually exclusive to suite and club seat ticket holders but is open to the public for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – where they might get a glimpse of a few players on the field. Also, a weekly practice schedule is listed each Monday on the team’s web site (www.lagalaxy.com). Most training sessions are open for the public to attend, watch and obtain players’ autographs at the end of practice as they head back to the locker rooms. Alexi Lalas, former Galaxy player and World Cup participant, now serves as the team’s president and general manager. He says, “Kids are the life blood of the sport and business. They represent to us future Galaxy players and lifelong fans of the team and league.” So log onto the Galaxy web site for a schedule, buy tickets, grab your kids and head to the Home Depot Center for a fun outing your whole family is sure to enjoy. Go Galaxy! For more information contact: 1 (877) 3GALAXY (1-877-342-5299) or visit www.lagalaxy.com. The American Express Stadium Club: (310) 630-2100. Cindy Muchnick is a mother of three boys and one new girl, and prides herself on knowing more about soccer than most Orange County moms. She works as an educational consultant and is the author of five books including Best College Admission Essays. You can email her at cindy.muchnick@cox.net or visit her web site at www.cynthiamuchnick.com.