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Media Kit: Archived Press Releases
Shell Shockers to Play Hispanic All-Stars Team on Saturday
April 11, 2006The New Orleans Shell Shockers come home this weekend to play their first game in the city for more than eight months.
The exhibition match against the New Orleans Select at Pan American Stadium in City Park on Saturday at 5pm will mark the return of top-class soccer action to the post-Katrina city.
Head Coach Kenny Farrell said: “I am proud to be coming back to Orleans Parish and it will be an emotional day for us all.”
The New Orleans Select is comprised of the cream of the talent currently playing in the local Latin leagues, and is part of a campaign by the Shell Shockers to reach out to the area’s Hispanic community.
Coach Kenny explained: “We have seen a huge influx of soccer-crazy Central American workers to help us rebuild the region, and it is a fan base we are keen to cultivate. We have lots of exciting ideas for the season ahead and this game is just the first part of our community-relations plan.”
The side will feature Hondurans, Mexicans and Guatemalans and will provide a tough test for the Shell Shockers as they ramp up their preparations for the start of their season just two weeks away.
Due to hurricane damage at Pan American the Shell Shockers have relocated to Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner, but Coach Kenny is glad of the chance to play at least once in the Crescent City.
He added: “We are excited about going to Kenner and the locals there have been wonderful to us, but obviously Pan American has a special place in our hearts. After the way it was ravaged by Katrina I’m sure I’ll have a lump in my throat when the lads walk out onto the pitch on Saturday.
“The Central Americans are soccer-crazy and as it’s a holiday weekend you can be sure it will be a large festive, noisy and colorful crowd. This is a great chance for sports fans in Southern Louisiana to get a taste of a special big-game atmosphere.”
Tickets will be available at the door priced $5.