September 17, 2011—Southern California DECA chapters recently met at The Home Depot Center,home of the LA Galaxy soccer team, for DECA University –California’s premiere chapter officer training program. During the training attendees were fortunate to hear from Tom Payne, president of business operations for the L.A. Galaxy. After the training and presentation attendees enjoyed the Galaxy’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and Payne has been instrumental in efforts to make soccer more prominent in America. Soccer stars David Beckham and Landon Donovan both play for the L.A. Galaxy and help make the club the premiere organization in Major League Soccer.
“We are the club that all others in our league are judged by,” said Payne. He says the value of the club’s franchise has increased 4 times since they brought David Beckham to Los Angeles. Payne shared his personal story of getting into the sports industry after a successful career at Disney. His advice to DECA’s emerging leaders? “Becoming the best you can be is about hard work.” Payne found that passion, competitiveness, and teamwork were instrumental to his success. He also encouraged students to find their passion – even if it takes a while.

California DECA enjoys a great partnership with AEG and was fortunate to host the DECA University training program inside the TV studio at The Home Depot Center. With success and achievement as the backdrop for the event, DECA officers were able to receive valuable training to help prepare them for the year ahead.
California DECA thanks AEG, The Home Depot Center, L.A. Galaxy, and the awesome members and advisors for a wonderful event.