RICHMOND, Va. (September 1, 2026) - Since the start of the 2025-26 season, the ECNL Heritage Project has connected ECNL players to more than 50 international soccer federations across the globe, and through those contacts, players have been provided national team training or competition opportunities more than 250 times for more than 45 international federations. The rapidly increasing number of federations engaging with the ECNL Heritage Project, and the increasing number of player opportunities, is showcasing the incredible depth and diversity of background of talented players within the ECNL and ECNL Regional League.

These international opportunities are in addition to the unprecedented numbers of ECNL players who are participating with US Soccer youth national teams at every age group. Dozens of current and former ECNL players have been called into international duty for US Soccer across all age groups in the past few months alone. 

"The ECNL Heritage Project was built to create connections and pathways for players with dual heritage in the ECNL and ECNL Regional League with federations around the world," said Pat McStay, Director of the ECNL Heritage Project.  "While the credit for these incredible accomplishments belongs to the players and the clubs that support their development, it is incredibly rewarding for us to help provide opportunities where we can. As federations have become familiar with the level of players within the league, they now know and trust that they will find players here who will contribute to their national team programs. We're excited to continue building those relationships, expanding our network and, most importantly, creating more opportunities for deserving players to represent their heritage on the international stage."

Since its launch, the ECNL Heritage Project has connected more than 4,200 athletes to more than 50 federations, and through those connections, players have been able to attend international training camps, compete for these countries, and even raise trophies in international competition. Players connected through the Heritage Project have competed in events like the 2025 SuperCopa FMF and in FIFA World Cup qualifiers at multiple age groups, and the U17 FIFA Women's World Cup will have a record number of ECNL players when it kicks off in November 2026. 

To learn more about the ECNL Heritage Project, including an interest form to potentially connect athletes with international soccer federations, submit an international call-up, or learn more about future international opportunities, click here. 

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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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