LAFC Teams Up with First 5 California in Support of Their Stronger Starts Campaign

LAFC today announced a partnership with First 5 California in support of its Stronger Starts campaign, a statewide initiative designed to help parents and caregivers better understand childhood trauma and toxic stress response while providing practical tools to support the emotional well-being of young children.

Through the partnership, LAFC and First 5 California will work together to raise awareness of Stronger Starts and connect LAFC fans and families with resources that can help create safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for children. The collaboration utilizes a number of LAFC platforms and community touchpoints throughout the season, including Kids Day at BMO Stadium back in April, continued in-stadium signage and the presentation of Fan Fest on October 25 when LAFC takes on the Galaxy, featuring family-friendly activities and programming.

“LAFC is proud to partner with First 5 California to support a campaign that provides parents and caregivers with meaningful tools to help children feel safe, understood and supported,” said President of Business Operations for LAFC & BMO Stadium Larry Freedman. “As a club deeply committed to our community and to creating experiences for families at BMO Stadium, we are excited to use our platform to help amplify this important message and connect our fans with resources that can make a lasting difference.”

Since launching in 2023, the Stronger Starts campaign has reached millions of Californians by helping parents and caregivers understand adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the toxic stress response (TSR) and how they can affect young children. The campaign focuses on helping families support children ages 0–5 who have experienced trauma, while encouraging parents and caregivers to reflect on their own experiences and develop new ways to respond to their children’s emotions.

The first five years of a child’s life are a critical period of brain and body development. Stronger Starts emphasizes the important role parents and caregivers play in helping children navigate difficult emotions and creating safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments.

“When parents have practical resources to respond to children’s emotions with care and consistency, difficult moments become positive opportunities for children to thrive.”said First 5 California’s Public Communications Officer Jamiann Collins-Lopez. “We are proud to team up with LAFC to help bring Stronger Starts resources to families in an exciting, welcoming way. Using the energy of sports to reach parents creates an uplifting space where communities can connect, learn, and help create stronger starts for our youngest children.”

As part of Stronger Starts, First 5 California’s website is a space for parents and caregivers to learn about early childhood development with free resources, including four quick and free Learning Blocks focused on recognizing and managing one’s own emotions, steadying oneself before responding, understanding why children need help with their feelings, and learning how to respond with care and consistency.

The campaign also encourages simple, practical strategies families can use in everyday moments, including breathing together, child-led hugs, mirroring calmness and sensory play. The campaign’s Four Bs Model provides an easy framework for parents and caregivers: Be Calm, Be Steady, Be There and Be Nurturing.

To learn more about the Stronger Starts campaign and access free resources, visit First5California.com.