I first heard about the Recycle. Goal. program last year when the pilot program was launched. In March of this year, I had the pleasure of watching the 2010 Recycle. Goal. winners enjoy an on-field experience at the 2011 Los Angeles Galaxy home opener. The young ladies from the Alliance FC (now Platinum FC) squealed and shrieked as they saw the likes of Landon Donovan and David Beckham up close.
Right away I knew this program was special. Small but mighty, the first year of the program yielded impressive results. More than 400 players spanning four clubs and 21 teams collected and recycled nearly 3,200 pounds of items, including 1,700 pounds of plastics.
When it was time to plan for Recycle. Goal. 2011, not only did the Galaxy return as a partner, AEG Entertainment jumped onboard. In addition to offering game tickets to the first- and second-place teams, we added a new incentive: a soccer clinic put on by the Galaxy, featuring club coaches and players.
In September, celebrating the launch of the 2011 competition, I met players from the Anaheim Soccer Association, other program partners and California State Senator Lou Correa. I saw firsthand what makes this program go: teamwork. Everybody plays their part – the partners motivate the players through incentives, and the players work hard to make the program a success.
The 2011 program exceeded all of our expectations. Collectively, the teams recycled more than 26,000 pounds of materials, which is 20,000 more pounds than what was collected and recycled during last year’s inaugural competition. The total amount of recyclables included more than 2,600 pounds of plastics.
Recycle. Goal. is a program that helps protect our environment and inspires these players to learn about how their behavior can make a difference. I personally look forward to watching this program grow moving forward so we can continue to reach new players and teach them about their role in their community and the importance of recycling.
The following is a guest post by Sabrina Higdon, Director of Partner Sales at AEG.
