What is the ECNL?
The Elite Club National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) improving the competitive environment through the creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.
What are Some of the Benefits of Playing in the ECNL/ECNL RL?
The ECNL's elite training environment promotes increased technical standards and allows for greater accountability for players and coaches. Coaches can devote more time to these areas in training. Kansas Rush will continue to provide an improved environment with the proper training-to-game ratio that supports year-round periodization for proper development.
Can ECNL/ECNL RL players play for their High School teams?
Yes, our players will be given time off from the ECNL season to play high school in the fall.
How many games are played and how long is the ECNL/ECNL RL Season?
U13 and U14 teams play 18 games for the year. U15-U19 teams play 14 games for the year, with some additional games for all age groups played during showcase events.
What age groups will participate?
Kansas Rush will field a team at U13, U14, U15, U16 U17, & U19.
How Many Players Does the ECNL allow on a Roster?
Clubs can roster 15 up to 22 players per age group.
Will there be showcases?
Yes! The ECNL hosts events for U13-U19 teams, both showcases and playoff events with college coach attendance. u13-U15 and U19 teams are guaranteed one ECNL National Event Showcase. U16. and U17 teams are guaranteed two of these national events.
Can ECNL Clubs Participate in Non-ECNL Competitions?
Yes, ECNL teams can play in other leagues, and tournaments.
Will US Soccer YNT continue to scout the players in the ECNL?
Yes. The USYNT coaching and talent identification staff are tasked with identifying the best talent possible. Due to the high number of players around the country that play in the ECNL, many of whom have already been called into YNT’s, they will continue identifying players within the ECNL.
How does my son tryout for a Kansas Rush ECNL/ECNL RL team?
We will host ID Camps throughout the spring and summer, prior to tryouts, to identify players we feel will be a good fit for the ECNL. Please fill out the application on our main page or here: ECNL RL ID Sessions.
What is the Travel Fee and Who Pays for Travel Expenses?
ECNL players are responsible for all travel expenses. U13-U14 teams only travel within 3 hours for ECNL games and National Events. U-15-U19 teams play their league schedule within 3 hours of Kansas City, but can travel further for ECNL Boys National Events.
How Many Days Does an ECNL/ECNL RL Team Train?
Kansas Rush ECRL teams train three times per week throughout the season.
How will this help my son reach his goals of collegiate and professional soccer?
ECNL National Events are considered the best college recruiting events in the country with hundreds of coaches and scouts in attendance. The boys’ college recruiting process generally starts moving during the player’s junior year in high school with the majority of the process taking place their senior year.
Are the uniforms different for ECNL/ECNL RL vs competitive teams?
Uniforms for ECNL vs competitive teams are nearly identical, with just one additional (ECNL) patch on the ECNL uniforms. Capelli Sports provides a complete uniform package for each ECNL player at no charge.
What is the cost to play for the Kansas Rush ECNL/ECNL RL program?
Player registration fees for the 2024/2025 season can be found
here.
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