Elite Clubs National League

Raise the Game.

Elevating standards and experience in every part of youth soccer.

About

About the ECNL

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is a non-profit, member-based organization founded in 2009 to enhance the development of youth soccer players in the United States.

  • Elevating competition through a true national league structure with multiple levels of play
  • Identifying elite players for U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a comprehensive scouting system
  • Improving training environments by establishing best practices and standards for member clubs

Mission

Transforming elite youth soccer

The ECNL aims to transform the landscape of elite youth soccer through innovative, player-centered programming — creating a more effective, enjoyable, and successful development model for players, coaches, and clubs.

Why Davis Legacy

Why we compete in ECNL

  • Highest level of competition in the country
  • Unmatched college exposure — ECNL showcases attract more college coaches than any other platform
  • 300+ players committed to college soccer since joining ECNL
  • Aligned with a player-first philosophy that develops the whole person, one of our club's core values
  • Allows players to participate in high school soccer

Fees

Club dues

$300 per month for 11 months (U13–U18/19) — among the lowest ECNL fees in the Sacramento area.

Club dues are all-inclusive and partially cover:

  • Coaching and training
  • Club training clinics and goalkeeper training
  • Field maintenance and facilities
  • Insurance and US Club registration
  • Referee and league fees
  • Tournament entry fees
  • Coach travel expenses

Training

Weekly training

Minimum 3 sessions per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) at the Davis Legacy Soccer Complex, weather permitting.

  • Functional and technical development
  • Injury prevention
  • Speed and agility work

Roster

Roster size

Teams typically carry 16–22 field players and up to 2 goalkeepers. ECNL event rosters are limited to 18 players, so there may be occasions when not all players travel to specific events.

Travel

Travel expectations & requirements

  • All league games are within Northern California, with the furthest trip typically Fresno
  • 1–3 ECNL travel events per season, excluding playoffs
  • U16–U17 teams generally travel more than younger age groups
  • Most events consist of one game per day
  • Players travel and stay together; parents are not required to travel
  • Estimated $1,000–$1,450 per event, per player, separate from club dues
  • Includes airfare, hotel with breakfast, ground transportation, chaperones, meals, and snacks
  • Final travel details and costs are shared at least 60 days prior to each event

Pathway

Where ECNL fits

ECNL sits at the top of our pathway, with ECNL Regional League below it for high-level competition. Players move fluidly between platforms based on development.