PNC and Angel City FC celebrate LA spelling powerful message of strength in soccer balls

During the devastating wildfires that burned across Los Angeles County, community was everything for its residents. Amidst the loss of local businesses, community centers, and historic homes, the Los Angeles community banded together to provide support to those in need, demonstrating resilience in the face of disaster and proving to the world that they will persevere. 

The phrase “Rise Up L.A.” became a rally cry for the city after the fires.

To amplify that sentiment, PNC and Angel City FC, Los Angeles’ premiere Women’s National Soccer League team, aimed to send a powerful message, in an astonishing and memorable way, and create a world record with the largest football (soccer ball) sentence.  

“Rise Up L.A”, was spelled out using 1,461 soccer balls, beating the minimum requirement of 1,000 soccer balls.

PNC has a longstanding history of supporting their wider local communities and setting world records. Back in 2015, PNC set the record for largest group vocabulary lesson (multiple venues).

The attempt took place on a sunny Saturday morning when over 200 of the city’s residents, known as Angelenos, of all ages came together at Wilmington Athletic Complex, a sports club in Los Angeles.

The attendees were given the chance to be part of history and place the soccer balls in the sentence.

First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department and Women’s Fire Alliance were also onsite assisting attendees in ball placement.

In a fun-filled day for their families, the event also included games, giveaways, food and beverages and a DJ.

By bringing together people from different walks of life, the event embodied a powerful message of community and unity.

It showed that sports and community can work together to drive meaningful action.

The record was verified by Official Adjudicator Sarah Casson, and she presented the Guinness World Records certificate.

The children at the event were particularly excited to see Sarah, asking her to autograph their copy of the Guinness World Records book!

Following the event, all soccer balls used in the record-setting attempt were donated to youth sport teams across Los Angeles.

PNC hopes this event will show how vital and unbeatable community spirit is.