For the first time ever, NorCal Premier Soccer will kick off its league season in style, with all NPL and ECNL-RL teams scheduled to play at NorCal’s Opening Weekend Event this Saturday and Sunday at Davis Legacy Soccer Complex.

Overall, 364 teams from the U13-U19 age groups will take part in 293 different games over the course of the two days in what is expected to be a festive atmosphere full of the top teams and players from all around the state.

“We wanted to create an event that kicks the season off with excitement for each of the players, coaches, and families who participate in our league competitions,” said NorCal Director of Competitions Daniel Chamberlain. “Below the U16 age groups, we don’t have any big league events for our teams so we wanted to give everyone a chance to showcase themselves in a world class soccer environment.”

For the U13 and U14 teams, this weekend will give them a chance to see how they stack up against several opponents as each will play three short friendly games against different teams, much in the same way as the NorCal Playdates.

Meanwhile, the U15-U19 squads will begin their NPL and ECNL-RL campaigns in front of a packed house.

In addition to the games, there will be a host of other activities provided including small-sided pickup games, soccer tennis, media professionals on hand to help each club with digital assets, and testing through NorCal’s partner COPA STC.

Over the course of the two days, NorCal will also announce its first-ever ECNL-RL Preseason All-League teams for each division.

“We’re hoping to turn Opening Weekend into one of the highlights of the season,” Chamberlain said.