PRE-ECNL
Key Features of Pre-ECNL:
- Early Development Focus: Pre-ECNL is geared toward younger players, focusing on foundational skills, technical development, and understanding of the game. The league emphasizes player growth and prepares players for the more competitive environment of the ECNL.
- High-Level Competition: Pre-ECNL offers a competitive environment where players can test themselves against strong opponents. This helps to build the competitive spirit and resilience required at higher levels.
- Club Integration: Pre-ECNL teams are part of ECNL clubs, providing continuity in training philosophy and coaching standards as players progress through the ranks. This integration ensures that players receive consistent development throughout their youth soccer journey.
- League Structure: The Pre-ECNL is organized similarly to the ECNL, with teams divided into regional conferences. This structure allows for regular competition against top teams in the region, fostering a competitive yet developmental environment.
- Pathway to ECNL: Pre-ECNL is a stepping stone to the ECNL. Players who excel in Pre-ECNL move on to play in the ECNL as they age out of the younger age groups, continuing their development in a more demanding setting.
- Exposure to Advanced Coaching: Players in Pre-ECNL benefit from coaching that aligns with the standards of the ECNL. This early exposure to high-quality coaching helps accelerate their development and prepares them for the challenges of higher-level competition.
IMPACT ON YOUTH SOCCER:
Pre-ECNL plays a critical role in the early stages of player development, providing a structured and competitive environment that helps young athletes build the skills and mindset needed for future success in soccer. By focusing on development from a young age, the league contributes to the overall growth of soccer talent in the United States, creating a solid foundation for players who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport.
WHY SHOULD I PLAY IN THE ECNL?
The ECNL was formed with one driving purpose: to improve the developmental environment for elite soccer players.
In order to accomplish this, the ECNL has several specific objectives:
- Increase the frequency with which the top players in the country have the opportunity to compete against each other.
- Decrease the number of uncompetitive games for the top players in the country so that these players can train more frequently.
- Increase the collegiate recruiting exposure for top players.
- Provide an alternative identification program for these players to be identified for US Soccer Youth National Teams.
- Every member club of the ECNL is dedicated to accomplishing these objectives. By coming together into the ECNL, ECNL member clubs can help to make the changes necessary to accomplish these objectives far more quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
PRO PLAYER PATHWAY
Within the last two years, more than 55 ECNL players have signed USL Academy contracts to train and compete professionally within their club or with a club affiliate while still also playing youth soccer. ECNL clubs like North Carolina FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Louisville City, and more are using those contracts to provide youth players training and games with professional players while still maintaining their NCAA eligibility.
Beyond those 55 athletes who have signed USL Academy contracts, 40 more ECNL players have signed full professional contracts in the past two years. Graduates from ECNL clubs have gone on to MLS, USL, Liga MX, Serie A, Bundesliga and more. Players such as Jackson Hopkins (VDA to DC United), Jimmy Slayton (FSA to Hartford Athletic), Marck Cruz (San Diego Surf to Chivas de Guadalajara), Giovanni D’Agostino (Arlington Soccer to FC Bologna) and Evan Rotundo (San Diego Surf to FC Schalke 04) have paved the way for others to make the same jump as they have, and serve as role models for the next generation of ECNL athletes. As the league continues to grow, the representation of players from these clubs in the best soccer leagues in the world will only expand.
