What is GDP?
The Galaxy Discovery Program (GDP) is an exclusive, immersive and supplemental training program that extends the pipeline to the LA Galaxy Academy by actively identifying, cultivating and elevating youth players that are dedicated to succeeding in their soccer career and with the LA Galaxy.
How much does GDP cost?
The GDP is cost free. The LA Galaxy are committed to identifying, cultivating and elevating our soccer community.
How is this different from other Galaxy Programming (i.e. Youth Development Camps, Elite, IPD, etc.)?
Through the GDP, your player will receive free high-caliber instruction in an unrivalled training environment. With smaller cohorts and consistent training over the span of six weeks, GDP aims to improve a player’s tactical and technical understanding of the game.
How can I sign up to learn more about future cohorts and assessment dates?
Complete the LA Galaxy Youth ID interest form and opt-in here to receive future communication regarding GDP!
Will my child get into the Academy by going through this program?
GDP is used as a pipeline into the LA Galaxy Academy and we have had players sign with our Academy post-GDP involvement. However, we cannot guarantee that every participant will be chosen to take the next step into the Academy.
What is included in the free GDP program?
- Six weeks of training (Fridays, 6:00PM-8:00PM)
- Interaction with the LA Galaxy Academy staff
- Premium training experience
- Exclusive GDP gear
- Additional LA Galaxy access
- Camaraderie across cohorts
- Continued post-program interaction with the LA Galaxy
- And more!
What is the age range for GDP?
GDP targets local players ages 8-16 who play at a high-level and are devoted to improving their skills on and off the field.
How does my child get assessed for GDP?
Your player can be assessed through LA Galaxy Youth Programs or an assessment (90-minutes; showcase skills). Those who are identified are then invited to partake in the program.
What are other requirements to be assessed and/or invited to GDP?
Per MLS scouting regulations, GDP participants must reside within the Los Angeles area. Anyone falling outside of the radius will not be invited to the assessment nor the program.
Does GDP run year-round?
Each GDP cohort will run for six weeks. The next cohort will run from be in the fall of 2023. Please opt-in to receive updates here.
How many cohorts can my player be in per year?
Players that take part in the GDP must wait at least one cohort before eligible for a future cohort. If your player is accepted to a cohort, it is not guaranteed they will be accepted to future cohorts.
What if my player cannot make every session?
To get the most out of the GDP, we advise that a player attends all sessions. However, we recognize conflicts will arise (Club practice, games, etc.). If your player has a consistent conflict our LA Galaxy Youth Staff will work with the player’s legal guardian to find a solution.
How do you organize the cohorts?
Cohorts will be organized first by age. Throughout the program our professional LA Galaxy Youth Staff will make appropriate adjustments to provide the best training environment for all program participants.
Where will GDP training be taking place?
GDP training sessions will be held on the outside training fields at Dignity Health Sports Park.
What time does GDP training take place?
GDP training will take place from 6:00PM-8:00PM on the designated dates provided.
Will this take away from my player's Club training?
GDP is meant to be a supplemental program that will not replace their Club training.
Can girls partake in GDP?
Yes! Girls are more than welcome to partake in the GDP program as well. Because the LA Galaxy does not have a Girls Academy, we will identify additional benefits for girls.
Are parents allowed to stay and watch the training?
Parents are allowed to stay and watch but must stay outside of and off the field.
