Club background - Baton Rouge Capitals

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Baton Rouge CULT Capitals is an amateur team which participates in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League (PDL) – the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues (USL).

This is currently the top level men's amateur competition in the United States - unofficially, it is considered to be the fourth tier of USA soccer - where elite players are given the opportunity to develop in a professional environment while awaiting their chance to move on to top professional teams in the USA and around the world.

The United Soccer Leagues (USL) is the largest organization of elite soccer leagues in North America. Over 30 years in existence, USL is dedicated to to growing the sport of Association Football (Soccer) at grassroots level in every community and is active in over 100 cities throughout the USA.

The Premier Development League (PDL) is the top U-23 men's amateur league in North America and forms the development ground for elite soccer players from around the world who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game.

Players are able to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professional setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility, and some of these have subsequently joined the ranks of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams professionally, or overseas professional clubs.

The USL has, since 1986, provided the platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams as a result of the vision and commitment made by soccer fans, investors, administrators, coaches, and players. This vision has created a foundation for the growth of the sport in presenting affordable exciting family entertainment.

The city of Baton Rouge received its first ever soccer franchise into the PDL in 2007, under the leadership of Bo Cassidy, a veteran coach and collegiate player.

The Capitals finished their inaugural season in sixth place in the standings, 15 points behind divisional champions Laredo Heat.

For the 2008 season, Capitals enlisted local Brazilian-born coach Helio d’Anna, whose team were victorious in their opening game of the 2008 campaign. Capitals won the first half of the Louisiana derby, 4-1 at home over the then New Orleans Shell Shockers and enjoyed a brief run of form at the beginning of June, before completing the double over their state rivals, beating New Orleans 3-2 in the return.

Capitals eventually finished the year fifth in the Mid South Division, nine points adrift of divisional champions Austin Aztex U-23.

In the 2009 season, Capitals finished fifth with 16 points from 16 games under coach Paulo Neto, despite having the third-best scoring record in the Southeast Division and drawing twice against their local rivals, New Orleans Jesters.

In the fall of 2009 the club was acquired by new owner Dr. John Hamide. Defender Stuart Hayers was announced as Head Coach in January 20, 2010 and the club has since been assembling a squad of highly-talented and experienced players and staff with the intention of winning the Title in the 2010 campaign.