Kevin P. Welsh, assistant Harvard soccer coach, signed a contract Monday night to play for the New England Tea Men, a new professional soccer team.

Welsh, the first player signed by the team, said yesterday that he will retain his post at Harvard while playing professional soccer.

"My position at Harvard is on a part-time seasonal basis from September to November so my commitment to the Tea Men will be 100 per cent," he said, adding that he would probably also be working with the Harvard soccer players in their spring training.

George A. Ford, head soccer coach, said yesterday "the first thing that you have to understand is that Welsh is an American, and he's an American that has made it."

Ford stressed that since it is unusual for an American to be so successful in professional soccer, many American players on the Harvard varsity team who would like to play professionally are inspired by Welsh's success.

Lee Nelson who plays forward on the team said, "I think he's a great coach. He's a spirited guy and he's helped me a lot."

Ford also said that Welsh played in the American Soccer League for the team which won the championship. However, Ford said that he would rate the North American Soccer League, to which the Tea Men belong, a bit higher.

Welsh said that he does not know if he will be playing forward or midfield until the season starts in February.

Although he would not disclose the amount of his salary, Welsh said that he was "very pleased" with the contract.