Pupusas at LA Galaxy games help fund soccer academies in Central America

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- For many fans, pupusas are a matchday tradition at LA Galaxy games.

But behind every order is a bigger mission by one organization called Academia de Futbol Juvenil Amatence, also known as AFJA.

Founder and Executive Director Steven Levy Cruz spoke with us about the organization and the pupusas that help raise money for the nonprofit through its initiative, "Pupusas With a Purpose."

"Pupusas With A Purpose is a social enterprise that manifested from our partnership or friendship with the LA Galaxy Foundation, the LA Galaxy organization, Dignity Health Sports Park and Levy Foods," Cruz said.

They have a brick-and-mortar location at Dignity Health Sports Park, where they sell pupusas at every home game. Proceeds benefit AFJA, which supports youth soccer academies throughout Central America.

"Pay for transportation, coach, uniforms, you name it, everything that goes into having a soccer academy," he said. "We have additional costs because we have to ship equipment that we collect here. To El Salvador or to Guatemala, Honduras, the different locations that we're in."

This is one of over 60 non-profits the Galaxy partners with each year.  

"They sell very yummy food and they use some of those proceeds to change kids' lives through soccer. And that aligns with everything that we do and they also love the Galaxy. So it's a win-win for everybody," said Gabriel Osollo, the team's director of community relations and foundation. 

The organization appreciates AFJA and the pupusas, which help move things in the right direction.

"Youth sports, health and wellness, and inclusion. We have a saying here called "Soccer for All." And we are very proud of all the stuff we do," said Osollo.

For more information, go to LA2LA.org. As for the Galaxy, the result of this Saturday's match will determine if they clinch a playoff spot.

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