New Orleans, LA (May 4th) – The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) announces 2021 women’s division schedule for the league’s 5th season. The season’s first contests will be Cajun Rush hosting Gulf Coast United and Baton Rouge United hosting Motagua New Orleans on May 15th.

“Securing 9 clubs for our first go at the women’s side has been encouraging” said league Executive Director, Sean Esker. “There is a lot of high quality players that reside in our own backyard, so we’re happy to finally offer them a platform.”

The women’s division will consist of Alexandria PGFC, Baton Rouge United, Cajun Rush, Flowood FC, Gulf Coast Rangers, Gulf Coast United, Mississippi Blues, Motagua New Orleans, Northshore United.

“We’ve always had ambitions to create a women’s division” said league President, Jeremy Poklemba. “The amount of clubs that showed interest gave us no choice but to make this a reality and so far we couldn’t be happier with the feedback and excitement.”

All clubs will play each other once in a single round robin format with the top 4 qualifying for the playoffs on July 17th.

VIEW WOMEN’S SCHEDULE. 

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

New Orleans, LA (April 7th) – The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) announces 2021 men’s division schedule for the league’s 5th season. The season’s first match will see Gulf Coast United play host to Pensacola FC on May 8th at Herbert Wilson Stadium in the East Conference.

“This has surely been a very challenging year to prepare for,” said league Vice President of Operations, Jonathan Rednour. “With the concern for everyone’s safety and the uncertainty of when the appropriate timing would be to get back out on the pitch has made it a bit tough prepping for this season, but things look to be on the up and our clubs are eager.”

The GCPL welcomed three new clubs (Gulf Coast United, New Orleans United and Red River FC) to the league this offseason, along with the rebranding of two current clubs, BRSC Capitals formerly Baton Rouge United and Cajun Rush, formerly Cajun Soccer Club. 15 clubs will participate this season and will look to ride the wave of momentum from a very successful year in 2019. Gaffa FC return as the only former GCPL Cup winners (2017) competing this season with Cajun Rush (2017-2018) and Northshore United (2019) returning as former finalists.

“2019 was such a fun year to be a part of,” said league President, Jeremy Poklemba. “The level of competition on the field was the highest it has ever been, so for us to replicate that standard for 2021 we wanted to do what was best for our clubs and make sure they had the resources and ability to keep the momentum going.”

The West Conference will feature six clubs; Alexandria PBFC, Cajun Rush, Central Texas Lobos, Louisiana Krewe, Red River FC, Shreveport United and will play a double round robin for a total of 10 games, with the top two clubs qualifying for the GCPL playoffs.

The East Conference will feature nine clubs; BRSC Capitals, Crescent City FC, Gaffa FC, Gulf Coast Rangers, Gulf Coast United, Mobile United, New Orleans United, Northshore United and Pensacola FC and will play a 10 game schedule. To accommodate club’s eligibility to participate in the US Open Cup qualifying rounds, the league looked for a creative solution that would offer the minimum games required along with keeping travel respectable during the late stages of quarantine. The East Conference will use a points per game system to determine playoff placement.

VIEW GCPL SCHEDULE. 

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

Baton Rouge, LA (April 5th) – Baton Rouge Soccer Club and former owner of PDL outfit, Baton Rouge Capitals, Mr. James Vilas, have partnered in rebranding the club’s men’s Baton Rouge United brand as BRSC Capitals; representing both the BRSC academy and the Baton Rouge Capitals.

“I’m very excited about this partnership,” said BRSC Capitals newly appointed GM, James Vilas. “Bringing back the essence of the Capitals brand and merging with a strong academy like BRSC will allow us to have the best of what Baton Rouge can offer.”

The Baton Rouge Capitals were formed in 2007, owned by Mr. Vilas, and competed in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), currently USL2. Former Baton Rouge Soccer Club Director of Coaching, Bo Cassidy, was the Capitals first appointed coach. The club competed for three seasons under Mr. Vilas before being acquired by new owner, Dr. John Hamide, in early 2010. Under Dr. Hamide the club competed for two season, reaching the national semifinals in 2010, before folding in late 2011. The Capitals were home to many outstanding players such as Joseph Lapira and Patrick Mullins, both Hermann Trophy winners, and others who went on to play professionally, including two current Louisiana native MLS players, Patrick (Toronto FC), and Justin Portillo (Real Salt Lake)..

