AL KELLY
LAFA FOUNDER
In the late summer of 1958, Al Kelly had a great idea to try and help the kids of West Chester in the fundamentals of football. His main goal was to take youngsters from playing backyard football, with no equipment and no supervision and establish a supervised program for their benefit.
With the help of a group of determined and willing men plus an ad in the local newspaper producing eighty young boys wanting to learn the fundamentals of football, thus the beginning of L.A.F.A.
Now, almost fifty years later and with L.A.F.A. still going strong, Kelly's dream has benefited thousands of young men in our community.
NATHANIEL C. MATTHEWS
"NATE"
Nate Matthews played L.A.F.A football from 1958 until 1961. A trophy donated by Nate's family is given annually to a graduating player who has displayed the following:
The true meaning of sportsmanship
Teamwork
Respect for others
Improvement of ability
Nate's goal in life was cut short by his death in Vietnam on August 10, 1971. His memory will always live on.
MICHAEL "TOAD" MALIN
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Michael played football for LAFA from 1976 until 1981. His commendable sportsmanship and athletic ability will always be distinctive qualities for young men to follow. Michael's death on February 11th, 1982 insitutes the first scholarship afforded by LAFA. Since 1984, a $500.00 scholarship has been awarded to a high school senior who graduated from LAFA.
DAWN SEMERAD
CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Dawn Semerad was a cheerleading coach from 1995 to 2000. Her love for the girls and enthusiasm for the sport inspired the many lives that she touched. Our citizenship award is given in honor of her to a cheerleader who demonstrates dedication, positive attitude, leadership qualities, and a true desire to reach her full potential both on and off the field.
