Inside LAFC

• Introduction
• It is the belief of this club that one key ingredient in the success of competitive team sporting endeavors is clear, consistent communication between coaches, players and parents. This document is one way of explaining in detail the expectations competitive soccer will place on you as a member of LAFC-Chelsea. It will help clarify some areas of potential confusion and at the same time answer questions about the club and team's decision-making process.
• As you have committed to become a member of LAFC-Chelsea, please take the time to carefully read this handbook.
• The club and each team’s success are dependent on a dedicated, knowledgeable and licensed staff. LAFC-Chelsea is comprised primarily of volunteers and only the coaching positions are paid positions. The extent of each team's success depends on the work and dedication of the Players, Team Administrators, Parents, and the Coaches. Talented players alone will likely achieve minimal results. It takes a combination of talent, hard work, and a little luck.

SUCCESS vs. EXCELLENCE
"There are many people, particularly in sports, who think that success and excellence is the same thing and it is not the same thing. Excellence is something that is lasting and dependable and largely within a person’s control. In contrast, success is perishable and is often outside our control…If you strive for excellence, you will probably be successful eventually…people who put excellence in first place have the patience to end up with success…An additional burden for the victim of the succeed mentality is that he/she is threatened by the success of others and resents real excellence. In contrast, the person fascinated by quality is excited when he/she sees it in others." — Joe Paterno-Penn State Head Football Coach

• The LAFC-Chelsea logo is derived from the newly formed partnership between Chelsea FC (English Premier League) and LAFC, one of the largest club soccer organizations in the country. The LAFC-Chelsea partnership was formed because LAFC’s management, coaching staff and style of play most resembled Chelsea FC’s. LAFC is proud of becoming Chelsea’s partner and this partnership demonstrates that success can be achieved at soccer’s highest competitive levels.
• Welcome to LAFC-Chelsea. We wish you and your sons and daughters the best of success participating in the most popular sport in the world.