What is the ECNL?

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 as a challenge to the status quo of youth soccer, with a vision to be better. 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.

What is the difference between ECNL and ECNL Regional League?

The ECNL is a national platform. The ECNL Girls (National) are currently comprised of 11 geographic conferences and the ECNL Boys (National) are currently comprised of 13 geographic conferences. These clubs travel a greater distance within their conference for league play and are required to attend several ECNL National Tournaments during the season that require greater travel and financial commitment. In addition, ECNL (National) rewards the top qualifying teams in each age group of each conference with advancement to ECNL Playoffs in June. The winners from Playoffs then compete for a National Championship in July. 

The ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) is operated and managed by ECNL as a second tier to the national platform. It provides the same structure that has made ECNL so strong for development and college soccer recruitment, but through more localized competition. It plays an important role in player development through high-level competition and a committed player pathway. ECNL RL also provides post-season advancement for the top teams in each age group that qualify, allowing a similar advancement to regional and national playoffs for a championship.

Some of the biggest, strongest clubs across the country offer ECNL to their top teams and ECNL Regional to their second teams in the age group. All clubs must be accepted into ECNL by committee, and acceptance typically includes clubs at the right competitive level, clubs that provide the structure to meet the league requirements for a quality game-day experience, and clubs that make sense based on location among or between other clubs in the league. Some clubs have been accepted into ECNL Regional without having the national platform, and DC Soccer Club is one of those clubs that has been fortunate to gain acceptance into this prestigious league.

Why the ECNL Regional League?

DCSC is an ambitious soccer club that is committed to providing appropriate levels of competition for all of our players. The ECNL RL provides a regional level of competition and a significant player pathway, with enhanced player exposure and opportunities for college recruitment and player development. We will be part of a regional division that may include playoff opportunities and national exposure.

Who do we play?

We will play in the ECNL Regional League - Virginia (North Division), managed by the Virginia Premier Soccer League (VPSL). Clubs we compete against include Arlington, McLean, Great Falls Reston, Vienna, LMVSC, Herndon, Loudon, Stafford, Villarreal, VSA, Virginia Valor and PWSI. 

What genders and age groups play?

The ECNL Regional League is for our top boys and girls teams U13- U19. Our top U11 and U12 boys and girls compete with all the ECNL RL - Virginia clubs in Pre-ECNL. 

Does this League require a greater level of commitment?

Yes. This is the top level of travel competition in our club, and players are expected to a higher standard of commitment and development.  Players are required to attend 3 team training sessions per week in the fall and spring, and 2 team training sessions per week in the winter. The exception is for High School age groups, who typically have to manage their high school soccer teams and their club teams and therefore have flexibility built into their training schedule. 

The ECNL Regional League and Pre-ECNL has a fall and spring season. In the fall, DCSC will have some conflicts with high school soccer-aged players. In the spring, the Virginia teams have some conflicts with high school soccer-aged players. For high-school-aged teams, some league matches may be coordinated by clubs to be played over the winter. ECNL RL College showcase events are also offered over the winter season. A  master calendar of the schedule is provided by the league, and the format is club-to-club for the game schedule to allow for more technical oversight and ease of coaching conflicts. 

Will there be more travel?

All of the teams we play in Pre-ECNL and ECNL RL are from Virginia. The farthest trip would be to Stafford, Va., 45 miles away. ECNL RL also offers other competitive events -- last season they were held in Richmond, Va. ECNL RL teams may also choose to compete in national tournaments, such as in Florida.

What is the club fee to be part of DC Soccer’s Pre-ECNL and ECNL Regional League Academy teams? 

The club fees and additional pertinent information will be made available prior to tryouts. Financial Aid will continue to be available. 

Where can I go to find out more information about the ECNL Regional League?

This is the link to the ECNL website: https://theecnl.com/sports/2023/9/5/About.aspx