Gulf Coast Premier League cancels 2020 season; plans for a fall season being discussed

New Orleans (May 3rd) — The Gulf Coast Premier League has canceled the summer season for 2020 and are in talks with current members and outside parties on a possible fall/winter season.

The league originally planned to push back the start date, for the 2020 season, from May 9th to June 6th, with a strict closed doors, no fans policy set in place. Cancellation of the season came after the most recent released data and states guidelines from the gulf region.

“We really tried to find a way to make it work this season and get the players back out on the field,” GCPL Executive Director Sean Esker said. “Ultimately, the decision comes down to the safety and well being for our players, club staff, referees and supporters. With stay at home orders from Louisiana being extended, this put half of our clubs in jeopardy of preparing properly for a season.”

The GCPL will be sanctioning any of its member clubs, who wish to continue training and participating in friendlies, as long as their state regulations permit it. There is also talks of a possible fall/winter season being put in place for 2020 with intentions of moving forward with or without the collegiate season kicking off in the fall.

“The GCPL originated from the Louisiana Premier League, which was a fall/winter league,” GCPL Vice President Jonathan Rednour said. “We’ve been wanting to bring that back for a long time and each year it seems more and more of our clubs are wanting to find a way to make it work, so I’m hopeful we will have something this fall.”