ECNL Boys Expands Western Presence with New Far West Conference

BySoccerNovo Editorial Team Published on
ECNL New Far West Conference

In a historic first, ECNL Boys has announced the promotion of its entire Far West Regional League to full ECNL conference status for the 2025-26 season.

TL;DR:

  • First time in ECNL history that an entire Regional League has been promoted to full ECNL status
  • Eight clubs will form the new conference, including first-ever representation in Idaho and expanded presence in Oregon
  • Launch set for 2025-26 season, following two years of strategic planning and proven performance by member clubs

This expansion marks the league’s 15th conference and represents the first time a complete Regional League has been promoted to ECNL’s premier level of competition.

The new Far West Conference will consist of eight clubs, including United PDX, which will transfer from the Northwest Conference to better align with regional scheduling and high school soccer seasons.

This strategic expansion significantly strengthens ECNL’s presence in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon, and marks the league’s first entry into Idaho.

“This is a watershed moment for ECNL Boys,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “The promotion of an entire Regional League to ECNL Boys status is unprecedented. This initiative, which began nearly two years ago, demonstrates our commitment to creating clear pathways for club advancement while expanding elite soccer opportunities across new geographical regions.”

Conference Members and Achievements

The Far West Conference will comprise the following clubs:

Oregon Clubs

  • United PDX (Tigard): A proven competitor from the Northwest Conference with strong showcase performances, including undefeated runs at ECNL Phoenix (U18/19), Florida (U16), and Las Vegas (U15)
  • Capital FC (Salem): Current leaders in multiple age groups with recent success in Regional League Finals
  • Eugene Metro (Eugene): Shows promising growth with strong youth program performance
  • FC Portland (Hillsboro): Currently leads U14 division with competitive teams across age groups
  • Oregon Premier FC (Lake Oswego): Boasts multiple playoff-positioned teams and impressive showcase results
  • Westside Metros FC (Beaverton): Demonstrated excellence with multiple playoff appearances and Regional League finalists

Idaho Clubs

  • Boise Timbers (Meridian): Current U16 division leaders with strong performance across age groups
  • Idaho Rush (Boise): Shows consistent growth with multiple teams in playoff contention

Impact and Future Outlook

The creation of the Far West Conference not only expands ECNL’s geographical footprint but also strengthens the competitive landscape in the Pacific Northwest.

This move particularly benefits clubs like United PDX, which will see reduced travel demands and better alignment with local high school seasons.

The conference’s formation validates ECNL’s commitment to developing clear pathways for club advancement while ensuring high standards of competition and organization. As these clubs transition to full ECNL status, they bring proven track records of success in Regional League play and national showcase events, suggesting a bright future for soccer development in the region.

For more information about ECNL Boys and the Far West Conference, visit www.ecnlboys.com.

RELATED POSTS