The ECNL consists of two youth soccer leagues (male and female), each a non-profit, member-based 501(c)(3) organization, with independent governance and leadership structures. The ECNL Board of Directors and staff govern all programs and platforms. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer.

IMPLEMENTATION

The ECNL four primary platforms to accomplish its mission:

• The Competition Platform
• The Player Identification Platform
• The Club and Coach Development Platform
• The Health & Education Resources Platform
• The ECNL was founded in 2009 as a challenge to the status quo of youth soccer, with a vision to be better. In its first years, the league supported only girls programming, but that was to change. As a result of grassroots collaboration and innovation driven by youth soccer leaders all around the country, the ECNL quickly rose to national prominence – and ultimately to be the top level of competition and player development in the country. Each step was fueled by a shared commitment to elevating the youth soccer experience.From inception, the ECNL consistently developed in alignment with the needs of its member clubs, always seeking opportunities to lead and provide more, no matter the challenge or adversity. The four letters “ECNL” have become the embodiment of collaborative innovation, opportunity, respect, development, and excellence in youth soccer, as the once-radical idea of clubs having a voice to determine their future proved to produce results never before seen in youth soccer. Unrivaled numbers of female players, of constantly improving quality, began moving on to the collegiate, professional, and national team levels as the ECNL impact changed youth soccer.
• In 2017, the landscape again demanded more and the ECNL Boys was founded, setting the stage for an amazing period of rapid growth, increasing quality and further change in youth soccer. Starting with 57 of the top boys clubs in the country, the creation of the Boys ECNL once again demonstrated how a total commitment to improving the experience of players, coaches, clubs, and the environment in which they develop, can change everything.Today, the ECNL represents the epitome of excellence in youth soccer, for boys and girls, as the league and its clubs, players, coaches, and everyone involved seeks to constantly “Raise the Game” for the future.

OUR MISSION

To RAISE THE GAME by transforming youth sports and setting new standards of excellence

CORE VALUES

• LEADERSHIP: Youth soccer should be led by experts in youth soccer who understand its unique culture, ecosystem, challenges, and needs.
• SERVICE: Clubs are the primary vehicles of player development, and the ECNL exists to serve the needs of clubs, their directors, coaches, and players.
• COLLABORATION: Collaboration makes sport better. Philosophical alignment on vision, values and purpose creates an unconquerable environment.
• COMPETITION: Competition drives performance and should be embedded in all ages, programs, and in membership. The ECNL must have clear pathways for players, teams, and clubs to reward performance and demand constant improvement.
• INNOVATION: The ECNL must operate great competitions while also providing resources and platforms that provide additional services to clubs in player development and identification, coach education, and club development.
• ASPIRATION: ECNL must have both minimum standards and expectations and an intentionally-created culture that inspires achievement of the highest standards and expectations

ECNL REGIONAL LEAGUE – HEARTLAND CONFERENCE

The ECNL Regional League – Heartland Conference joined the ECNL platform in the 2020-21 season.

This conference provides the highest level of regional competition for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U19 teams.

Top Clubs from Kansas and Missouri make up the newly established Heartland Conference. League winners and qualifiers advance to the ECNL National Playoffs.

SURF ECNL-RL Boys

Manhattan Surf players in partnership with Kansas City Surf will be able to participate in the ECNL-RL Heartland Conference, with teams for U13 (2013), U14 (2012), U15 (2011), U16 (2010), U17 (2009) and U18/19 (2008/2007).

The Surf ECNL Boys Regional League teams will be part of the elite tier of the club and therefore have higher expectations & requirements for commitment, training and some travel as opposed to our other competitive teams.

All of Surf ECNL-RL teams will practice 3 times per week and play ECNL-RL games as well as local league games and college showcase events / elite level tournaments.

All age groups have the potential to move onto the ECNL-RL National playoff series.

All high school aged players will be able to participate in High School soccer as the seasons do not conflict.

Key Features of ECNL RL:

1. High-Level Competition: ECNL RL features top youth soccer clubs from across the country. The league is known for its competitive environment, where the best young players compete regularly against each other.
2. Development Focus: The league emphasizes player development over results. This includes a focus on technical skill, tactical understanding, and overall athletic growth, preparing players for collegiate, professional, and international levels.
3. National Events: ECNL RL organizes several showcase events throughout the year, where players can perform in front of college scouts, national team coaches, and other talent evaluators.
4. Structure: The league is organized into regional conferences, with teams playing both within their conference and in cross-conference matches. The top teams qualify for national playoffs, culminating in a national championship.
5. College Pathway: Many ECNL RL players go on to play soccer at the collegiate level. The league has a strong reputation for producing players who succeed in college soccer and beyond.

Impact on U.S. Soccer:

The ECNL & ECNL RL has played a significant role in elevating the standard of youth soccer in the United States. It has provided a platform for talented players to compete at a high level and gain exposure to college and professional opportunities. The league’s success has contributed to the overall growth of soccer in the U.S., especially in the development of future collegiate and national team players.