Play for All: From Girls Play Day to the World Cup Community Series. Since 2024, The Bench has partnered with the LA84 Foundation, Play Equity Fund, and LASEC to expand access to sport and celebrate Los Angeles as a global center for athletic excellence.
It began with Girls Play Day 2024, where girls ages 9–17 gathered at Aliso Pico Recreation Center to explore new sports and build confidence through play. Working with local partners like the Weingart ELA YMCA, Proyecto Pastoral, and Students Run LA, The Bench managed logistics, creative production, and community coordination. In partnership with Nike, we provided sports bras for participants and brought in Yesi Ortiz as emcee to energize the day.
That spirit continues through the World Cup Community Series, a legacy initiative leading into the FIFA World Cup 2026. Designed to develop youth athletes, coaches, and referees, the program includes certification, clinics, and citywide celebrations. Beginning with a Train the Trainer event at Los Angeles City College in December 2025 and culminating in a Festival in spring 2026, The Bench oversees full production, logistics, and partner engagement.
From local recreation centers to the world stage, these programs reflect LA’s power to unite community and sport—ensuring every young athlete has a place to play and belong.
