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161days since
MLS Camp Begins

History of the GD-MLS Camp

In the fall of 2006, I wanted to share the game of soccer with those who were not as fortunate as I am.  I was to be brought up in a community that offered American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and my father ran the local MLS soccer camp during the mid to late 90's.  This inspired me to run a camp in Inglewood, California.  I picked this site specifically because of my connections with Mary Lou Riangold, a teacher and leader in the Inglewood community.   As one of my mentors during the project she connected me with the Bennett-Kew Elementary principle and other leading figures in the school to help facilitate my relation to them.

My version of the camp, however, did not depend on the funds of those who would participate in the camp.  I had to find donors who would support the camp financially before I could start promoting it to the future participants.  Running during the same time period, I made connections with the MLS to help me bring over semi-professional soccer players from England, Scotland, and Ireland to coach the students.  After finding sufficient funds to provide the camp and after making the proper connections with the MLS organization, I started promoting the camp to the students at Bennett-Kew Elementary.   The camp was taken very well and well over 300 students applied.  After narrowing it down to 100 students, the camp commenced and took off with great excitement. The students and coaches alike have loved the camp and since its founding, and it has continued through 2008.  I look forward to its continuation in June 2009
            -Garrett Delgado 
                Founder


Garrett Delgado June 6, 2009