RICHMOND, Va. (March 6, 2026) - The ECNL Girls is proud to announce three clubs have been promoted from the ECNL Regional League Girls to ECNL Girls for the 2026-27 season in the initial round of membership promotions. Team Boca will be promoted into the Southeast Conference, Lonestar SC into the Texas Conference, and South Carolina Surf into the Mid-Atlantic Conference beginning this fall.
"We are extremely proud to welcome these clubs to the league for the 2026-27 season, and to reward their hard work and demonstrated success in the ECNL Regional Leagues," said ECNL Girls Commissioner Chris Leahey. "Each of these clubs have competed for or won ECNL RL National Championships, and have claimed multiple age group championships in their respective ECNL Regional Leagues. Providing clear pathways to reward performance is one of the core values of the ECNL. These decisions further reinforce this value and highlight the opportunities within the US Club Soccer pyramid."
Team Boca brought home the U17 ECNL Regional League Girls National Championship in 2025, and this year they are continuing to demonstrate consistent excellence in the ECNL Regional League Girls - Florida. Five of the club's six teams are currently in playoff position, the U13, U14 and U18/19 teams are leading their respective divisions, and the club has an overall record of 51-4-6 in the ECNL Regional League - Florida.
Lonestar SC and South Carolina Surf both joined the ECNL Regional League from the Girls Academy in 2024 and 2025, respectively, setting out to earn their opportunity on the field within the exceptional proving ground of the ECNL RL.
Lonestar SC sent its U13 and U15 teams to the ECNL Regional League Finals in 2025, with its U13 finishing as the national finalist. This season, Lonestar SC's U16 team has continued their winning ways, claiming the inaugural ECNL Regional League Girls Leaders Cup at ECNL RL Florida last weekend, and the club has multiple age groups in first place in the ECNL Regional League Girls - Texas.
In their first season in the ECNL RL Girls, South Carolina Surf has dominated the ECNL Regional League Girls - Southeast, with all six of its age groups in qualification positions for the ECNL RL Girls Southeast Playoffs, their U15, U16, U17 and U18/19 teams in first place in the conference, and a total of only four losses across all six age groups.
Team Boca
League: ECNL Girls
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Founded: 1977
Team Boca focuses on providing the highest quality youth soccer experience for its players by providing a structured and conducive environment for our players to learn and develop. As a legacy club in the State of Florida, Team Boca has been committed to competitiveness since its inception in 1977. The club has won more than 30 State Championships, 10 Regional Championships and four National Championships, including the 2025 ECNL Regional League Girls U17 Championship. As a player-centered club, its coaches are dedicated to player development by installing confidence in our players to build sound fundamental players that can compete at the highest level possible.
"Team Boca is extremely proud and excited to be promoted into ECNL Girls," said Mario Rincon, Team Boca Girls Director of Coaching. "The ECNL will add incredible value to our program's competitive platform and help showcase our players in a league that prides itself on providing the best standards of competition in the country."
Lonestar SC
League: ECNL Girls
Location: Austin, TX
Founded: 2004
Lonestar Soccer Club's ECNL program offers a proven, high-performance pathway built on development, character, and competitive excellence. As one of the most accomplished clubs in Texas, with multiple National Championships and a long history of advancing athletes to collegiate, professional, and national-team levels such as Satara Murray (Liverpool FC) and Dave Smith (USWNT assistant coach), Lonestar provides an environment where elite players can thrive. Families joining Lonestar become part of a community committed to elevating the player experience and preparing athletes for long-term success on and off the field.
"Lonestar Soccer Club is proud to announce our advancement from the ECNL Regional League Girls to the ECNL Girls, the nation's premier competitive platform for female athletes," said Don Cameron, Lonestar SC General Manager. "This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment to excellence and strengthens our ability to deliver a top-tier player experience built on elite training, high competitive standards, and a culture that empowers every athlete to reach their full potential. Our return to the ECNL underscores the strength and importance of the ECNL and ECNL RL pathway, which provides a comprehensive developmental structure supporting players at every stage of their journey. This move also reinforces alignment across our girls and boys programs and our commitment to a unified, cohesive, and inclusive soccer community. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Lonestar players, families, and coaching staff whose dedication, resilience, and belief made this achievement possible."
South Carolina Surf
League: ECNL Girls
Location: Charleston, SC
Founded: 1981
Established in 1981, South Carolina Surf has a proud and long-standing tradition of developing top soccer talent throughout the Charleston area. During the past five years alone, the club has helped more than 115 players advance to the collegiate level, reflecting its strong commitment to player development and long-term success. The move to the ECNL Girls platform represents a significant milestone for the club. South Carolina Surf is proud to be part of this elite platform and to now have both its boys and girls programs competing at the highest level within ECNL. This alignment reinforces the club's commitment to providing a complete, clearly defined pathway and the best competitive environment for all of its players.
"South Carolina Surf is honored to officially join the ECNL Girls," said Tam McGowan, South Carolina Surf Director of Coaching and Player Development. "This achievement represents a significant milestone for our club and provides our players with access to the most prestigious and competitive development platforms in the country. By aligning both our girls and boys programs within ECNL, we are establishing a clear and consistent pathway for player development, national competition, and collegiate exposure for our players. While we are proud of this accomplishment, we recognize that this is just the beginning and we look forward to what the future holds for our girls program."
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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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