What is the Elite Clubs National League Boys?
The Elite Clubs National League Boys (ECNL Boys) was founded to improve the daily environment for boys youth soccer players through a collaborative club-based development program featuring competition, player identification, and coaching and club development platforms. The ECNL Boys will include both regular season conference games and cross-conference events, and qualifying teams from the ECNL Boys will advance into the ECNL Boys Post-Season.
The ECNL Boys is based on the values of grassroots collaboration and innovation, and supports the independence and freedom of coaches and clubs to fully manage the development path for their players, including the system and style of play, the competitive calendar, and all aspects of the development path. The ECNL Boys will raise standards in training, competition, club organization, and coaching in a holistic development program.
You can use this link to access the ECNL Boys website
How will this help my son reach his goals of collegiate and professional soccer?
ECNL Boys clubs compete against other ECNL clubs in national tournaments, college showcases, and special cross-conference events. Competing against some of the biggest and best clubs and players in the country, our players will see high quality opponents each week and also have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage.
What Conference will South Carolina Surf participate in and who are the clubs/teams?
Starting the 2023 season, the ECNL Southeast Conference will be spit into East and West Divisions.
We will compete in the East Division along with SCUFC, CESA, AFU, CF Premier, and NTH-NASA for 6 teams total. The West Division will consist of 7 teams including: Alabama FC, CF Platinum, UFA, GSA, TSC, FC Alliance, and Chattanooga Red Wolves
Our U15-U18/19 (High School age players) teams will play each team in our East Division home and away, and each team in the West Division either home OR away. The fixture versus the West Division opponent will alternate each season. The total number of league games played is 17
Our U13-U14 (non- High School age players) teams will play each team in the East Division and each team in the West Division home and away across the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 season for 24 league games
How long is the ECNL Season?
The season will begin in August and commence with playoffs in June. High School aged players will break from league play for High School sports participation from February to May.
What is the travel commitment like?
With the restructuring of the ECNL Southeast into East and West Divisions it makes travel much easier for our older teams. You can expect to travel 3-4 weekends in the Fall season for U15-U18/19 league games, plus showcases/events. For U13-U14, you can expect to travel 3-4 weekends in the Fall and Spring season each as the league games are spread across the entire season
How do you qualify for the playoffs?
With the restructuring of the ECNL Southeast Conference into East and West Divisions the new playoff qualification process is as follows:
U13 – the top 2 teams from the East and the top 2 teams from the West and the best 3rd place team will advance (5 teams total)
U14-U17 – the top 3 teams from the East and the top 3 teams from the West and the best 4th place team will advance (7 total)
U18/19 – the winner from the East and the winner from the West and the best 2nd place team will advance (3 total)
How many showcases are hosted per year?
ECNL host numerous showcase events each year. Our club will attend 2-3 ECNL showcase events based on age
Will I be allowed to play school sports while in the ECNL?
YES, Participation in school sports will be allowed. We are focused on the players, their development and health so we will continue to monitor during the High School break as some players may elect to not participate in school sports. Players suffer more injuries due to overuse and we want to support players with proper periodization.
What age groups will SC Surf place in the ECNL Boys League?
We will place teams at U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16 U17, & U-18/19.
How do I find out more information on the ECNL Boys League?
Please contact ECNL Director Chase Miller at chase.miller@southcarolinasurfsoccer.com