The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is one of the top youth soccer leagues in the United States, founded in 2009 to elevate competition, development, and visibility for young soccer players, initially focusing on the girls’ side of the game. Created by a group of club directors aiming to address gaps in elite girls’ soccer, the league provided a centralized, national platform for top-level players and clubs, offering a structured schedule with consistent high-level competition and a development-centered philosophy.

Seeing the success of the girls’ program, ECNL launched a boys’ league in 2017, expanding its mission to develop top male youth talent. Over the years, ECNL has become known for its stringent standards, extensive network of college showcases, and high-quality events. It has grown into a highly respected pathway for college recruitment and even professional soccer, emphasizing player growth both on and off the field. Today, ECNL encompasses hundreds of clubs across the U.S. and continues to play a major role in shaping youth soccer.