Professional soccer makes its return to New Orleans

Professional football season in the Crescent City may be gone, basketball season may be ending and minor league baseball season may be just beginning in New Orleans, but next month add another sport to the list – soccer.

New Orleans’ minor league soccer team, the New Orleans Jesters, formerly known as the Shell Shockers, has a new name, owner, field and philosophy, according to owner Dana Stumpf.

The team will focus on the community, children and competition, and hopes to become an integral part of New Orleans sports.

“Our goal is to produce a competitive team of top class players from around the world who will truly raise the level of soccer in the region – both on and off the field,” Stumpf said.

“The New Orleans area has a vast number of soccer players and fans of all ages, and we want to add to the opportunities available to them – both through games and through camps, clinics and training sessions.”

The New Orleans Jesters soccer team was established in 2009 by Samson LLC. 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.

The team is a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (PDL) and plays in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference.

Home games are played at Pan American Stadium in City Park.

Head Coach Kenny Farrell, former head coach of the New Orleans Shell Shockers and a PDL Coach of the Year, said the team is shaping up beyond his expectations.

“We have outstanding players from England, Wales, Honduras and Brazil, as well as solid American players like local favorite, Brandon Chagnard.”

The Jesters will host a slate of eight home games at the newly renovated Pan American Stadium in City Park. In keeping with their family-friendly theme, game tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. The Jesters’ home opener will be played on Saturday, May 16, and will be dedicated to area youth. All children will get in free with a Jesters coupon or by becoming a member of the Jesters Kids Court.

For more information on the New Orleans Jesters soccer team, ticket packages, game schedule, youth camps, community appearances, or to request players for appearances, visit www.nolajesters.com.