Baton Rouge Soccer Club, joined the GCPL in 2017 under the brand, Baton Rouge United, and has struggled to find their footing in the GCPL. In their latest season (2019), the club would only record one win with a goal differential of (-29).

“The efforts to bring a competitive men’s side to our club has always been an ambition” said BRSC Executive Director, Louie Smothermon. “Having someone like Mr. Vilas, who has a strong connection with a lot of the high level local adult players, gives us a chance to build a much deeper player pool.”

In addition to rebranding efforts and bringing in a GM with strong local connections, the club has hired Rafa Amaya Jr. as their newest head coach. Amaya has had a decorated history as both a coach and a player. On the pitch Amaya Jr. was a member of the United States U-17 National Team and went on to earn back-to-back national championships as a midfielder at Tyler Junior College (2009 & 2010). He helped the Apaches post a 41-0-1 record during his two seasons and then he went on to play two seasons at Liberty. While at Liberty, Amaya Jr. helped the Flames to a Big South conference title and NCAA tournament appearance.

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity,” commented Amaya Jr. “I’ve recently moved to the area and have become more acclimated to the culture in Baton Rouge. The sport is more popular in this city than you would think and the local talent is strong.”

Before coming to Baton Rouge Rafa was the Director of Video Analysis for New Mexico United of the USL Pro and was a member of the Region IV OPD Staff. Amaya Jr.’s coaching career includes stints with NCAA programs, Creighton University, and Penn State University, having helped lead Penn State to their 18th Big Ten Championship.

“I think we have done a great job of restructuring this program,” added Smothermon. “We have built a strong team who has some great experience at this level. We expect to field a very competitive team this season.”

BRSC Capitals will play all of their home games out of BREC Olympia Stadium.

Learn more about BRSC Capitals at www.brsccapitals.com

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

Gulfport, MS (April 2nd) – Gulf Coast United Soccer Club joins Gulf Coast Premier League with both a women’s and a men’s team for the 2021 season.

“Gulf Coast United is very excited to join the Gulf Coast Premier League,” said Board Chair Walt Himel.  “Working with Port City FC, we are looking forward to providing a top level women’s and men’s team for Mississippi coast soccer players to continue to enhance their playing careers, and to get ready for their college or professional seasons. The teams in the GCPL are many of the same teams our youth teams play in the Gulf States Premier League, so we believe it is a natural extension of what we currently offer.”

Port City FC board president, Steve Simkins, expressed Port City is very excited about this partnership with Gulf Coast United, and the ability to provide more opportunity for local college players to enhance their playing careers.

“Providing our local players an opportunity to play in both the National Premier Soccer League and the Gulf Coast Premier League is a dream come true for many of our high school and club coaches across the coast who have worked tirelessly to grow soccer in this area,” Simkins said. “It is our hope that over time, kids will look to these teams as a means to further their playing careers beyond high school and junior college.  Further, it is our hope that we can develop opportunity for underserved communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to learn the game, and make it part of their lives.  Adding a women’s team and an another men’s team only serves to strengthen the long term success of soccer in this area.”

“The Mississippi coast has a great level of coaching and culture that produces a lot of high level youth players,” said GCPL VPO, Jonathan Rednour. “The stage for developing these players beyond the youth game is something truly needed in the gulf south and we’re happy to continue offering a platform that offers that critical need for development to our young adults.”

Former William Carey All-American, Donevin Esterhuizen will coach the women’s GCPL team, and former Mississippi College player and St. Stanislaus coach, Zack Villarrubia, will coach the men’s GCPL team.  “I’m looking forward to putting together a collection of local talent from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, giving college age players the opportunity to continue to improve, and some of our former locals stars a place to continue their soccer careers,” said Esterhuizen.

Games will begin in early May and home games will be held at the Herbert Wilson Soccer Stadium, or the Gulfport Sportsplex.

Learn more about Gulf Coast United at www.gulfcoastunited.com

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

New Orleans, LA (March 26th) – The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) today announced New Orleans United (NOU) as the latest club to join the GCPL. The club will compete in the East Conference beginning in the 2021 season.

