ECNL Regional League: Greater Michigan Alliance Launches in 2025
The ECNL Regional League is expanding its footprint in Michigan with the launch of the ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance for the 2025-26 season. Ten new clubs will join both boys and girls competition beginning this fall.
“The ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance will support the great development work done by the best clubs in Michigan, and will deepen the impact of the ECNL RL in one of the talent hotbeds of the country,” said ECNL Regional League Commissioner Chris Leahey. “This league will provide pathways and opportunities for more players, teams, and clubs from the state moving forward.”
Top performing teams will gain access to ECNL Regional League regular season events, with winners qualifying for the ECNL Regional League Playoffs.
- Boys teams will compete against qualifiers from Chicago Metro, Greater Lakes Alliance, Heartland, Midwest, Mountain, and Twin Cities regions.
- Girls teams will face off against qualifiers from Greater Lakes Alliance, Heartland, Mid-America, Mountain, Ohio Valley, and Twin Cities.
Meet the Clubs
- Detroit City FC West (Canton, MI): Founded in 1978, they’ve accumulated numerous league titles and state cup championships while sending many alumni to collegiate programs. “Partnering with ECNL RL is a significant step forward, offering unparalleled collegiate exposure,” said Director of Coaching Charlie Bell.
- Legends FC Michigan (Brighton, MI): This club, founded in 2009, boasts two recent Michigan State Cup championships and over 30 alumni competing in college. With 900+ athletes, ECNL Boys Regional League Director Ryan Carriere notes, “ECNL RL offers Legends FC and its players the ultimate level of visibility at collegiate showcase events.”
- Liverpool FC Michigan (Pontiac, MI): The largest Liverpool international academy globally represents over 30 countries and 10,000 players. Their success includes multiple ECNL Girls Champions League playoff appearances and three Michigan state titles in four years for their boys program.
- Michigan Burn (New Baltimore, MI): Founded in 2006, the club is committed to developing elite soccer players in Michigan. “The ECNL RL platform supports our initiative to offer more opportunities to our players, while giving them access to high level competition and exposure,” said Director of Coaching Joe Gallagher.
- Michigan Rangers FC (Hudsonville, MI): A staple in Michigan tournaments since 1993, they’ve won nine championships across boys and girls divisions since 2020 and average over 30 college commitments annually. Technical Director Stuart Collins emphasized, “The National Event access was really appealing to us and was a key feature for our players.”
- Nationals SC (Shelby Township, MI): In 2024, they sent four teams to the ECNL Boys National Playoffs with continued success in 2025. Their girls’ program is equally impressive with all six teams currently in playoff position for the ECNL Girls Regional League Playoffs – Central.
- Nationals SC – Capital Area (Lansing, MI): This club had four of six age groups qualify for the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs – Central in 2024. “We are excited to add the ECNL Regional League for our elite girls’ teams and the level of competition, exposure, and development this conference will bring,” said Nationals Director James DeCosemo.
- Plymouth Reign (Plymouth, MI): With four state cup championships in five years and three appearances at the Midwest Regional Championships, Plymouth Reign continues to grow. Club Director Miki Djerisilo called the invitation “a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, families, and staff.”
- Portage SC (Portage, MI): Founded in 1985, they’ve claimed four Michigan state titles across three age groups, including a 2012 girls team that finished as a USL-Y National Finalist in 2024. Over 20 members are playing or coaching at the Division I level.
- TKO Premier SC (Kalamazoo, MI): One of Michigan’s oldest clubs (founded 1983) with 750+ players, they’ve won multiple state trophies in recent years. “We are very excited to be part of a league that provides our players with such a strong player development platform and college exposure opportunities,” said Director of Coaching Rich Labadie.
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