Thank you for your interest in the ECNL and ECNL Regional League. Please review the below information and copy of the ECNL application. After considering the below requirements, please begin the application using the appropriate link at the bottom. If you are interested in submitting an application, please note that the digital format (link below) is the only acceptable option at this time. It is important to note that the application must be completed in its entirety once started. Please view the copy of the ECNL application to ensure all information is readily available when starting the application.
The ECNL Application process involves a review of club structure and performance, generally assessing the prior 18 months of activity for any applicant. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, the review process is most active between the months of November and February, with decisions for the upcoming season communicated to accepted clubs in the February-March timeframe.
If your club has previously applied, it is strongly advised that you submit an updated application along with any additional materials to best describe the current state of your club.
NOTE: If your club is currently participating in the ECNL Regional League, there is no need to resubmit an application for ECNL consideration. Performance (on-field and off-field) in the ECNL Regional League is regularly assessed by the league.
Any specific updates, ie. club partnerships/mergers, facility developments, etc should be emailed to ECNL Senior League Services Manager, Kristin Brunner (kristin@theecnl.com) along with the appropriate ECNL Commissioner:
- ECNL Girls: Chris Leahey, leahey@theecnl.com
- ECNL Boys: Jason Kutney, jason@boysecnl.com
- ECNL Regional League Girls: Mikayla Hampton, mikayla@theecnl.com
- ECNL Regional League Boys: Andy Coverstone, andy@theecnl.com
If your club previously submitted a non-refundable application fee, there is no need to submit an additional application fee at this time. This includes clubs submitting updated applications.
For general questions regarding the application or the application process, please email Kristin Brunner at kristin@theecnl.com
The following criteria are the minimum requirements expected of all members of the Elite Clubs National League. The ECNL recommends all applicants review all current ECNL Competition Rules and minimum standards, which are available here.
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Teams: Each ECNL Member Club is required to enter the club's top team at each of the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18/U19 age groups in all mandated ECNL and Regional League competitions.
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Competitions and Completion of Season: Each team is required to fulfill the full season competition requirements. This includes all regular season fixtures, national events for each team (optional for U13 and U14 age groups and Regional League teams) and all of Postseason: ECNL - Playoffs and Finals, Regional League - Playoffs and Finals.
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Fees: The ECNL Executive Committee establishes an annual fee for membership in the ECNL and participation in the ECNL Regional League. Additional fees include ECNL and ECNL Regional League National Events, all fees associated with hosting ECNL regular season fixtures (referees, athletic trainers, etc.), and club attendance at the ECNL Annual General Meeting and Coaching Symposium.
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Guidelines, Policies, Rules & Regulations: All ECNL teams must abide by the ECNL Competition Rules.
APPLICATION FEE: For clubs submitting an application for the first time, the ECNL will not review the application until the $100 application fee is received. Two options for payment are as follows:
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Electronic Payment: Upon submission of application, a new window will open with the electronic payment.
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Mail-In Check: If mailing in a check, please exit the payment window and send a check written to the appropriate league (“ECNL Boys” or “ECNL Girls”). If your club’s exact name is not in the corner of the check please add a note in the Memo. Mail to:
The ECNL
Attn: Application Fee
9830 Mayland Dr, Suite J
Henrico, VA 23233
To begin the ECNL BOYS Application: CLICK HERE
To begin the ECNL GIRLS Application: CLICK HERE