“The Gulf Coast Premier League checked every box we sought in a league, with a strong reputation and foundation in the Gulf Coast region,” said New Orleans United President, Marshall Roy.  “Our focus is exclusively on this great city and the blossoming soccer community that exists here.”

New Orleans United was created by a group of Tulane students who found themselves without access to competitive soccer due to the suspension of the college soccer club circuit for the 2020/21 season. Competing as 14th Ward FC during the 2020 Fall Tournament Showcase hosted by the GCPL, the club found interest in serving more than just the 14th Ward of New Orleans and decided to reform the club and its values into New Orleans United FC to better serve New Orleans as a whole.

“We were impressed with the ambition this group has shown overtime,” said GCPL Executive Director, Sean Esker.  “They have presented us with some big plans to offer a different element to the New Orleans soccer scene and we’re happy to offer them the proper platform to execute it.”

In joining GCPL, the New Orleans outfit will hope to establish partnerships and programs that provide a multitude of opportunities for people to play the beautiful game, with their focus exclusively on New Orleans and the blossoming soccer community that exists there.

New Orleans United will be playing all 2021 GCPL home games at Pan American Stadium in New Orleans, LA.

Learn more about New Orleans United at www.nolaunitedfc.com

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

Bossier, LA (March 19th) – The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) today announced Red River Football Club (RRFC) as the latest club to join the GCPL. The club will compete in both the men’s and women’s division in the West Conference beginning in the 2021 season.

“We have looked at several leagues over the last year” said Red River FC President, Joseph Winningham.  “With the growth, stability, league development, and league cohesiveness, we felt Gulf Coast Premier League was the best fit for our team. We believe that for soccer to grow and develop in the larger national sense, there must be stable growth in a local and regional position.  GCPL continues to prove they are looking to strengthen the beautiful game in a local, regional and national level.  We are proud to be accepted into this great league.”

Red River FC is a club born from a local need and will of two people, Rafael Muniz and Joseph Winningham.  RRFC has an acceptance view point focusing on long term development of players from young to and including adulthood.  The beautiful game is meant to be shared and accessible to all, no matter who a person is, where they come from, who they are related to or know.

“Red River FC have an interesting dynamic that offers an exciting approach to growing the game in their community,” said GCPL VPO, Jonathan Rednour.  “This group have been around the GCPL for a few years and understand the level of competitive commitment the league demands.”

Red River’s vision is to bring opportunity.  Local, Regional, National and international opportunity through development and exposure to multiple avenues within the soccer community.  The Red River FC team, from coaches, trainers, managers and athletes, all work together to create the best atmosphere and game culture as possible.

Red River FC will be playing all 2021 GCPL home games at Minden Recreation Center in the Xavier University Soccer Complex located in Minden, LA.

Learn more about Red River FC at www.redriverfc.com

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

New Orleans, LA (March 18th) – The GCPL announces the addition of a women’s division, kicking off this summer.

“The addition of a women’s division has been discussed for quite some time” said league Executive Director, Sean Esker. “Making sure that we were capable of offering the same operational consistency for the women’s side was always the deciding factor. Now we have a strong team that gives us confidence in expanding our services to the many talented women in our region.”

“The women’s division will offer the same opportunities and high level standards that the men’s side has” said league President, Jeremy Poklemba. “Just like for our men’s side, we want this to be the breeding ground for further development in the women’s game along the gulf.”

Further details and club announcements are to follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

New Orleans, LA (January 14th) – Plans for a second division in 2021 are in the works as the league looks to build on its developmental model and expand its reach to smaller market areas around the gulf coast.

“There has been a fair amount of interest from around the league and region to give this strong consideration” said league Executive Director, Sean Esker. “The demand is there for this to be a successful addition to our model.”

The second tier of the GCPL (Gulf Coast League 2) will feature many reserve, u23 and u19 teams from around the league and region.

“The second division will allow us to create a pathway for clubs in smaller markets while catering to our member clubs who are in demand for it” said league President, Jeremy Poklemba. “We want to give our clubs who have larger player pools a platform to further their development within the club.”

All interested parties in applying for our second division please fill out the form below.

