The US is producing a growing number of talented soccer players each year, thanks in part to the presence of the ECNL soccer and Elite Club Regional League (ECRL).
The government’s meticulous attention to youth soccer has helped it evolve and grow in the United States, a country known for its love of sports
Whilst there are a lot of soccer leagues and competitions throughout the US that some soccer enthusiasts don’t know about, ever considered what’s ECNL soccer and how it works?
History Of ECNL Soccer & What It Stands For
ECNL stands for ‘Elite Club National League’, and it’s a national youth soccer league for players aged 13 to 18, which is sanctioned by the US Club Soccer and reportedly sponsored by Nike Soccer.
The league was founded in 2009 by forward-thinking ‘Directors of Coaching’ across the country with a goal to change the landscape for Elite Female Youth Soccer players in the country, with an innovative player-centered program and enhancing the overall experience by creating a better environment to develop the sport.
Initially, the ECNL is thought to be the only girls’ soccer league, but it was later divided into girls’ and boys’ ECNL leagues.
Whilst the ECRL is the second-tier league and the expansion of the ECNL, ECNL is known as the first-tier and likewise considered to be the most competitive of the two in the US.
The soccer league has gained recognition for nurturing players with exceptional talents, impressive soccer skills, and unmatched dedication that aids in their growth as athletes.
The ECNL year-round season is centered around competing in top-level tournaments, including the Open Cup where the second-tier league ECRL also has the opportunity to compete in.
How Does The ECNL Soccer Works In the US?
Firstly, the league is divided into different sections depending on the location within the country, as such the girls have 9 regional conferences while the boys have 10.
Both the regional conferences are made up of 9 -16 clubs, with all competing and striving to be the best in their respective conference.
Each season of the ECNL consists of 20 – 30 games spread across the season, and each team is expected to play against all other teams in their respective region with the target of becoming a champion at the end of the season.
The ECNL games occur on weekends with different conferences and regions teams competing against each other to fight for a domestic title.
Whilst it’s a known fact that the league is divided into different sections depending on the location within the country, it must be said that ECNL also has its own Champions League playoffs during the season.
Teams that acquired the most points during the league season automatically qualify for the playoffs with a group of 32 teams, while teams who fail to qualify would play in the North American or Showcase Cup.
The playoffs are tailored around a round-robin format, with 8 groups each consisting of 4 teams in a group. Each winner of every group will also play another group winner to decide who qualifies for the Elite Club National finals.
The Champion of that season will be decided after four teams who qualify for the National Finals faces themselves in a two-day tournament to produce a sole winner.
Whilst the North American or Showcase Cup is meant for teams that fail to qualify for the Champions League playoffs, the Open Cup is meant for teams that don’t qualify for any other competition to compete in.
ECNL Soccer Structure
The ECNL offers a prescribed collection of basic guidelines and requirements for players and staff belonging to ECNL-affiliated clubs, with the aim of fostering a more professional soccer atmosphere.
Moreover, the ECNL allows member clubs to exchange expertise and ideas regarding player development, club management, and administration, with the objective of enhancing the day-to-day involvement of players.
Roster
The ECNL provides teams with the flexibility to have up to 26 players on their roster and allows players to be listed on multiple teams within their ECNL club. Moreover, players can switch from one team to another within the same event, giving them the opportunity to participate in various age groups. However, players are limited to playing in only one ECNL game per day.
This arrangement enables skillful players to compete against older opponents, if their club believes it would be beneficial for the player’s development, enhancing their growth and training.
Sub Rule
The ECNL enforces limitations on substitutions during each game by disallowing players from re-entering a game in the same half once they have been subbed out.
This rule requires players to maintain their concentration and work rate for longer durations than in other competitions, while also preparing them for national and international play.
Unlike other youth soccer leagues that often permit massive substitutions, ECNL players must adapt to the physical and mental demands of playing for an uninterrupted 80-90 minutes without temporary breaks to re-energize or refocus.
They must also learn to embrace the role and responsibilities of entering the game late to either enhance the attacking threat or execute high-intensity defending to secure a win.
Schedule
The ECNL schedule offers member clubs the chance to regularly compete against the top clubs in the country and includes an identification program, which helps to lower the number of games played by teams and players each year.
As a result, member clubs can allocate more time to player development and provide players with ample time for rest and recovery throughout the year.
ECRL & ECNL Member Clubs Structure
- Boys and Girls ECRL U13-19.
- They only play against member clubs.
- Their training frequency is 3x per week.
- The season length is 10 months from September to June.
- Financial aid is made available for every club.
- Players are entitled to participate in their high school programs.
What’s The Difference Between ECNL & ECRL?
When the demand for a training environment to produce more talented players in different geographic locations arises in the US, the US Soccer Club came up with the ECRL which is meant to complement the ECNL as a league for teams that play nationally.
Elite Club National League and it’s the first-tier league in the US, while ECRL which is a second-tier league means Elite Club Regional League.
The ECNL and ECRL were both established in 2009 and 2018 respectively, and the latter experienced two major expansions in 2011 and 2021 with the formation of a new ECNL Super Cup.
The expansion of the ECNL bore an increment in clubs from 52 to 66 clubs in 2011, and in 2021 a resounding expansion also occurred with the clubs experiencing another increment from 94 to 113.
