Gulf States League
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Gulf States Premier League formed as part of US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues
CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 23, 2011) – US Club Soccer has announced the creation of the Gulf States Premier League, the most recent addition to US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues (NPL), which are leagues throughout the country with the highest level of competition in a given area.
The Gulf States Premier League, which will include the U-13 through U-18 boys’ and girls’ age groups, is comprised of 10 clubs:
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The NPL now includes nine leagues across the country: the Florida Premier League, Gulf States Premier League, Midwest Developmental League, NorCal Premier League, Northeast Pre-Academy League, Northern Illinois Soccer League, Oregon Premier League, Southeast Pre-Academy League and Texas Pre-Academy League.
Set to kick off in fall 2011, Gulf States Premier League participating teams will play each opponent at home or away for a total of nine regular-season games. In addition, teams will take part in a Spring Showcase and a Final Four Weekend.
Gulf States Premier League champions, determined by the Final Four Weekend, will compete at the inaugural National Premier Leagues Champions Cup in July 2012.
“We are extremely proud and excited to be a part of the Gulf States Premier League with US Club Soccer,” said MS JFC/FIRE Premier Technical Director Kenny White. “The ability to play in a league that puts development first is refreshing and rewarding.”
“We are extremely excited about this League,” said Houston Dynamo - MS Gulf Coast Director of Coaching Chic Chichkanov. “This is what we were waiting for the past few years, a league where clubs can structure their season with a set schedule, opportunity for players to play in a challenging environment every game they step foot on a field with DOCs controlling the league environment.”
"We have been talking about a Gulf States League for many years and to see it finally take shape is a huge step in providing meaningful games, consistent top-quality opposition, and developmental opportunities for the players in this region,” said Gulf Coast Texans Director of Coaching David Kemp. “The recent wave of soccer leaders forming progressive leagues under the NPL banner is very exciting, and we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of that."
“We couldn’t be more excited about being a founding member of the Gulf States Premier League,” said Baton Rouge SC Executive Director Gary Buete. “We are excited about the opportunities it provides for our players and thrilled about being involved with US Club Soccer in the development of this league. The opportunity to play with and against the best in the Gulf States Premier League on a consistent basis will help enhance the development process of our players.”
About the National Premier Leagues (NPL):
The NPL offers a platform for long-term player development by providing consistent and meaningful games between the region’s top players and also provides opportunities for players to be scouted by U.S. Soccer national staff. Winners of each league within the NPL will qualify for US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues Champions Cup.
The NPL is an important component of US Club Soccer’s 10-year vision to refine the landscape for competitive youth soccer. The vision recognizes that:
- Properly-structured youth soccer clubs are the vehicle through which player development does and must occur in the United States .
- Clubs should play in leagues that provide meaningful games, allow establishment of the proper training-to-game ratio, and eliminate calendar congestion.
- National Premier Leagues, as well as the best clubs, should be integrated in US Club Soccer’s id2 national identification and development program, include Player Development Programs in select local markets, and work closely with U.S. Soccer staff regarding player identification, and player and coach development.
The Gulf States Premier League and NPL websites are currently under construction and will be launched shortly.
About US Club Soccer:
US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States . A member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001, US Club Soccer has grown to include member clubs and leagues in all 50 states. In addition to sanctioning and administering tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup. US Club Soccer also directs its own player identification and development program – id2.
