RICHMOND, Va. (August 20, 2025) - The Pre-ECNL is excited to announce the 2025-2026 event schedule, which will include both Pre-ECNL events incorporated into established ECNL and ECNL Regional League older events and, for the first time, five Pre-ECNL Cups that will provide tournament style competition specifically for players Under-12 and younger.
"The new Pre-ECNL Cups will provide exciting tournament matches for young players where they can compete for a weekend championship within driving distance of their club," said ECNL Event Commissioner Blayne Fink. "We expect the Pre-ECNL Cups to grow and expand around the country as more clubs work to continue to improve the training and competition environment for players in Zone 1, and as the league works to support these endeavors."
The Pre-ECNL Cups will kick off this fall to inspire U10-U12 young players in challenging regional tournament play and to supplement the growing number of Pre-ECNL leagues around America intended to improve the local competition environment for players, coaches, families and referees. There will be five Pre-ECNL Cups throughout the 2025-26 season, culminating with the first-ever Pre-ECNL Champions Cup in late Spring. The Pre-ECNL Champions Cup will invite winners of the other Pre-ECNL Cups throughout the year, and other top teams, for a season-ending celebration of soccer.
* This event will also include U13-U14 tournament play
These events will be in addition to the eight existing Pre-ECNL events that are incorporated into ECNL and ECNL Regional League events for players U13 and older:
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Pre-ECNL Boys
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ECNL New Jersey (U11-U12) - Aug. 22-24, 2025
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ECNL Atlanta (U12) - Sept. 12-14, 2025
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ECNL Texas (U11-U12) - April 24-26, 2026
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Pre-ECNL Girls
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ECNL New Jersey (U11-U12) - Aug. 22-24, 2025
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ECNL San Diego (U12) - Oct. 11-13, 2025
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ECNL Phoenix (Spring) (U12) - March 27-29, 2026
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ECNL Texas (U11-U12) - April 24-26, 2026
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ECNL South Carolina (U12) - May 8-10, 2026
After rapid growth in the past two seasons, the 2025-26 season will include more than 300 clubs and 800 teams in various Pre-ECNL Boys and Pre-ECNL Girls leagues around the country. 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.
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform for America's top soccer players. The ECNL mission to provide the best youth sports experience in the world drives constant innovations in competitions and experiences for players, parents, families, coaches, referees, and partners. The ECNL has questioned convention and challenged the status quo of youth sport since 2009, pushing boundaries and striving for unmatched excellence. Together with its clubs and club leaders, the ECNL creates unforgettable memories and supports the development of youth players into college stars, professionals, world champions, and leaders.
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