ECNL vs National League

[Guest]

Is there really an all-around "edge" to being in an ECNL team vs National League? All the good clubs seem to be in ECNL and my 2010 son's current club is not.

Looking at the 09 ECNL team in our area, they are near the bottom of the standings so I'm curious if there's long-term benefits (individual development, exposure) to those kids at the ECNL compared to those playing at the National League.

[Guest]

I am not sure what you mean by national league, but the best league in our area is ecnl. Hands down nothing else comes close.

[Guest]

The benefit of ECNL on the boys side is relative travel vs competition. For boys at 2009, the bottom two clubs are Spokane and Washington Timbers. Those are also the two furthest clubs to travel to. Since those clubs (Timbers and Spokane) need to travel anyway, not sure there is much of an advantage if you are considering those clubs (Spokane is actually pretty good, but the travel is really tough on them. Timbers could be good, there are good 2009 boys in Portland, but ECNL hasn't been a priority).

Crossfire is one of the top teams in the nation at 09 and the rest of the teams are all quality teams.

At 09 boys it is a very high quality league, top to bottom. Would like to see Spokane and Timbers improve.

hope that helps!

[Guest]

Here is National League, and teams can play both in RCL and NL: https://www.usysnationalleague.com

[Guest]

Washington has one of the strongest Boy's ECNL leagues in the nation. Across the nation the Boys's ECNL level is variable as some clubs are MLSNext (arguably the top tier) and some are E64/National League. As for it making a difference, as long as the environment is healthy and the coach is focused on Player v. Team development, I'm not sure there is any advantage playing in ECNL. The biggest developmental factor is your own kids desire and individual work away from practice. Most kids who play college soccer stay local anyway and other that UW (who gets a lot of MLS Academy type players), you can probably get to nearly any coach (if college soccer is the goal).

[Guest]

Here is National League, and teams can play both in RCL and NL: https://www.usysnationalleague.com

To me that looks like a league that is a step down from ECNL. In theory every clubs ECNL team is the best team, and I never heard anything to contradict that. The link above shows teams that are none ECNL, such as Seattle United Copa, which is really the B team since there is a ECNL team for that club. Still a decent level but for sure a step down from ECNL.

MLS Next is new and I don't know if the WA region really has anything to do with it yet. It sounds promising but again it is new.

[Guest]

The edge is it's the most competitive league. So, if your kid is dribbling circles around their opponents in games to the point that it's not even fun for them, then ECNL is where your kid wants to go. Otherwise, is your kid having fun? Does your kid have good competition in games and more importantly in practice? Does your kid's club have good coaching and a good culture? If the answer to all those questions is yes, stick with what's working.

[Guest]

^^^ good advice ^^^

[Guest]

After age 12 rcl doesn’t really matter for elite players. It’s all about ecnl. I bet most kids getting div 1 college offers come from ecnl teams. All eyes are on ecnl.

[Guest]

At U17 and u16 you need to be in ecnl. if you are happy and developing where you are, no need to spend the ecnl cash.

[Guest]

I would not advise moving a kid to a better team so they can sit on the bench. Yes u develop in practice/training but u need game experience. Its like a fighter who only hits pads and never actually fights. Be honest about your kids skill level. Does he still have room to develop on the current team and is that team mid pack? Good coach? Then stay. If ur kid is killin it and needs a challenge then move to a better team. But only if u are confident ur kid will get PT! Be a leader not a follower!

[Guest]

Had a kid that played in both. ECNL has evolved to be a better league. The national league is a great series of games. Perfect for individual teams in smaller clubs. Clubs that can’t field the whole age gambit.

In the PNW they ended up playing the same teams in PSPL many games counting as double headers. Playing in both leagues gave more games. Sometimes to many. Did love the National playoffs. Fun experience for players.

[Guest]

Is there really an all-around "edge" to being in an ECNL team vs National League? All the good clubs seem to be in ECNL and my 2010 son's current club is not.

Looking at the 09 ECNL team in our area, they are near the bottom of the standings so I'm curious if there's long-term benefits (individual development, exposure) to those kids at the ECNL compared to those playing at the National League.

I would say the biggest benefit is the improvement you will see in training. If you're kid can be on an ECNL team, I am guessing the overall team will be better than his current team. This means he is battling against better players throughout the week. Steel sharpens steel.

Also, how is the 09 team at each club? I don't mean standings. Go watch them play. There is a good chance the 10's will get some joint training and scrimmages with the older boys. I think kids that really have potential step up against tougher competition, so the more intense the training environment, the faster the improvement.

[Guest]

Had a kid that played in both. ECNL has evolved to be a better league. The national league is a great series of games. Perfect for individual teams in smaller clubs. Clubs that can't field the whole age gambit.

In the PNW they ended up playing the same teams in PSPL many games counting as double headers. Playing in both leagues gave more games. Sometimes to many. Did love the National playoffs. Fun experience for players.

Can someone explain the part that reads

"Clubs that can't field the whole age gambit?"

[Guest]

Can someone explain the part that reads

"Clubs that can't field the whole age gambit?"

Each ECNL Girls Member Club is required to enter the club’s top team at each of the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and
U18/U19 age groups in all mandated ECNL Girls competitions. The precise competition structure is subject to change by the ECNL
Executive Committee prior to each season.