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New Orleans (January 12th) — The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) will be celebrating its 5th season operating as the Gulf Coast Premier League in 2021. Founded in 2016 by Jeremy Poklemba (President), Jonathan Rednour (VPO) and Chris Stewart (Treasurer), the GCPL has served the gulf coast region as the premier competition for men’s amateur soccer, offering a platform for players and coaches to continue their competitive careers and allowing clubs to organically grow in their communities.

“This project was started to simply add another layer to competitive soccer in our region” said league President, Jeremy Poklemba. “Growing from a state league to across an entire region within a few years speaks volumes for the necessity and desire to find a sustainable model for this level, which the GCPL has and will continue to provide.”

THE EARLY YEARS

The GCPL was birthed from the success of the Louisiana Premier League (LPL), which operated from 2014-2016 under the Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) and was founded by current league VPO, Jonathan Rednour, and current LSA Vice President, Chad Vidrine.

“The early days (circa 2013) were a bit challenging, pitching the idea of creating a statewide men’s premier league” said league VPO, Jonathan Rednour. “There were plenty of naysayers that said something like this wouldn’t survive, so I’m very grateful for Chad Vidrine and LSA for their participation in creating the spark needed to get this vision off the ground.”

The LPL had two successful seasons that operated in the fall and winter months, with both seasons being won by Motagua New Orleans, who became the first amateur club from Louisiana to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (2016). Shortly after the 2015-2016 season, the LPL were granted Elite Amateur Premier League status by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). Making them the first and only men’s state or regional amateur league from the gulf coast to earn the accolade.

THE BIRTH OF THE GCPL

In the summer of 2016, the interest from clubs outside of Louisiana began to increase, demanding a larger footprint along the gulf coast. The Louisiana Premier League would make way for the Gulf Coast Premier League, which was formed as it’s own entity as a non-profit 501c3, but still sanctioned under the Louisiana Soccer Association. The inaugural season consisted of seven clubs, spanning from Shreveport, LA to Biloxi, MS, operating during the fall and winter months in 2016-2017 and was the only season to not have a playoff format declare it’s champion.

The league announced its partnership with Danish sports equipment manufacturer, Select Sport, as the official ball sponsor for the GCPL just before the start of the season. Motagua New Orleans, who were two time Louisiana Premier League winners, would be the first club to hoist a GCPL trophy. Reece Wilson of Motagua New Orleans set the bar for most goals scored in a season (18), which is a record that still stands today.

The 2017 season would see the league expand into Alabama and Florida, increasing to 11 teams across the gulf coast region. The league’s format changed from a one table double round robin, to two conferences with playoffs declaring the champion. The league also shifted to the summer months to allow for the inclusion of college players returning home. Newcomers, AFC Mobile set the bar for the league attendance record (1,040) versus Motagua New Orleans, shattering the previous record of 287. Gaffa FC, the new boys from Jackson, MS, would become the first club from Mississippi to win a GCPL title, defeating Cajun Soccer Club in the final, 1-0.

In 2018, the league expanded into Texas and grew to 15 clubs across the region. The competition format would grow to three conferences, with the top two teams in the final standings from each conference advancing to the playoffs. With the inclusion of new clubs, such as Gulf Coast Rangers and Northshore United, who catered mostly to college players and top youth prospects from their area, the league saw an influx of its local young talent beginning to participate. Port City FC, formerly Biloxi City FC, was a team who benefited from their squad’s improvement from top local college and youth players, as they went on to defeat Cajun Soccer Club, 4-0, for the league title. November of 2018, the GCPL announced it’s partnership with the Great Plains Premier League (GPPL) in attempts to help replicate it’s model in the midwest.

GCPL 2.0

2019 would prove to be GCPL’s most exciting year with the inclusion of many new clubs and new faces. Jonathan Collura, owner of Bugeaters FC out of Omaha, NE, was introduced as a new board of director and assisted in spearheading the GPPL project.

“My interest in the GCPL spurred from wanting to see this successful regional model replicated” said GCPL Director, Jonathan Collura. “The idea of an organization that caters to club’s needs and allows for their growth and sustainability to come organically, should be the narrative in lower league soccer across the country.”

