‘Game Changer’ animation to receive its European premiere at Vicarage Road on Friday, November 22 – watch the trailer below
A groundbreaking new episode of an animated series for children about football and diversity is to be given a special screening at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road later this month.
The latest addition to the ‘LaGolda’ series, titled ‘Game Changer’, features a gay character for the first time. The story of Ryan, her mother Kim, and her school in New Jersey has been created in order to introduce younger audiences to LGBT+ inclusion.
The ‘LaGolda’ project began life in Los Angeles back in 2013, and was created by George Valencia who also serves as executive producer alongside his wife, the actress Judy Reyes – a familiar face to TV viewers around the world through her appearances in syndicated shows such as ‘Scrubs’, ‘Claws’ and ‘Succession’.
Reyes, Roselyn Sanchez (‘Grand Hotel’), Eric Winter (‘The Rookie’), Gina Rodriguez (‘Jane The Virgin’) and Justina Machado (‘One Day at a Time’) have also leant their voices to the project.
An initial season of six ‘LaGolda’ episodes was produced, with the stories centred on the adventures of the eponymous character – an eight-year-old soccer-crazy Colombian girl who leads an international team of fellow orphans. Together, they travel the world playing football and along the way, they learn about what makes us different as people, and what unites us too.
Gender inequality, racial prejudice, and discrimination related to disability are among the challenges faced by the team in the first season, presented in a format which not only makes the themes of diversity and inclusion accessible and easy to understand for children, but keeps them entertained as well.
In time for National Coming Out Day 2019 in October, a new episode called ‘Game Changer’ was created – and it received its first screening in LA in front of invited guests, including Wales and Reign FC midfield star Jess Fishlock.
The official trailer for ‘Game Changer’ has recently been released – watch it below…
The short film now arrives in Europe for the first time, with support having been won from Watford FC who will welcome guests to Vicarage Road on the evening of Friday, November 22 for a screening and Q&A.
Valencia, Reyes, and former Watford and USA international defender Jay DeMerit will be on hand to talk about ‘LaGolda‘ and the educational aims of the animation and its associated youth development arm, Sound of Gol. Other special guests from British football are also set to attend.
Tickets for the screening event at Vicarage Road on Friday, November 22 (starts 7pm) are available now. Register for free here.