LAFC today announced a new five-year partnership with PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA). PBNA will serve as the official carbonated soft drink, water, and energy partner of the Club, where it will serve its signature brands to fans across all events.
To celebrate the new partnership, PBNA will work with the LAFC Foundation and LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega to continue its efforts to give back to the community by refurbishing a pitch near Banc of California Stadium that will enhance the lives of more than a thousand families and further build community pride for the game.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Pepsi on a multi-faceted initiative that will bring so much joy and unity to our city, our sport, and our Club,” said LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman. “While it will be great to see the Pepsi brand in action at every LAFC home match and event at the Banc, it will be even better to see how they come together with our foundation and Pablo to restore a futsal pitch and provide much needed equipment for members of our community.”
Aiming to address the lack of community soccer spaces in Los Angeles, especially in the city’s predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, PBNA hopes to provide a safe pitch where pride lives in order to play the sport most watched in local households.
To meet this need, PBNA will help to restore the pitch at 32nd Street / USC Performing Arts Magnet to improve the health and well-being of 1,100 students and their families. The school itself has submitted several proposals requesting a new pitch in the last few years in order to create a safe and fun environment for its students. This new pitch will fill an enormous need in the traditionally underserved community, providing opportunity and access to the game so many love.
“We wanted our partnership with LAFC to go beyond the team and focus on empowering and uplifting their fans. PepsiCo is working hard towards strengthening our Hispanic communities through our Racial Equality Journey commitments, and this pitch refurbishment is just one example of how we’re investing in the future of Hispanic Angelenos by providing another outlet to show their passion and pride for the sport they love – fútbol,” said Johannes Evenblij, West Division President of PepsiCo Beverages North America.
In addition to the pitch restoration, PBNA and the LAFC Foundation are coming together to distribute soccer kits to hundreds of local families at the school so that they can also enjoy the sport at home. The kits will include a soccer ball, and co-branded accessories like a mesh drawstring bag, cooling towels and set of training cones.
“I know how important it is for families to be able to enjoy the unity and passion that our sport represents,” said LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega. “What Pepsi is doing for the Hispanic community in L.A. is important, and I’m honored to be a part of this program that uses the game to provide hope to so many in our city.”