In April of 2019, the GCPL announced its direct affiliation with the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as a Multi-State league, ending its 3 seasons sanctioned by the Louisiana Soccer Association. The inclusion of new clubs like Tallahassee SC, Louisiana Krewe and Bugeaters FC put the spotlight on the GCPL as the league expanded to 19 clubs, spanning from Austin, TX to Tallahassee, FL in the gulf coast region and Omaha, NE in the great plains region. Bugeaters FC competed in an exhibition season for the summer of 2019, representing the GCPL.

“2019 was the most exciting season for me” said league Treasurer, Chris Stewart. “The level of play on the field, the atmosphere at games, the chatter online, all of it was fun to be a part of. We’re excited to get back out on the field and build off of that momentum.”

The season saw a spike of quality of play all across the league, with a plethora of former pro and high level college players gracing the pitches. Season golden boot winner, Roger Llergo of FC New Orleans, had stints with both Club America and Monterrey of Liga MX before moving to the states. Other players benefited from their experiences with their clubs in 2019, having signed pro contracts or receiving international invites after their season. Oscar Castellano of Louisiana Krewe, went on to sign for FK Poprad of 2. Liga in Slovakia and the young Honduran International, Erick Gunera of FC New Orleans, went on to feature for the Honduran U19 national team.

The successful season, which saw a number of entertaining matches and an increase in fan engagement all across the league, concluded with a thrilling final in Covington, LA between Northshore United and FC New Orleans, with the New Orleans club coming out on top, 1-0.

2020: GREAT PLAINS PREMIER LEAGUE, NISA AFFILIATION  AND FALL TOURNAMENT SHOWCASE

The league would announce the hiring of current Louisiana Soccer Association President, Sean Esker, as the leagues Executive Director. The efforts to grow the league in early 2020 saw the inclusions of newly formed New Orleans club, Crescent City FC, and Mobile United. The Great Plains Premier League was set to be announced with 6 clubs confirmed, but the GPPL, along with the GCPL would cancel their seasons due to the COVID pandemic.

On August 13th, the league announced its partnership with the National Independent Soccer Assocation (NISA), a professional soccer league that operates in the third division of American soccer. The strategic partnership will see both leagues working together to connect the professional and amateur ranks in the American soccer landscape. (read more)

The GCPL would announce their attempt to offer some of its member clubs and other local clubs a chance to get back out on the pitch before the 2020 year concluded. The GCPL Fall Tournament Showcase was announced in October and featured five clubs. The emphasis on the season was to focus on the inclusion of youth players and offering them a platform to prepare for the next stage in their playing careers. The season concluded with the Louisiana Krewe topping the table over Crescent City FC.

The GCPL will celebrate its fifth season in the summer of 2021, COVID restrictions permitting. The league will be announcing its returning and expansion clubs during the coming months, along with news on league format, schedule and all other important league news.

“There’s a lot of exciting things we’d like to announce as soon as we can” said Jeremy Poklemba. “We’re looking forward to making this our best season yet.”

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”

New Orleans, LA – (December 15th) Sunday’s contest versus Louisiana Krewe and Crescent City FC saw the Lafayette side crowned the Fall Tournament Showcase Champions.

“I am very excited for the boys to come into a tough environment and get the result needed” said Krewe Head Coach, Joan Olivia “Crescent City gave us a great match in our first game, so we knew what we needed to do to get the win.”

Crescent City FC had the upper hand heading into the match with a 3+ goal differential, playing at their home field, but the Krewe started the first half buzzing, pinning the home squad into their own half with very few offensive advantages being given. Louisiana Krewe’s, Quesi Weston, proved to be a thorn in CCFC’s side since the initial kickoff and his persistence paid off in the 21st minute, putting the away side up 1-0. Crescent City would get one back before heading into stoppage time from Ashton Perkins, sending both teams tied into the half.

The second half began with the same intensity, but offered very little excitement for the home crowd as the Krewe staid steady and true, scoring 2 quick goals early and one for good measure in the 78th minute, extending their lead to 4-1 and earning the title for the GCPL Fall Tournament Showcase.

“The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) serves as the leader in amateur soccer along the gulf coast region of the United States, offering a pathway for players pursuing their competitive careers further and assisting our member clubs to organically grow in their communities. The GCPL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA); a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The GCPL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization organized and operated with the ultimate goal of growing soccer and soccer culture in the gulf coast.”