November 19, 2025
Building places for fun and fitness
Los Angeles Football Club and Kaiser Permanente marked another year of progress in creating and resurfacing futsal courts throughout greater Los Angeles.
Two kids enjoy the new futsal court at Young Oak Kim Academy in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Since 2017, Kaiser Permanente has teamed up with the Los Angeles Football Club to help people on and off the field. We’re proud to be the official team physicians of LAFC. We also work together with LAFC to help middle school students in the Los Angeles area live healthier lives.
Together, we give teachers tools to teach kids about health. We also help schools create safe places for students to have fun and stay active. In September 2025, Kaiser Permanente and LAFC celebrated the building of our 36th futsal court at a school in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Bringing fun and positivity to our communities
Futsal courts encourage healthy choices by providing students a safe place to work on their soccer skills while having fun with their friends. One of our newest futsal courts is at Young Oak Kim Academy in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. It provides a place for the middle schoolers to practice their footwork. The students also learn about the health benefits of sports at the unveiling event.
Larry Freedman, LAFC co-president and chief business officer, said these courts were made possible thanks to our shared goal of supporting our communities.
“Over the past 8 years, we’ve been proud to work alongside our partners at Kaiser Permanente to create a meaningful impact in Southern California,” said Freedman. “Building 36 community futsal courts across the region reflects our shared commitment to being a 'Force for Good' in Los Angeles and beyond. As a result, students and their families across the region now have greater opportunities to experience the joy of the world’s game in their own neighborhoods.”
An impact that lasts
Sal Ababneh, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, knows firsthand that sports can change a child’s life. He went from kicking a ball around with friends and family to playing for a professional team for almost 8 years. Ababneh says that soccer and other sports are a wonderful way for kids to build friendships and healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
“At Kaiser Permanente, we firmly believe that health begins by providing our youth with ample opportunities to engage in physical activities. Futsal courts provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies while playing with friends. They not only build confidence but also take care of their mental well-being, which is crucial for maintaining focus and achieving their goals,” said Ababneh.
LAFC and Kaiser Permanente will keep working together on similar projects. We both believe students need safe places to have fun and stay active.
