About
HISTORY: The New Jersey Champions League was founded in
March 2017 with the idea to bring together developmentally
appropriate modeled soccer clubs within the New Jersey State
limits. International Elite Program agreed to form their own league
based on a simple concept that included three main features:
1. Superior Competition
2. A Model for Player Development and
3. A Governing Board made up of Professional Soccer Directors.
The NJCL is based on the philosophy that the player is a member
of the club as well as a member of the team and that successful
clubs develop players and teams from within rather than through
recruitment.
THE CREATION OF THE NJCL AND A UNIFIED LEAGUE
SCHEDULE: In May 2017, International Elite Program and US
Club Soccer partnered together and formed the New Jersey
Champions League to further their common goals and growth. The
inaugural NJCL season along with a unified league schedule
begins play in the September 2017.
PROFESSIONAL, HASSLE-FREE MANAGEMENT: The
NJCL is managed by an Executive Director and Board of Directors
made up of the Directors of Coaching from each of its members
clubs. The Board has three scheduled meetings: one at the
beginning of each season and one additional meeting each year.
UNIQUE SCHEDULING: Unique to the NJCL is the
coordinated one facility Match Day schedule. Each club’s entire
contingent of teams (U6-U20, boys and girls) travels together to all
away games. Start times are staggered allowing coaching directors
and multiplayer families to watch several games. The compact yet
comprehensive schedule also provides each club with greater
flexibility in scheduling tournaments and friendly games during the
regular season.
COMPETITION FOR AGE GROUPS U-6 THROUGH U18/19: Competitive play is offered for both boys and girls
divisions U-6 through U-20. Divisional winners are recognized at
the end of each season, U12 and above. Standings are determined
by weekly competition: three points for wins, one point for ties;
and no points for losses.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP: At the end of each season, an overall
club champion is determined based on standings in each of the
boys and girls age groups, U12 through U20: sixteen points for
first place, twelve points for second place, ten points for third
place; eight points for fourth place; six points for fifth place, four
points for sixth place, two points for seventh place, and no points
for eighth place. The winning club retains the traveling trophy until
the end of the next season.
LEAGUE SELECT TEAMS: Moving forward the Board of
Directors will name a boys and girls 2003 select team from its
member clubs. The first Champions League Select 2003 boys team
will represent the league in an International Tournament.
NJCL SHOWCASES & COMBINE: A TRADITION OF
EXCELLENCE. The NJCL will be able to provide its U15, U16,
U17 and U18/19 boys teams two top level soccer events attended
by NCAA Division I, II and III college coaches from across the
country.