RICHMOND, Va. (May 6, 2024) - The ECNL is excited to announce the promotion of Chris Leahey to the Commissioner of the ECNL Regional League and the promotion of Blayne Fink to the Commissioner of Events and Event Operations. These changes reflect the ECNL's commitment to excellence and constant improvement both in service to clubs and players, and also in internal operations.

Leahey joined the ECNL full-time last July, bringing with him over 20 years of coaching and leadership experience, and as the former Executive Director of Match Fit Academy since 2009. In the past 12 months, Leahey has helped oversee tremendous growth, improvement and restructuring in the ECNL Regional League as the platform continues to develop as one of the top competition and development platforms in the country.  "The ECNL Regional League and the ECNL work together hand in hand to serve our clubs and to improve the experience and outcomes for players and clubs," said Leahey.  "I am excited to focus even more on leading the ECNL RL in this process and on creating even more opportunities for the teams and players in the RL.  The ECNL and the ECNL RL are the top 2 platforms in youth soccer, and we are committing to further elevating the experiences in both."

Fink has been with the ECNL since 2019 in multiple different roles, after graduating from Virginia Tech and competing four years with their women's soccer team.  In her first role with the league, Fink managed the operations of the Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game Series and the ECNL National Training Camp (rebranded and reformatted to the ECNL Conference Cup last season).  After being promoted to Associate Commissioner of Events, Fink took over management of logistics for all ECNL national events across the country.  Now she will take on even more responsibility in leading all aspects of ECNL event planning and operations.  "This new role is a testament to the value our league places on events and the ECNL's investment in making sure that they remain best in class," said Fink. "The opportunity to serve in this role, to lead our growing events team, and to continue to help set the standard in youth sports is one that I am grateful to be offered and eager to take on."
 

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About the ECNL:

The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential. 

The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.

The ECNL Commitment:

We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
 

www.TheECNL.com