Seven Clubs Earned Their Way to ECNL’s Top Division
Elite youth soccer in America is getting stronger as seven clubs earn their promotion to the highest level of competition through outstanding performance and dedication to player development.
TL;DR:
Meet the Rising Stars
Boys Division ECNL Promotions
- Doral SC (Florida): Dominated their Regional League with five teams in playoff positions
- Highland FC (North Carolina): Showed remarkable resilience, excelling despite Hurricane Helene challenges
- Kansas Rush (Kansas): Home to the 2024 Regional League Coach of the Year, U16 ECNL Boys Regional League National Champions, the U19 ECNL Regional League Central Champions
- Missouri Rush (Missouri): Consistent performers across all age groups
- Three Rivers SC (Washington): U14 National Champions in 2023-24
Girls ECNL Division Additions
- Missouri Rush (Missouri): Dual promotion success story with both boys and girls programs advancing
- West Side Alliance (Oklahoma): Strong showcase performance against existing ECNL teams
The Path to Excellence: What It Takes to Move Up
The ECNL has set clear standards for promotion: clubs must demonstrate sustained excellence across multiple age groups and maintain professional standards both on and off the field.
This systematic approach helps ensure that only truly prepared organizations make the jump to the highest level.
This merit-based promotion system is crucial for maintaining high standards in youth soccer, as it rewards clubs that focus on comprehensive development rather than just individual team success.
Impact on Youth Soccer Development
The promotion of these clubs represents a significant shift in American youth soccer. Each organization has demonstrated the ability to develop players consistently across multiple age groups, suggesting strong coaching education and development systems are in place.
The geographic diversity of these promotions is particularly encouraging, as it provides more opportunities for elite competition in previously underserved markets, which is essential for the growth of U.S. soccer.
Looking Ahead to 2025/2026
The addition of these clubs will strengthen ECNL’s competitive landscape while providing new opportunities for players in their respective regions.
Each club brings unique strengths and successful development models that will contribute to raising the overall standard of play.
Chris Leahey, ECNL Regional League Commissioner, sums it up best: “Together, the league and all of our clubs are serving the top athletes in boys and girls soccer in this country and we will continue to provide the best platforms possible for every participating club, team and player.”
