Reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy are attempting to bring the club's youth academy much closer to the senior and reserves squads.

This week, assistant coaches Jovan Kirovski and Curt Onalfo ran the U18s training session as the Galaxy steps up the development of their young players on which the clubs future and foundation is based.

"We think it's really important to have a connection between the first team and our Academy, and we've had that in the past," Onalfo said.

"Even more so between the U-18 and our reserve team, because when we have to supplement our reserve team roster we do that with U-18 players.

"It's just a natural progression in us having that connection with the Academy, where things go both ways, and it was a good opportunity for us to see them and run a good session for them.

"There's been a big emphasis to continue to get better and better. The goal is to have one of the best, if not the best, Academy in the country and these are just small steps along the way to help toward that goal."

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