RICHMOND, Va. (April 23, 2026) - ECNL Boys is thrilled to announce that Rochester NY FC Academy will join the ECNL Boys for the 2026-27 season, where the club will compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.
"In many conversations over the last several months, it is clear that there is great alignment between the vision and values of the ECNL and Rochester NY FC," said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. "The club has been deeply entrenched in the Rochester community for years, with a history of great player development. Their addition further expands the ECNL opportunities for players in Upstate New York, and will add exciting new matches for clubs in the Ohio Valley."
Rochester NY FC Academy
League: ECNL Boys
Location: Rochester, NY
Founded: 1966
Originally founded in 1966 as Empire United Soccer Academy and then the Rochester Junior Rhinos, Rochester NY FC Academy has evolved through multiple eras of youth soccer. The club strives to provide the most professional learning environment for youth soccer players in Western New York, promoting excellence in every individual's development.
"The ECNL mission and values align with our values and development process," said Academy Director Rory Charcholla. "Our academy provides the same professional environment, process, and methodology as you would see in a professional club. Our goal is to provide that development platform to as many of the best players in the Western NY market as possible, to help them achieve their individual goals. The ECNL provides a platform that will allow us to continue to evolve and get even more players involved in our development process. We are excited about this next step in our academy's evolution and the future ahead together."
"RNY FC is excited for the future as we become part of the ECNL," added Executive Director Jim D'Anza. "A league of the highest standard in youth sports, we look forward to being part of all that the ECNL stands for – excellence, competition, collaboration, innovation, and aspiration."
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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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