There's good news for parents just in time for the start of soccer season. Since researchers at Indiana University found that chocolate milk beat out other sports drinks hands down when it came to helping athletes recover from intense workouts -- sports nutritionists nationwide have gone back-to-basics to recommend it to their athletes.


"When you play sports, it's essential that your bones and muscles are strong," says Stephanie Brooks, MS RD and founder Bay Area Nutrition. "Chocolate milk does this best."


But it's not just top class athletes that need milk, and the nutrients it supplies. Active kids need it too. Chocolate milk's unique combination of calcium, protein, and carbohydrates provide the energy and nutrients children need to strengthen bones, rebuild muscle cells and recover quickly after vigorous play.


"Chocolate milk is beneficial in helping you stay active and fit," Continues Brooks. "Especially if you're young and in your prime bone-building years. It is difficult to walk, run, jump or kick a ball if your muscles and bones aren't strong."


To remind parents -- and active kids alike -- that good old fashioned chocolate milk significantly outperforms other sports drinks and that it's 100% natural -- the GOT MILK? folks are giving California soccer lovers a chance to win a personal training clinic with a top Major League Soccer (MLS) pro from one of the country's best professional soccer teams, the Los Angeles Galaxy. From August 15 until October 1, 2006, soccer playing kids and their families can enter GOT MILK?'s "Take Your Game to the Galaxy" contest by visiting www.gotmilk.com. No purchase is necessary and the contest is open to legal residents of the state between the ages of 5 and 18, and parents (aged 18+), at time of entry.


The winner of GOT MILK's "Take Your Game to the Galaxy" contest will be named honorary captain of the October 14 L.A. Galaxy game against FC Dallas. The winner will also be recognized pre-game on the field and presented with an autographed jersey by a top L.A. Galaxy pro -- Landon Donovan, Chris Albright, Kevin Hartman or Pete Vagenas. On October 15, the MLS player will conduct the private soccer clinic for the lucky winner and four of his/her closest friends. The winner and his/her pals will receive roundtrip travel and accommodations to both legs of the grand prize.


To ensure that there is a level playing field, GOT MILK? creator -- the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB) -- is spreading the news about chocolate milk as the ultimate sports drink up and down the state of California. They'll visit soccer tournaments in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego during the month of September, with chocolate milk trucks in tow.


"The bottom line is that you don't have to spend a lot on all those high tech sports drinks or energy bars," says Steve James, CMPB Chairman. "Chocolate milk has everything you need and it's right there in your refrigerator. You can even make it lactose-free."


For more information or visuals of chocolate milk contact Yvette Pacheco or Alicia Lopez at 310/226-8600 or enter the "Take Your Game to the Galaxy" contest by visiting www.gotmilk.com.


Contest Eligibility


Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the state of California who are between the ages 5 and 18, and parents (aged 18+), at time of entry. For more information and contest rules, please visit www.gotmilk.com