Jesters to Focus on Building for the Future
NEW ORLEANS, LA (Feb. 21, 2019) – The New Orleans Jesters announced plans today to develop a comprehensive soccer strategy for the club, which incorporates a new professional soccer team into the program. Additionally, the Jesters will intensify the focus on overall player development through both their player-centric youth program and their leadership involvement in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
“We’ve been exploring professional soccer for some time,” Jesters General Manager Kenny Farrell said. “In order to commit the proper time and resources to the club’s plans, we have opted to exercise our right to go inactive for the 2019 NPSL season. We struggled with this decision, but we feel our fans and the next generation of local soccer families deserve better.”
Farrell was named Chairman of the NPSL in December 2018. Over recent years, the NPSL has grown to become one of the top leagues in the country with nearly 100 teams. However, the Jesters lack many regional opponents, which has hindered full fan participation and experience. As NPSL Chairman, Farrell has prioritized developing more regional clubs that can meet the standards of the league.
“The Jesters have always been committed to the development of the player, especially on the field. It’s in our best interest – and by ‘our’ I mean the New Orleans region – that we now focus on the development of the game off the field,” stated Farrell.
The Jesters are currently working with local and regional officials to determine how to best bring professional soccer to New Orleans. The club is also encouraging the local soccer and business communities to get involved.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do but it’s an exciting time for the game,” Farrell concluded. “We are building for the future but we can’t wait for it to come to us. We have to make it happen. This is all about the future of the game in the New Orleans area.”
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The New Orleans Jesters are the area’s highest level of adult soccer. As part of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), elite players are provided the opportunity to develop in professional environments while awaiting their chance to move on to top professional teams in the U.S. and around the world. The club has worked to raise the level of soccer in the Greater New Orleans area for the past ten years by offering the community affordable family-friendly entertainment and by providing children with the opportunity to receive soccer instruction through NOLA Soccer Academy camps and clinics.
For more information, please visit www.NolaJesters.com.
CONTACT:
Dawn Emery
504.284.8668
media@nolajesters.com