I’m Cristian Chel Lara, a collegiate soccer player at Seattle Pacific University and a Ballard FC midfielder, competing at the semi-professional level in Seattle. I have experience across nearly every elite youth pathway, including ECNL and MLS Next. Soccer has been a part of my life since I was nine years old, and everything I do today, both as a player and a coach, comes from that journey.

Coaching has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in a big family, and over the years I’ve spent a lot of time training and coaching my younger brothers, which helped shape the way I work with young players today. That experience taught me how to be patient, encouraging, and intentional, while still holding players to a high standard.

At CCL Training, I love working with players who are passionate about improving. Whether I’m coaching a young player just getting started or a serious athlete pushing toward the next level, my goal is always the same: help players build confidence, strong habits, and a mindset that supports their goals on and off the field. I have learned from some of the best coaches in the area, including former Sounders players. Soccer is more than just a game to me, it’s a way to develop discipline, resilience, and character—and that belief shows up in every session I coach.