GET READY FOR THE EVENT OF A LIFETIME:
JULY 21, 2009 AT THE ROSE BOWL / PASADENA, CA
The Rose Bowl Stadium, built in 1922 is located in Pasadena, California and reigns supreme as the most internationally recognized and historic landmark stadium in the world. The iconic venue proud home of the spectacular Tournament of Roses Parade and the NFL Super Bowl Game, also hosted the 1984 Olympic Soccer Matches, the 1994 Men’s World Cup, 1999 Women’s World Cup, the 2002 and 2006 BCS National College Football Championship games. And, this summer fans are treated to another spectacular event as millions of people around the world will be glued to their television sets as the most anticipated sports event comes to the United States; The International Club Match—pitting two of soccers most famous teams: Chelsea FC against Inter Milan.
Recently, the Chelsea FC teamed up with Don Sheppard, founder of the LAFC, a world renowned organization dedicated to bringing the game of soccer to underprivileged children around the world. This turned out to be an incredible match up for the game of soccer. The Chelsea FC team committed to providing scholarship funds to economically disadvantaged youths so that they have an opportunity to play soccer. The founder and president of the LAFC is visionary Don Sheppard. He started the organization four years ago to find a way to help kids who didn’t have money to play soccer. He succeeded. Sheppard made the move to partner with the Chelsea FC team, and the rest is solid gold. Now the LAFC, which is head-quartered in La Canada, California is on its way to making history.
“We’re winners. We’re winners in soccer. We’re winners in life, Stated Sheppard. “We’re not just looking at this year; we’re looking to the future. People trust us with their children. We expect a lot out of our coaches and therefore, we have some of the best coaches of any club. The thing that is important about LAFC—that is distinct is this program is perfect for the development of children at any stage. We have an ABC system—that’s an A team, B team, and C team in every age group both boys and girls. The system allows children to maximize their potential by playing at the right level with a great coach. Winning is incredibly important, and it is just as important at LAFC, but remember this…winning isn’t the goal at LAFC. Our goal is to maximize the potential of team spirit in our children.
It is all about going out and playing the best you can regard- less of what the score is. “
Vice President of the LAFC is Tony Bagramyan, who has been on board the organization for four years since it began. The excitement for this upcoming match revolves around soccer to be sure, but the heart and soul of the LAFC is the incredible non-profit work they do for underprivileged youngsters around the globe. Bagramyan had this to say.
“Our non-profit organization is built around helping under-privileged children play soccer. That’s the bottom line. We are dedicated to giving every child who wants to play soccer the opportunity to do it. We buy their uniforms, pay all the fees and train soccer coaches. Don Sheppard has done an incredible job building the LAFC organization. Right now we are building soccer fields in South Africa, Armenia, Kenya, and Nairobi, and focusing on training first-class soccer coaches to train all of these children. This match will be incredible. We have been planning it for months and expect a sell-out crowd. People can come enjoy them- selves and at the same time know that they are helping to support a non-profit organization that helps under- privileged children around the world.”
Slated to be an A-list event, naturally Sheppard and the LAFC looked for an A-list celebrity for the half time show; they found him. Legendary multi-curtural singer Andy Madadian, who came aboard gladly to help the LAFC achieve their goals.
Madadian or “ANDY” as he is known by millions of fans worldwide is the most famous and successful multi-curtural pop singer in history. The music icon/entertainer has stacked up more best-selling albums than any other Iranian singer as is plain to see by the sold-out venues that he has played around the world for more than two decades.
Andy has received numerous awards throughout his career including, “Best Armenian International Singer of the Year”—four times and in 1994 Universal Studios declared Andy the best Iranian singer of the decade. His resume is more than impressive…he has released fifteen music albums since the start of his career including, “And My Heart…” in which he sings five tracks in Persian, two in Armenian, two in Spanish, two in English, one in Arabic, as well as one in Hindi. As well-known for his magnetic personality as his incredible singing voice, Andy is revered by fans in every culture around the globe. He has succeeded in leading the world of Persian Pop music to a new and HOT direction.
“Our contacts with college coaches, professional ranks—domestically and, internationally is hard to beat. We are not just looking at this year… we are looking to the future of the sport of soccer and, the future of helping as many children as possible achieve their dreams. The children that come into the LAFC organization will never, ever have an environment any better that ours that not only allows them to grow and prosper as individuals, but also develop and really enjoy the game of soccer and learn how to maximize his or her potential as an athlete.”
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
Get on board, join the behind the scenes team and have the time of your life at the most anticipated sports events to take place in the United States.
• Club Volunteer Positions
• Event Volunteer Positions
• Team Volunteer Positions
Get in on the action and help children at the same time by volunteering in any one of several positions that are available. For further information visit the web site or call the numbers listed for details on this spectacular event and how you can get involved.
By Suzanne Takowsky
