What is ECNL

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is a youth soccer league for boys and girls that was founded in 2009 as a girls only league with the addition of the boys in 2017. It is widely considered to be the top league for girls' soccer in the United States, and it is responsible for developing some of the best female players in the world.

The ECNL is a non-profit organization that is run by a board of directors, made up of club directors and coaches. The league is made up of over 90 clubs from across the country, each with their own teams at various age levels.

One of the unique features of the ECNL is its focus on player development. The league is dedicated to providing the highest level of competition for its players, while also prioritizing the long-term development of each individual player.

The ECNL has a number of initiatives in place to support player development, including a player identification program, which is designed to identify the best young players in the country and provide them with specialized training and development opportunities. The league also hosts a number of showcase events throughout the year, which provide players with exposure to college coaches and scouts.

In addition to its focus on player development, the ECNL is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport. The league has established a number of initiatives to support this goal, including the "Amazing Young Women" campaign, which highlights the achievements of female athletes both on and off the field.

One of the reasons the ECNL is so highly regarded is because of its rigorous standards for competition. In order to be considered for membership in the league, a club must meet a number of requirements related to player development, coaching, facilities, and administration. This means that every team in the league is held to a high standard, and competition is always intense.

Overall, the ECNL is a vital component of the youth soccer landscape in the United States. It provides a high level of competition for boys and girls at all age levels, while also prioritizing player development and promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport.