ECNL Regional League Expands and Re-Aligns with NorCal Premier Soccer for 2025-26 Season
NEW STRUCTURE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STREAMLINES PATHWAYS & SERVICES FOR ECNL BOYS & ECNL GIRLS
RICHMOND, Va. (February 27, 2025) – Recognizing the continued growth of the sport, and the demand for clearer pathways and better environments for all clubs and players, the ECNL and NorCal Premier Soccer are excited to announce an expanded and re-aligned ECNL Regional League structure for the 2025-2026 season for both boys and girls.
This fall, the ECNL Regional League will feature two divisions in Northern California, each uniquely built to meet the needs of the players, teams and clubs participating.
The ECNL Regional League – NorCal will include approximately 20 teams at each age group from U13 – U18 from clubs who qualify from NorCal Premier Soccer. The majority of the ECNL RL – NorCal will be club-based, but a small number of wildcard individual teams will also earn qualification in each age in order to reward smaller clubs with uniquely talented individual age groups. All participating teams in the ECNL RL – NorCal will be first teams from each club. Top performing clubs from the ECNL RL – NorCal will be considered for promotion into the ECNL.
The ECNL Regional League – Golden State will support deeper player pools and pathways for existing ECNL clubs, creating a 2nd team league for these clubs. This will create an improved competition and development environment for these players aligned with the ECNL competition schedule of their clubs, and will allow ECNL directors to manage player pools effectively from game to game each weekend, rewarding player development and performance in real time. “The creation of a 2nd team league for our ECNL member clubs helps to create a true player development hierarchy within our clubs for promotion to the highest level of national competition in the ECNL,” said Andy Mittler, Mustang Soccer ECNL Director.
The ECNL RL – Norcal and ECNL RL – Golden State will have independent regular season competition schedules, with each league sending qualifiers to the ECNL Regional League West Playoffs. Both leagues will have teams participate in regular season ECNL Regional League Events across the country, as well as in other NorCal Premier competitions.
“The support of these two aligned but independent divisions shows the commitment of the ECNL and NorCal Premier Soccer to listen to the needs of the clubs and to build tailored competition structures that meet these needs,” said ECNL Regional League Commissioner Chris Leahey. “Importantly, while recognizing the differing needs of clubs, both organizations are aligned in creating a single post-season pathway that brings teams from both leagues together.”
“The expansion of the NorCal Premier ECNL RL to include club-based membership provides a clear pathway for ambitious clubs seeking membership in the full ECNL,” said NorCal Director of Competitions, Dan Chamberlain. “Members of the new NorCal ECNL RL division make up the top-performing boys and girls programs within NorCal Premier Soccer and have been selected following a rigorous application process, based on their performance over the past three years. In addition to being the proving ground for clubs to earn their way into the ECNL, the NorCal Premier Division of the ECNL RL will also feature the highest level of competition within NorCal Premier Soccer.”
About NorCal Premier Soccer:
Founded in 2004, NorCal Premier Soccer is the leading developmental soccer organization in Northern California. With a membership of over 270 diverse clubs and over 120,000 total competitive and recreational players, NorCal continues to be a driving force behind youth soccer’s development in the region. NorCal is committed to elevating the game of soccer through its comprehensive programs—including year-round competitions, NorCal State Cup, a no-cost Player Development Program, and heavily subsidized coach, referee, and club education programs. NorCal Premier Soccer is a California Nonprofit Benefit Corporation.
About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.
The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
ECNL Contact: Jacob Born; 804-904-2693
www.TheECNL.com
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