Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Launches Inaugural HACLA World Cup Youth Soccer Tournament

More Than 150 Youth from Public Housing Communities Unite in Citywide Celebration of Sportsmanship, Wellness, and Opportunity

Los Angeles, CA - As Los Angeles welcomes the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is bringing the excitement and inspiration of the global tournament directly to local neighborhoods through its inaugural HACLA World Cup Youth Soccer Tournament.

The tournament officially kicked off on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Jesse Owens Track at California State University, Los Angeles where more than 150 youth ages 10-13 representing 11 HACLA housing communities across Los Angeles participated in an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 11 teams will compete in a month-long tournament designed to promote health, sportsmanship, leadership development, and community pride.

Participating communities include Jordan Downs, Nickerson Gardens, Ramona Gardens, San Fernando Gardens, and other HACLA housing developments from across the city. Youth participants will be transported to the matches and represent nations from around the world, celebrating the diversity and cultural richness that define Los Angeles.

"Sports have the power to inspire, unite, and transform lives," said Lourdes Castro Ramírez, President and CEO, HACLA. "The HACLA World Cup Youth Soccer Tournament is about much more than soccer. It is about creating safe spaces where young people can build confidence, develop leadership skills, form lasting friendships, and experience the pride of representing their communities. Through initiatives like this, we continue to advance HACLA's mission of building hope and expanding opportunities for the families we serve."

The opening ceremony featured a Parade of Nations with youth athletes marching behind international flags, a ceremonial first kick, and family-friendly activities, including an appearance from the iconic Dr. Simi mascot. The tournament will feature a neighborhood league format where 9v9 teams play weekly matches over a four-week period. Group matches and knockout rounds will be hosted at various City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks locations and HACLA sites, concluding with a championship match on July 11, 2026, at UCLA.

"These young athletes are ambassadors for their neighborhoods and examples of what is possible when we invest in our youth," said John King, Chief Community Affairs Officer, HACLA. "For many participants, this will be their first experience competing in a citywide event of this scale. We want every child to leave this tournament knowing they belong, that their community supports them, and that their future is full of possibilities."

The tournament is part of HACLA's broader commitment to strengthening communities through youth engagement, wellness programming, and pathways to opportunity. The 2026 HACLA World Cup Youth Soccer Tournament is made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including AltaMed, the Dr. Simi Foundation, Juventus Academy, LA Galaxy, Mayor Karen Bass, LAPD Community Safety Partnership Bureau (CSPB), Build HOPE, Primestor, South Los Angeles AYSO, Street Soccer USA Los Angeles, and Angel City FC.

"AltaMed is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and support this tournament, which brings together young people, families, and communities through the power of sport," said Site Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Guajardo. "Soccer teaches teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, while creating opportunities for connection and community pride. We congratulate all of the participants and thank HACLA for its continued commitment to investing in the next generation of Los Angeles."

"At Dr. Simi Foundation, we believe that strong communities are built when people come together," said Víctor González Herrera, President of the Dr. Simi Foundation. "United, we bring hope, happiness, and opportunity to those around us. Sports remind us that we are part of something greater than ourselves, teaching discipline, hard work, teamwork, and encouraging us to become the very best versions of ourselves-both on and off the field."

For access to the full Tournament Schedule, click here.

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 12 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 13,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.

Contact

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