2013 Junior Premier Indoor League ready to start

After a very successful event in 2012, we are ready for the start of the 2013 Junior Premier Indoor League (JPIL), with a few exciting changes. This year we have added a U-16 Division and were able to secure the use of the Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA for the earlier half of the competition schedule. The Sportsplex in Feasterville has recently upgraded their three Indoor Courts with the recent acquisition of International quality, German style sideboards. The 422 Sportsplex in Pottstown, PA has also been secured to return as host of the latter half of the schedule.

The Junior Premier Indoor League was created by Nigel Traverso and Rachael Bloemker Milne who recognize the need for an organized and competitive indoor league, whereby the top indoor youth clubs have the opportunity to compete against each other on a regular basis over the course of the indoor season.

Clubs were identified and invited, based on their performance at the 2012 National Indoor Tournament (NIT), performance at the recently concluded JPIL held earlier this year and lastly the host club(s) where the event is being held.

The following Clubs have accepted our invitation to participate in the 2013 JPIL:

U-19 CLUBS:

The Gaels FHC                      Severna Park, MD
Xcalibur FHC                         Wilmington, DE

U-16 CLUBS:
East Coast FH                        Hershey, PA
FC United                              Daren, CT
High Styx FH                         Bernville, PA
Horizon FHC                          Drexel Hill, PA
Jersey Intensity FH                Monmouth Beach, NJ          
Mystx United                         Perkasie, PA
South Jersey Edge                Erial, NJ
SPark                                   Severna Park, MD
Spirit of USA                         Voorhees, NJ   
The Gaels FHC                      Severna Park, MD
Viper FH                               Limerick, PA
Xcalibur FHC                         Wilmington, DE

In 2013, the JPIL will play the first half of its schedule at the Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA. The second half of the schedule will be played at 422 Sportsplex in Pottstown, PA. Both will serve as host sites in 2013.

The Junior Premier Indoor League is a USA Field Hockey Sanctioned Event!

The League dates are as follows:
Friday, December 28
Monday, January 21 (MLK Day)
Saturday, January 26
Saturday, February 2
Monday, February 18 (President’s Day)
Saturday, February 23 (Championship)

Participation in the JPIL will provide athletes and coaches with a high level of competition on a regular basis that will prepare them and their Club for success at the NIT qualifiers and NIT Championship.

It is our intention to have some of the best Indoor Umpires and Managers, selected by Steve Horgan, USA Field Hockey Director of Umpiring, at this premier event.

“The JPIL is a high level, well organized event that allows for umpires to enhance their skills, timing and knowledge of the game. In its first year, we recognized the potential of a number of umpires and are working on moving them up the ranks," said Steve Horgan, USA Field Hockey Director of Umpiring.

“It is fantastic to hear that the Junior Premier Indoor League will be increasing in size in 2013 and is USA Field Hockey’s first-ever sanctioned event,” said Steve Locke, USA Field Hockey Executive Director. “To add a U-16 division in just the second year is an impressive feat. We appreciate Nigel and Rachael’s efforts in running a tournament that provides further playing opportunities for young athletes to grow and develop their skills. On behalf of USA Field Hockey, I wish the Junior Premier Indoor League and the participating teams the best of luck this season.”   

"I found it very useful to watch players in regulation length games, when they are playing in a league where the successful teams are using a variety of tactics to play against different opponents.  It was also good to see the athletes making decisions when the consequence of a choice can have ramifications in later weekends of the League,” said Steve Simpson, Assistant Coach, Syracuse University.

“A very good idea within USA based Indoor Hockey,” said Bill Gaurdette, East Coast FHC.

“It was a phenomenal experience,” said Sharon Sarsen, Hudson Valley FH.

A special thanks to Princess Hockey USA, the Official Sponsor of the Junior Premier Indoor League. Please support our sponsor www.princesshockeyusa.co

Should your Club be interested in participating in the JPIL in the future or need additional information on this year’s event, please go to our website at www.JPIL.net or contact Rachael Milne RachaelMilne@yahoo.com or Nigel Traverso Bigapplehockey@aol.com.

12 Clubs, 78 Games, 5 days, 1 Champion, Per Division!

We invite you all to join us at the Sportsplex in Feasterville, for the start of the Princess Junior Premier Indoor League on December 28, starting at 8:00 AM.

Good Luck to all Participants and Clubs!