More Than a Team: LA Breakers Find Strength in Community During Fires
The aftermath of the Los Angeles fires has left a mark on all of its citizens, one that will require significant time and collective effort to overcome. Community support has emerged as a powerful source of recovery. Within this context, the girls’ soccer community in Southern California has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Los Angeles Breakers, one of the region’s first female clubs, has received incredible support from surrounding soccer players. The club has faced unprecedented challenges in the wake of the fires, with their facilities suffering damage and several players and their families losing their homes. In response to this adversity, the Southern California soccer community has admirably risen to the occasion with extraordinary solidarity.
In an exclusive interview with Girls Soccer Network, Head of Player & Club Development at LA Breakers, Coach Adam Butler, and Executive Director, Coach Chris Lofgren, provided insights into the fire’s impact on their club community and outlined meaningful ways to support those affected.
The Unfolding Crisis
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The LA Breakers first encountered the fire’s effects on Tuesday, January 7. As it began to intensify, air quality forced the cancellation of practices. After this, important facilities to play, including Santa Monica Community College and Mark Twain Middle School, ceased operations. Additionally, Tommy’s Field at the Westwood Rec Center, another place of practice and games, was and still is a current evacuation sight. Coaches adapted by implementing indoor soccer sessions and virtual workouts to keep teams together and spirited. Coach Adam emphasized that each team faced unique circumstances. Some players sought refuge in distant locations like Palm Springs, while others relocated to local hotels.
Despite disrupting their daily lives, many players found joy and safety in their soccer community. Coach Adam observed a compelling desire among the teams he oversees to participate in a recent tournament, emphasizing their need for this community. These young athletes wanted to reconnect with their beloved sport and the community it fosters.
Comprehensive Support Initiatives
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Coach Chris identified that enabling players to maintain their connection with soccer, even for brief periods, proved vital in preserving a sense of normalcy. The club received substantial support through donations from prominent organizations, including Soccer.com, Puma, and Niky’s Sports. These organizations provided essential equipment such as jerseys, cleats, and soccer balls to players who had lost access to their gear.
The club recognized this crisis as an unprecedented challenge for their young athletes and prioritized instilling values of resilience and collective strength. Beyond material support, players benefited from maintaining positive connections through teammate check-ins, group chats, and virtual meetings. This spirit of this support also extended beyond club boundaries, with rival teams offering support and mobilizing assistance. It is truly heartfelt and encouraging to know that an entire community will unite in times of crisis to uphold one another.
GSN’s support
A mission Girls Soccer Network encourages is to create a safe space for female athletes to know they are part of an unbreakable community that will be there for them in times of uncertainty. On January 11, the GSN team went to a Breakers donation drive to drop off clothes, soccer balls, Parkside Cards, and more. It was very important to acknowledge that soccer is a universal sport that goes beyond a team basis and extends to each player.
Southern California’s Soccer Unity
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The community’s response proved remarkable, as evidenced by an emergency equipment drive organized with merely 12 hours’ notice. Coach Adam highlighted how the soccer community’s swift mobilization of volunteers and resources exemplified the sport’s unifying power.
Both coaches noted that while Los Angeles often carries a reputation for individualism, the community’s rapid and generous response challenged this perception. They emphasized the importance of players recognizing their participation in this broader community. As future leaders, these young athletes are experiencing firsthand the power of unity in crisis. The coaches hope this challenging period will inspire reflection on collective resilience and community support.
The competitive nature of soccer has transformed into a foundation for collaboration and unity. Beyond mere athletic competition, the sport has become a vehicle for overcoming adversity and mutual support. The overwhelming response to the LA Breakers’ situation exemplifies soccer’s capacity to foster community resilience and collective progress.
The insights shared by Coach Chris and Coach Adam expanded on their club’s situation during this challenging period. The support their players and families find in the LA Breakers community demonstrates the sport’s unique ability to unite and strengthen communities in times of crisis.
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