Foursome to play in national league

Javanon’s 1994 team, which features southern Indiana foursome Jordan Vejar, Nick Blackwell, Matt Kelecy, and Daniel Wilburn, has just been accepted into the US Youth Soccer National League, which kicks off in November.

The team recently won the Midwest Regional League’s Premier Red Division at U16 level, and will now compete in one of the two U17 eight team leagues.
It is the first time any team from Kentucky has played in the league – which caters for the nation’s top boys’ and girls’ teams in the U15, U16 and U17 age categories -- since its inception in 2007.

Coach Jason Bell said that being accepted into the national league is an exceptional accomplishment for the boys as well as the club, and is a direct result of the hard work and sacrifice by the team.

“As the first team from Kentucky to be accepted into the league, we have a chance to show the nation that our area is producing high-level talent and play,” said Bell. “Playing games against the best teams in the country in their age group will not only be an exciting opportunity, but very important for the college recruitment of these boys.”



He added that Blackwell (New Albany), Vejar (Jeffersonville), Matt Kelecy (Floyd Central), and Daniel Wilburn (Providence) have all played a crucial role in the team's success.

“Nick, Jordan, and Matt anchored a defense that was exceptional all season, while Daniel Wilburn provided much needed energy and enthusiasm to our attack,” said Bell.
Also pivotal to the success of the team, he added, is former coach Derek Willis, who is now the head coach at Georgetown College in Kentucky.

The seven game season will begin with games from November 18-21 in Wilson, North Carolina, with the second round of games taking place from February 19-21 in Florida. The final play date will combine boys and girls in late March with the location and specific dates to be announced.

Above: Jordan Vejar, Nick Blackwell, Daniel Wilburn and Matt Kelecy.