How Do I Play In The ECNL?
Do you want to join the ECNL but are unsure how to get started?
Find a nearby club by checking out this ENCL map, if you want to play ECNL or ECNL regional league soccer. Although major cities have ECNL clubs close by, this isn’t always the case. Research and visit club websites to get information on ECNL soccer tryouts.
ECNL tryouts are open to all who register and pay the stipulated fee, with no requirement for an invitation. Tryouts usually occur in the spring, although dates may differ slightly from state to state because they are determined by the state’s youth soccer associations rather than ECNL.
If your dream is to play in this elite youth league, it is essential to be fully invested – and that entails taking charge of your own development. The ECNL is one of the highest levels of play for youth players in the United States.
To reach your goal of playing in the ECNL or ECRL, you must be motivated, driven, and committed to the necessary work. This means being genuinely passionate about your personal growth and constantly striving to improve your game.
Is Development Academy (DA) Better Than ECNL?
Many people believe that girls should join the ECNL to succeed in soccer while boys should join the DA. However, this belief is not accurate, and both organizations should be viewed as allies.
Although the ECNL was established to promote young female soccer players, and the Girls DA is a newer organization, assuming that the ECNL is the best option for girls is incorrect.
While there are differences between the two organizations, such as the number of practices and recording matches, the most significant difference is in training.
DA clubs must adhere to a specific training schedule and field size, while ECNL clubs have more flexibility.
ECNL also has a code of conduct that demands certain details from participating clubs, such as providing water and Gatorade jugs and certified professional referees.
Young players need to be part of well-organized and competitive environments to develop a sense of belonging and prepare for professional games.
However, the prohibition of DA players from participating in high school teams may cause parents to question if a purely professional approach to the game is the right choice for their child.
ECNL offers both competitive and recreational options, allowing players to maintain their competitive level while playing for fun with their friends.
Both DA and ECNL should be seen as different paths towards the same goal, with the diversity of options increasing the chances for kids to get involved in the game.
Can ECNL Soccer Players Participate In ODP Program?
Yes, ECNL players are generally allowed to participate in the ODP (Olympic Development Program).
ODP is a player identification and development program that provides opportunities for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn spots on regional and national teams.
While ODP is not directly affiliated with ECNL, ECNL players are still eligible to participate in ODP events and tryouts.
However, it’s important to note that ECNL players may have busy schedules with their club commitments, which could limit their availability to participate in ODP events.
Also, players may need to work with their club and ODP schedules to ensure they can participate in both without conflicts.
How Much Does ECNL Soccer Cost?
The cost of ECNL soccer can vary depending on a number of factors such as the location of the club, the level of competition, and the expenses associated with traveling to games and tournaments.
Typically, ECNL clubs require a significant financial commitment from players and their families, with annual fees ranging from $5,000 – $10,000 a year.
These fees may cover expenses such as coaching salaries, field rentals, equipment, travel, and tournament fees.
In addition to the annual fees, there may be extra costs associated with playing in ECNL, such as uniforms, training gear, and team travel expenses. Some clubs may offer financial assistance or scholarships to help offset the costs for players who demonstrate financial need.
The issue of affordability has raised brows about the limited access for lower-income families in the US, particularly in soccer where the majority of players come from families earning more than $100,000 annually.
This stands in contrast to countries such as Argentina and Brazil, where soccer is a sport of the working class.
This lack of accessibility has negative impacts on both the talent pool and the interest of kids from less fortunate backgrounds in soccer, which is currently viewed as an elite sport in the US
Is ECNL Soccer Worth The Cost?
The choice of whether to participate in the Elite Clubs National League ultimately rests on the athlete and their unique objectives and circumstances.
The ECNL is regarded as one of the best youth soccer leagues in the US, with a priority on producing great players and preparing them for chances in college and professional soccer.
A player’s exposure to top-tier competition, quality coaching, and college scouts can be increased by participating in the ECNL.
Although it can be fairly time- and money-consuming, taking part in the ECNL can also be quite difficult. The expenses of playing (such as club dues, travel expenses, and equipment) can be substantial. Players may need to travel regularly for games and training sessions.
Players and families should therefore carefully assess their objectives and available funds before determining whether the ECNL is advantageous for them.
The ECNL may be a wise investment for a player who is dedicated to pursuing a career in soccer and has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Other soccer choices, however, might be a better fit if a player’s objectives are primarily casual or if they lack the finances to participate fully.
Can ECNL Soccer Players Play High School Soccer?
ECNL players are allowed to play high school soccer, but it depends on the specific rules and policies of their club and state association.
Previously, ECNL had rules that prevented players from participating in high school soccer, but those restrictions have been lifted. ECNL now encourages players to prioritize their club commitments and communicate with their high school coaches to minimize conflicts.
It’s important for players to check with their specific club and state association regarding eligibility and compliance with regulations.
Do ECNL Soccer Players Get Pay?
No, players in the Elite Clubs National League do not earn money for playing.
The ECNL is a youth soccer league for female players, and its primary purpose is to provide a competitive environment for player development and college recruitment. The league is not a professional league, and its players are not considered professional athletes.
Therefore, they do not receive salaries or any other form of compensation for their participation in the league.
