The ECNL is one of the top youth soccer leagues in the nation with conferences across the country.
About Elite Clubs National League
The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is a premier youth soccer league in the United States for both boys and girls. Founded in 2009 for girls and 2017 for boys, the ECNL’s mission is to enhance the developmental experience of youth soccer players in the United States through the creation of a highly competitive league that emphasizes excellence and player development.
Competitions
The ECNL is divided into several regional conferences, with each conference hosting its own clubs and teams. Players can participate in league play within their respective conferences, ensuring a competitive and challenging soccer experience.
In addition to league play, the ECNL hosts several national events throughout the year, which provide an opportunity for teams from different regions to compete against one another. These events include the ECNL National Playoffs and the ECNL National Finals, which culminate in crowning a national champion for each age group.
Player Development
The ECNL places a strong emphasis on player development, offering a highly competitive environment for players to develop their skills, tactical understanding, and mental resilience. The league strives to create a platform for players to showcase their talents and gain exposure to college coaches and scouts, making it an ideal environment for players with aspirations of playing at the collegiate or professional level.
Education
The ECNL is committed to providing resources and support for coaches, including coaching education courses, mentorship programs, and access to the latest coaching materials and resources. The league also emphasizes the importance of holistic player development, focusing not only on soccer skills but also on personal growth and character development.
The league prioritizes safety and implements various safety protocols to ensure the well-being of players, coaches, and referees. This includes background checks for coaches and volunteers, concussion education and management protocols, and other safety measures.
Notable Clubs
Here are just a few of the many notable clubs that are part of the ECNL:
- PDA Soccer (Players Development Academy) – Based in New Jersey, PDA Soccer is a well-established club with a strong reputation for player development and has produced several college and professional players.
- FC Dallas – The youth academy of the FC Dallas professional soccer team, this club is known for producing talented players who have gone on to play professionally and represent the United States at various levels.
- San Diego Surf – Located in California, San Diego Surf has a rich history of developing top-level players and has won numerous national championships.
- Michigan Hawks – Based in Michigan, the Michigan Hawks have produced numerous players who have gone on to play collegiately, professionally, and represent their country at various levels.
Notable Players
The ECNL has been instrumental in developing many players who have gone on to play at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. Some notable players who have come through the ECNL include:
- Mallory Pugh – A professional soccer player who currently plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States Women’s National Team.
- Lindsey Horan – A professional soccer player who currently plays for the Portland Thorns in the NWSL and the United States Women’s National Team.
- Christian Pulisic – A professional soccer player who currently plays for Chelsea FC in the English Premier League and the United States Men’s National Team.
The Elite Clubs National League has established itself as one of the premier youth soccer leagues in the United States, providing a highly competitive environment for players to develop and showcase their talents.