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NEW ORLEANS, LA – (March 29, 2010) -- The New Orleans Jesters announce the beginning of an exciting new season with the release of their 2010 schedule.  The minor league soccer team will debut in New Orleans during their first home match on May 15th at Pan American Stadium.  By continuing to strive for excellence, both on and off the field, the Jesters look forward to showcasing World Class Soccer with New Orleans Flavor!

“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” stated Dana Stumpf, CEO/Owner of the New Orleans Jesters.  “While our team goal is to win a championship on the field, our entire organization is focused on providing affordable, family-friendly entertainment and continuing to make a positive impact in the community.”

The Jesters’ league play will run from May to July with possible championship play in early August.  The schedule will be comprised of competition with teams in Atlanta, Nashville, Jackson and Fort Lauderdale, to name a few.  The opening home game will be a rematch of the Jesters’ only loss in 2009, which was in the playoffs against the Bradenton Academics.

“This year’s schedule will produce a very intense season,” said Jesters’ Head Coach Kenny Farrell, a former Premier Development League (PDL) Coach of the Year.  “Our opening game will be against the reigning division champion and rival, Mississippi Brilla, who we will play a total of three times over the season.  Our first home game will be against the Academics, who went on to win the conference in 2009.”

The New Orleans Jesters will compete in the Southeast Division of the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL.  In 2009, the Jesters went undefeated in the regular season with a record of 5-0-11 (26 points).  The team’s only loss came in the 2009 playoffs, and they finished the season with a record number of draws (ties).

“We have signed a very impressive group of quality players, who know how to score goals,” said Coach Farrell. “We are also focused on overall excellence by identifying players that have outstanding talent, a commitment to teamwork and strong individual character.  As the Saints proved to us this year, winning a championship takes a team that strives for excellence in all three.”

In addition to league matches, the Jesters will host youth camps and clinics during the summer months.  The team will be participating in numerous community events and fans are encouraged to request players for appearances at local schools, clubs or churches during the coming months. 

 The team will also serve the community by being the leading expert on the World Cup, which begins in June in South Africa.

The 2010 Jesters Home Schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 15             v. Bradenton Academics               7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Saturday, May 22             v. Panama City Pirates                   7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Friday, June 18                  v. Baton Rouge Capitals                7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Thursday, June 24            v. Nashville Metros                        7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Saturday, July 3                 v. Mississippi Brilla                         7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Friday, July 9                      v. Atlanta Blackhawks                    7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Saturday, July 17              v. Mississippi Brilla                         7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

Saturday, July 24              v. Central Florida Kraze                 7:00PM                 Pan American Stadium

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About the New Orleans Jesters

The New Orleans Jesters are the area’s minor league soccer team and top level franchise.  As part of the United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League (PDL), elite players are provided the opportunity to develop in professional environments while awaiting their chance to move on to top professional teams in the US and across the world.  In 2010, the New Orleans team will be an extraordinary blend of high-level American soccer with international flare, featuring players from the US, Great Britain, Brazil, Honduras, Ireland, Costa Rica and a variety of other countries.  Home games are played at Pan American Stadium in City Park.

The New Orleans Jesters soccer team was established in 2008 by Samson, LLC and played their first season in 2009.  The team intends to raise the level of soccer in the Greater New Orleans area, to offer the community affordable family-friendly entertainment and to provide children with the opportunity to receive soccer instruction through camps, clinics and training sessions.

For more information on the New Orleans Jesters soccer team, ticket packages, youth camps or community appearances, please visit www.NolaJesters.com.  Fans can also become followers of the team on Facebook (http://Facebook.com/NolaJesters) and on Twitter (http://Twitter.com/NolaJesters).

For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Bond and Matthew Bowes at 504-897-0462 or Jennifer@bondpublicrelations.com and Matthew@bondpublicrelations.com.