Axel Martinez was waiting on the sidelines when a familiar face came over to say hello. Houston Dynamo defender Griffin Dorsey greeted him with a hug, the kind of genuine moment that sticks with a child forever.

For 8-year-old Axel, it was more than just a gesture. It was a spark.

Inspired by that encounter, Axel joined a newly formed youth soccer club, Los Correcaminos, and persuaded his father, Josias, to purchase a Dynamo season membership for 2025.

“I support the Dynamo because of my son. He’s the real fan, and his idol is Griffin Dorsey. He loves to watch him play, and it’s through him that I started watching Houston,” Josias said. “Soccer is his happiness, and we love everything about it.”

Now, at every home match, Axel takes his seat, his own little corner of Shell Energy Stadium, where the reflection of every Dynamo game dances in his eyes.

Moments like these are what make soccer special. For children, the sport exists in a world where imagination runs free, heroes wear cleats, and every match has the potential to become a lasting memory.

On Friday, Aug. 23, the Dynamo will bring that world to life again with Kids Night, a celebration of the young fans who make this game even more special. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT against the San Jose Earthquakes. As part of the promotion, tickets will be available with no additional fees courtesy of SeatGeek.

Activities throughout the stadium

From the moment families arrive, Shell Energy Stadium will be packed with games, giveaways, and interactive stations tailored just for kids.

At the gates, children will receive a limited-edition poster featuring mascots from Houston’s professional sports teams, led by our very own Diesel the Fox! Around the concourse, fans can enjoy face painting and get creative at coloring stations. Section 102 will host a mascot meet-and-greet, where fans can interact with Diesel from the Dynamo and Dash, Orbit from the Astros, Toro from the Texans, Clutch from the Rockets, Scratch from the SaberCats, and Orion from the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.

In the East Exterior area of the stadium, kids can play yard games or create artwork on their pavement canvas using sidewalk chalk.

In the North Plaza, families can test their skills at an awesome interactive soccer kick activity, presented by Powerade! The Texas Bubblers, also known as the Master Bubble Wranglers, will also fill the space with giant bubbles: a simple joy for fans of all ages.

Kids in the spotlight

The celebration continues inside the stadium, where kids will play key roles throughout the night.

Before kickoff, the children of Dynamo players will introduce their fathers on the field, and other children will take part in the pre-match ball delivery. On the videoboard, the Dynamo starting lineup will also be revealed using hand-drawn portraits created by local kids.

A youth media group will also take over several behind-the-scenes positions, including public address announcer, sideline reporter, and press conference interviewer.

At halftime, the club will recognize Klein Cain High School’s boys soccer team, which captured the 2025 UIL Class 6A Division I state championship for the first time on June 18, 2025.

After the final whistle, the night will close with the Parade of Champions, a post-match tradition that invites local youth soccer teams to take a celebratory lap around the pitch.

More than just a game

Kids Night is a chance to create lasting memories and spark a lifelong love for the game. For Axel and many other young fans like him, it represents more than just an evening of soccer. Kids Night is an invitation into the joyful, boundless world of childhood.