Pre-ECNL Events Announced for 2025-26 season
Youth soccer players across America will have more chances to compete in fun tournaments during the 2025-26 season thanks to new Pre-ECNL events.
TL;DR:
What Are Pre-ECNL Cups?
The Pre-ECNL just announced something really cool for young soccer players. For the first time ever, they’re creating five special tournaments called Pre-ECNL Cups. These tournaments are just for kids who are 12 years old and younger.
“The new Pre-ECNL Cups will provide exciting tournament matches for young players where they can compete for a weekend championship within driving distance of their club,” said ECNL Event Commissioner Blayne Fink.
These tournaments are different from regular league games. Instead of playing the same teams over and over, kids get to travel to new places and play against teams they’ve never faced before. It’s like a big soccer party where everyone comes together for the weekend!
When and Where Will These Tournaments Happen?
The Five New Pre-ECNL Cup Tournaments:
Fall 2025:
- Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup (ages 10-12) – September 27-28 in Lebanon, Ohio
- Pre-ECNL Carolina Cup (ages 11-14) – October 11-13 for girls, October 17-19 for boys in Wilmington, North Carolina
- Pre-ECNL East Coast Cup (ages 10-12) – November 1-2 in Richmond, Virginia
Spring 2026:
- Pre-ECNL Northern Cal Cup (ages 11-12) – March 13-15 in Davis, California
- Pre-ECNL Champions Cup (ages 10-12) – May 15-17 in Provo, Utah
The Champions Cup in May will be extra special. Only the winning teams from the other tournaments throughout the year will get invited to play. It’s like the championship of championships!
What About the Regular Pre-ECNL Events?
Don’t worry – all the tournaments that already exist will still happen too. There are eight other Pre-ECNL events that happen alongside bigger ECNL tournaments for older kids.
Pre-ECNL Boys Events:
- ECNL New Jersey (ages 11-12) – August 22-24, 2025
- ECNL Atlanta (age 12) – September 12-14, 2025
- ECNL Texas (ages 11-12) – April 24-26, 2026
Pre-ECNL Girls Events:
- ECNL New Jersey (ages 11-12) – August 22-24, 2025
- ECNL San Diego (age 12) – October 11-13, 2025
- ECNL Phoenix (age 12) – March 27-29, 2026
- ECNL Texas (ages 11-12) – April 24-26, 2026
- ECNL South Carolina (age 12) – May 8-10, 2026
Why Are These Tournaments Important?
In my opinion, these new tournaments are a great idea because they give young players more opportunities to experience different styles of play and meet new friends from other areas. When kids only play against the same local teams, they might not be challenged to grow as much.
The Pre-ECNL has grown really fast in the past two years. This season will have more than 300 clubs and 800 teams participating across the country. That’s a lot of young soccer players getting better training and more fun games to play!
How Do These Tournaments Help Young Players?
These tournaments are designed to match players against others who are at the same skill level. This means games should be fair and fun for everyone involved. Kids won’t be playing against teams that are way too easy or way too hard.
The tournaments also help prepare young players for what comes next. As they get older, they might want to play in ECNL or ECNL Regional League competitions. These Pre-ECNL events give them a taste of what that will be like.
What This Means for Families
For soccer families, this means more travel opportunities and chances to see their kids play against new competition. The organizers are trying to keep tournaments “within driving distance” so families don’t have to spend too much money on flights or long trips.
These tournaments also give players, coaches, families, and referees better experiences. Everyone gets to be part of a bigger soccer community and learn from each other.
The Pre-ECNL is working hard to make sure young players have the best possible environment to learn and grow in soccer, and these new tournaments are just one more way they’re doing that.
