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Post by loJic on Aug 1, 2014 11:39:30 GMT -6
Louisiana Premier League mission statement. “The Louisiana Premier League (LPL) is a regional amateur men’s soccer league for adult players (16+) to further develop their skills with local clubs throughout the state of Louisiana and surrounding regions. The league’s mission is to cultivate “football club” culture while providing opportunities for coaches, owners, supporters, players and towns to enjoy the sport and all of the community-building it can bring. The LPL is affiliated with the Louisiana Soccer Association, USASA, US Soccer, the Louisiana Referee Association and FIFA.“The purpose of the LPL is to start building a foundation and help develop an atmosphere that would increase the awareness of this sport beyond the youth level. It will be used as a great way to keep our local adults fit and competing at a high level; along with offering an avenue for our local college athletes who attend schools/universities who do not offer such programs. Our goal is to bring competitive soccer to our community and further develop the sport in our state. The league will start in late October and last until early 2015. This is a double round robin travel league with a home/away set up. The games will be played in accordance with the FIFA rules of the Game. Perks for joining the league: · Winner and runner-up receives a bid into the Region III National Cup for the following summer (June 6th weekend). · State exposure and potential rivalry relationships (State derbies are much needed) · Player development! · An interactive league website that will keep fans updated and involved along with a strong social media presence. · Player awards, accolades and recognition. Please contact Chad Vidrine or Jonathan Rednour with any questions regarding the LPL.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2014 10:34:07 GMT -6
You guys are doing a great thing. You have my utmost respect and support.
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Post by loJic on Aug 5, 2014 11:10:11 GMT -6
We are trying. It seems people are interested, but just getting teams on the field is half the battle. If this league is to run smoothly and sustain itself these teams/clubs need to plant themselves in their communities and begin rooting themselves. The idea is for this not to be some glorified Sunday men's league where a 12 pack is waiting on the sidelines after each game. This is a state wide premier league that will offer the best competition and can be used as an avenue for our youth to see how a "pro" environment feels. Those 19 year old players who stayed at home to go to a junior/community college. Those lingering former DI/DII/DIII college players who just started a career but still want to play at the highest level. The expros who still have a lot to offer and can lead by example. Maybe an extremely gifted youth player who wants to challenge himself beyond the youth model.
There are about 6-8 teams showing strong interest as of now. And I think that's a great start and should line us up for a great inaugural season.
This league would need a lot of fan support so once it's up and running we are hoping to create some buzz and get some people out to the matches.
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Post by pOkLE on Aug 18, 2014 19:52:26 GMT -6
Crossroads SA will be entering a team. What other clubs will be entering teams?
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Post by loJic on Aug 19, 2014 8:52:48 GMT -6
Crossroads SA will be entering a team. What other clubs will be entering teams? So far both Cajun SC/LYSA and Calcasieu have verbally committed. Motagua NO is also looking to join. Currently in talks with Southeastern, Nicholls St., Baton Rouge SC and another New Orleans team. Cabosa and Dynamo Jrs have shown interest but haven't heard back from them yet. I'm anticipating at least 6-8 teams. That is our goal and I think it will happen.
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Post by methuselah on Aug 20, 2014 19:57:43 GMT -6
Good luck with the league. I think there will be a demand for it. I've been surprised how much the soccer players long to keep playing after high school. Maybe even more than the baseball players gathering together in softball leagues. Indoor goes some distance to filling this but I think there is a place for a league like this.
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Post by loJic on Aug 21, 2014 7:56:44 GMT -6
Good luck with the league. I think there will be a demand for it. I've been surprised how much the soccer players long to keep playing after high school. Maybe even more than the baseball players gathering together in softball leagues. Indoor goes some distance to filling this but I think there is a place for a league like this. Thanks! We've been working on this concept for the last year and half now. It's nice to finally see it come to fruition.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2014 10:14:17 GMT -6
One question that comes to mind. I wonder if the teams will take it seriously in terms of training? For there to be any quantifiable success these teams should be training at least 4 times a week.
Since most players will likely be working full time, full time student (or some combination thereof) I'm anxious to see how they will handle training.
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Post by loJic on Aug 21, 2014 11:05:10 GMT -6
One question that comes to mind. I wonder if the teams will take it seriously in terms of training? For there to be any quantifiable success these teams should be training at least 4 times a week. Since most players will likely be working full time, full time student (or some combination thereof) I'm anxious to see how they will handle training. I think majority of these teams will train 1-2 days a week. You can't really ask for more when dealing with athletes who's source of incoming isn't playing the sport.
