LA Galaxy and adidas Host Fourth-Annual Boot Making Lab With Pediatric Cancer Patients from The Jessie Rees Foundation’s Never Ever Give Up Initiative

AEG’s LA Galaxy, in partnership with adidas and Raising Cane’s, hosted pediatric cancer patients from the Jessie Rees Foundation’s Never Ever Give Up (NEGU) initiative at Dignity Health Sports Park for the club’s fourth-annual Kick Childhood Cancer Boot-Making Lab. The event brought together eight NEGU youth out-patients, their families, LA Galaxy first-team players and coaches for a day centered on creativity, connection and support.  

Held following first-team training on Sept. 3, the Boot-Making Lab paired each child with LA Galaxy players and coaches to decorate a select set of adidas cleats and shoes. Through custom designs and personal touches, participants transformed the footwear into unique expressions of hope, resilience and individuality.  

The event provided NEGU families with an opportunity to engage directly with players and coaches in a welcoming environment while creating lasting memories. Beyond decorating cleats, participants experienced the camaraderie and encouragement that have become hallmarks of the LA Galaxy Foundation’s community programming. 

The customized cleats and shoes created during the event will be worn by LA Galaxy players and coaches during training sessions leading up to and during the club’s Sept. 12 match against the Seattle Sounders, helping raise awareness for children battling cancer and honoring the strength of the young participants who designed them.  

“The Boot-Making Lab is a powerful reminder of the impact meaningful connections can have on children and families facing difficult circumstances,” said Mariah Rodriguez, Manager of Community Relations and the LA Galaxy Foundation. “Partnering NEGU youth with our players and coaches creates special moments of joy and inspiration. We’re grateful to adidas and Raising Cane’s for helping make these experiences possible and for joining us in supporting children affected by pediatric cancer.”  

Through initiatives like the Boot-Making Lab, the LA Galaxy Foundation continues to leverage the power of sport to create positive experiences for local youth while advancing awareness around childhood cancer and the importance of community support.