RICHMOND, Va. (August 1, 2025) - The ECNL is excited to announce the hiring of two Pre-ECNL Commissioners to lead the newest platform in the league as it expands its scope and impact on younger age groups. Together, Ruairi McGuinness and Bob Reiss will serve and support the existing Pre-ECNL leagues and clubs around the country, build and expand new Pre-ECNL leagues and events, and work to help clubs improve the local competition environment for their players, coaches, families and referees.
"This commitment by the league to the Pre-ECNL age groups is a big step to support forward-thinking clubs in improving the training and competition environment for players in Zone 1," McGuinness said. "This platform will provide a better and more exciting competition level and experience for these players, driving improvement in coaching and training at an earlier age, while understanding and respecting the unique age-appropriate needs of these players and their families."
McGuinness joined the ECNL as the girl's National Selection Program Director in 2022, and has served as Director of Coaching of East Meadow SC (NY) since 2014. He has experience as a Division I coach with Hofstra University from 2018-2024 and as a US Youth National Team scout for four years. McGuinness grew up in Northern Ireland, played semi-professional soccer in Northern Ireland and England, and coached in Luton Town FC's academy before moving to the United States.
Reiss joins the ECNL after spending the past six seasons with San Diego Surf, initially as a head coach before being promoted to General Manager in 2022. As Surf's General Manager, Reiss and the club have won 10 ECNL national championships and were named overall club champion three separate times. Prior to coaching, Reiss was a four-year starter at Cal State Fullerton and played professionally with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL in 2013 and 2014, the latter of which the club finished the season as a league finalist.
"Our league is committed to supporting the work of clubs in the Pre-ECNL age groups, and we will be putting more and more focus and resources into this Zone moving forward," Reiss said. "The Pre-ECNL ages are some of the most important stages in player development, and the competition environment for these players is over-due for improvement. Together with the clubs we will be working to make a positive difference in these age groups to better develop and prepare players for competition in the older age groups in America's best youth soccer platform."
After rapid growth over the past 2 years, more than 300 clubs and 800 teams will participate in various Pre-ECNL Boys and Pre-ECNL Girls leagues around the country in the 2025-2026 season. These teams each compete in developmentally appropriate league play that matches players and teams of similar development stage against each other and provides a preview of ECNL and ECNL Regional League play of the future. The scope of league programs and services in these age groups will expand rapidly and dramatically in the coming year.
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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.
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