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Post by methuselah on Aug 21, 2014 15:12:50 GMT -6
One question that comes to mind. I wonder if the teams will take it seriously in terms of training? For there to be any quantifiable success these teams should be training at least 4 times a week. Since most players will likely be working full time, full time student (or some combination thereof) I'm anxious to see how they will handle training. I think majority of these teams will train 1-2 days a week. You can't really ask for more when dealing with athletes who's source of incoming isn't playing the sport. Especially if there will be college students from college club teams. I know my son who is a Freshman at Nicholls is likely going out for their club team. And the considerations he and others in the same boat have to weigh if they get offered a spot include things like time commitment, travel necessities and, of course costs. Studies have to come first. I'm guessing something above an intramural level but not a full out intercollegiate team or lower level professional club team level is what most are looking for - just a place to play and enjoy the game in a somewhat structured environment
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Post by loJic on Aug 22, 2014 10:53:14 GMT -6
Currently the teams that are in are as follows.
Motagua NO (2012, 2013, 2014 State Champions, 2013 ISLANO Champions) Cajun SC (2014 State runnerups) Crossroads (2014 3rd place) Calcasieu Nicholls St.
Baton Rouge has 2 teams that are interested along with Southeastern/Hammond.
Website should be launched by September first.
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f2
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Post by f2 on Sept 2, 2014 12:38:41 GMT -6
This is really baller stuff
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Post by time2retire on Sept 3, 2014 20:59:28 GMT -6
So I am pretty sure that this league will be sanctioned with LSA correct? Please say yes! I, as a referee, would LOVE to do some higher quality games much closer to home that actually count for something.
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Post by loJic on Sept 3, 2014 21:32:52 GMT -6
So I am pretty sure that this league will be sanctioned with LSA correct? Please say yes! I, as a referee, would LOVE to do some higher quality games much closer to home that actually count for something. Yes. The referee association is also going to oversee the assigned as well.
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warrior16
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Post by warrior16 on Sept 22, 2014 14:59:40 GMT -6
Great job organizing this league. Hopefully it will succeed.
If Louisiana ever wants an MLS franchise or serious NASL franchise, then this is exactly the type of direction we need to be taking. A small grassroots league like this can be the spark of something huge in the future as the demand for soccer grows.
The more available serious professional soccer opportunities are in Louisiana, the more guys like Jason Garey, Patrick Mullins, and Jared Montz this state will produce. Producing players like that will become an expectation, rather than a rarity.
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Post by time2retire on Sept 22, 2014 17:24:02 GMT -6
Cajun SC traveled to Nicholls yesterday for an afternoon exhibition fixture. The game finished 1-1. If this league can MAYBE coordinate some of their games before/after some HS games, it would increase attendance and interest.
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Post by pshenton on Sept 23, 2014 7:15:38 GMT -6
Cajun SC traveled to Nicholls yesterday for an afternoon exhibition fixture. The game finished 1-1. If this league can MAYBE coordinate some of their games before/after some HS games, it would increase attendance and interest. Who's the contact at Nicholls? That may be a good idea, they and us (Vandebilt) may be able to do something like that.
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Post by time2retire on Sept 23, 2014 20:45:23 GMT -6
Kristen Fillmore 254-214-3161 she can at least point you in the right direction.
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Post by beauchenecoach on Sept 25, 2014 7:53:09 GMT -6
For high school players, the nest avenue would be to join these teams after their school is eliminated from playoffs. They could also particpate with these men's teams in state cup in spring. First and foremost, this is a men's league for those really at u19 or above. High schoolers can not particpate on any club team during season except a youth club team going to a bona Fide college showcase tournament or college camp.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2014 8:17:56 GMT -6
For high school players, the nest avenue would be to join these teams after their school is eliminated from playoffs. They could also particpate with these men's teams in state cup in spring. First and foremost, this is a men's league for those really at u19 or above. High schoolers can not particpate on any club team during season except a youth club team going to a bona Fide college showcase tournament or college camp. Good points. Guess the eligibility/rules thing slipped my mind.
So, basically this is an either/or proposition for high school aged players.
I'm sure I am in the minority, but my personal opinion is that an "elite" (meaning college bound) player, especially a senior, should consider going this route their senior year.
Of course, it depends on the quality of the high school team. And it does make for a tough decision for a 17/18 yr old.
Regarding the LPL and player development, I think for there to be a high level of play, the serious teams are going to need to train at least three times a week. (The University of Texas club has three two-hour sessions per week. And they compete for a national 'club' championship most years.)
I fully understand that players attending school full time and/or working presents a challenge. But, the league is only going to be as good as the players that participate.
After all, even youth players are in school 7-8 hours a day...and have homework. Yet they generally manage those responsibilities while also training 3-4 times a week. As well as training outside of formal team sessions.
With only a handful of mens collegiate programs in the state, this could be a viable option for players that want to stay in state and continue to develop as individual players. I understand that few, if any will go on to play at a professional or semi professional level. But, this is how the game is structured elsewhere in the world at the lower amateur levels.
Players that work full time jobs yet continue to play at a high level.
This is how you build a footballing culture.
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