ECNL RL Club Applications
For the 2025/26 season, NorCal will be launching its first-ever club-based division of competition with the ECNL Regional League Club Division. This division will consist of top clubs in NorCal Premier who wish to compete in a club-based version of the current NorCal ECNL RL. As a club-based division, clubs will be required to field teams in every age group of the division (U13-U19). The club-based division will exist alongside the current team-based division and will feature crossover play to determine the overall ECNL RL Champion.
The purpose of the ECNL RL Club Division will be to provide a clearer pathway for the promotion of clubs into the ECNL through NorCal competitions. This is a natural evolution of the ECNL promotion process that has been established on the boys side of the ECNL for the past few years. Clubs seeking to earn promotion into the ECNL on either the girls or the boys side will do so through their performance in the NorCal ECNL RL Club Division.
Further details on how clubs will earn promotion and the format of play and divisions will be released following the selection of club members.
Application Process
All clubs seeking membership in the NorCal ECNL RL Club Division must complete an application before the deadlines below. Once complete, each application will be reviewed, and each club will be evaluated by the ECNL RL Club Membership Committee. Once complete, the committee will provide feedback to each club that submits an application.
ECNL RL Girls Club Application
Applications for the ECNL RL Club Division will close on 10/31/24. Following the application close, the Club Membership Committee will review all applications. Final decisions on applications will be communicated to all clubs no later than 12/15/24.
Application Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by the committee according to the following criteria:
- Quality of Teams
- History of performance in NorCal competitions
- Performance of younger age teams
- Performance in alternate platforms
- Technical Standards
- DOC license/ experience
- Coaching staff license/ experience
- Club technical plan
- Geography
- Administrative Standards
- History of adherence to NorCal standards/ policies
- Quality of facilities
Additionally, applications will be screened for the following minimum standards
- Club must have teams in U13-U19 competing at a minimum of the State Premier level in NorCal Premier
- DOC/ Technical Director with a minimum of a USSF “B” License, or foreign equivalent
- Coaching staff must all have a minimum of a USSF “D” License
