ECNL Regional League Gulf Coast to launch in 2025-26 season

RICHMOND, Va. – The ECNL announced the launch of the ECNL Regional League Gulf Coast, set to kick off in the 2025-26 season and bringing six new clubs into the ECNL Boys and ECNL Girls Regional Leagues.

The ECNL RL Gulf Coast furthers the ECNL’s mission to bring the game to every aspiring athlete, welcoming the first clubs from Louisiana into the ECNL or ECNL RL platform, along with new clubs and markets in Alabama and Mississippi.

“The ECNL RL Gulf Coast is an exciting addition for the ECNL Regional League,” said ECNL Regional League Commissioner Chris Leahey. “We’re thrilled to support these vibrant and growing soccer communities and look forward to watching these fantastic clubs play in 2025-26. These are the premier clubs in the region, they have a long history in US Club Soccer, and they’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this point.”

The clubs launching the ECNL Regional League Gulf Coast are below.

Gulf Coast United
Location: Gulfport, MS
Founded: 2003

Founded in 2003, Gulf Coast United Futbol Club is dedicated to providing players of demonstrated ability the opportunity to compete successfully at the highest possible level of soccer by providing the most competitive environment for athletes to develop as players while emphasizing discipline, sportsmanship and character. With alumni playing collegiate soccer at more than 25 universities across the country, Gulf Coast United has created a pipeline for lower Mississippi for elite athletes to realize their soccer dreams.

“We are thrilled to join ECNL RL and provide our players with an opportunity to compete at the highest level,” said Director of Coaching Oleg Chickanov. “This move aligns with our mission to develop top talent and give our athletes the best platform to achieve their goals, whether that’s playing in college or beyond.”

Hattiesburg FC
Location: Hattiesburg, MS
Founded: 1980

Since 1980, Hattiesburg FC has been committed to spreading the sport of soccer to as many boys and girls as possible. Hattiesburg FC routinely sends teams to compete in the Gulf States Premier League, and sent multiple teams to the USYS regional tournament and Presidents Cup last season. More than 30 athletes each season graduate to play collegiate soccer, excelling on and off the field.

“We are excited to join ECNL RL this upcoming season,” said Executive Director Danny Owens. “HFC has always strived to give different pathways to our players on both the boys and girls side. This will continue this journey by allowing our players to play in one of the highest leagues along with other showcase opportunities throughout the year.”

LA Fire SC
Location: New Orleans, LA
Founded: 2010

With multiple Louisiana State Cup titles, strong showings in USYS Regional and National League PRO competitions, and three-time NPL National Champions, Louisiana Fire SC kicked off in 2010 and has been a strong representative of Louisiana soccer since. Louisiana Fire SC is currently home to more than 1,500 players and has produced notable alumni including Patrick Mullins, Erick Gunera and several more prominent collegiate stars, and is primed to develop many more.

“Louisiana Fire Soccer Club is thrilled to join the ECNL Regional League, providing our players with an incredible opportunity to compete at a high level while continuing their development in a top-tier environment,” said Girls Program Director Bobby Velasquez. “This platform aligns with our commitment to fostering player growth and preparing them for success at the next level.”

LA Krewe Rush
Location: Lafayette, LA
Founded: 2023

LA Krewe Rush formed in 2023 with a merger between two major clubs in Louisiana: Cajun Rush and Lafayette Dynamo Juniors. LA Krewe Rush’s goal is to push our players to reach that “next level” by utilizing opportunities through our local club as well as the national Rush network to improve their overall game all while providing an unparalleled youth soccer experience.

“We are excited to be a part of this newly formed ECNL Regional League,” said Executive Director Michael Ritch. “This alignment with ECNL furthers our initiative to offer more opportunities to our players as they navigate through our development pathway. The organized, professional structure that ECNL RL provides as well as additional access to events, will add much needed resources for our players and teams. We are excited for the next chapter and look forward to being part of the continued growth of the ECNL in our region.”

Mandeville SC
Location: Mandeville, LA
Founded: 1994

For more than 25 years, Mandeville Soccer Club has grown to provide the Louisiana community one of the best soccer experiences in the South. With more than 1,500 children participating in? recreational soccer in the combined spring and fall seasons, Mandeville SC provides a well-organized soccer program, where the club handles all aspects of registration, team formation, coaching, scheduling, and player and coach development. The results have been multiple State Cups, including back to back titles in 2023 and 2024.

“This is a historic moment for Mandeville Soccer Club and our community,” said Competitive Director Pere Bascu. “Becoming the only club on the Northshore with ECNL RL status is a testament to the dedication of our players, families, and staff. This new era will elevate soccer in our region and provide unmatched opportunities for our athletes to develop, compete, and succeed at the highest levels. We are honored to lead this charge for the Northshore and provide much-needed exposure to our Louisiana players through high-quality showcase events that the ECNL platform can provide”.

Union 10 FC
Location: Daphne, AL
Founded: 2022

Union 10 FC was officially established in 2022, but the clubs’ roots in the Mobile Bay area trace back to 2010. Throughout the years, the club has seen success at the local and national levels, with eight teams winning the State Cup in 2024 and more than 75 alumni progressing to play collegiate soccer. The club has steadily grown as well, with more than 1,000 wearing the Union 10 FC badge in 2025, ranging from foundational players to elite athletes.

Joining the ECNL Regional League marks an exciting new chapter for Union 10 FC.

“This is a pivotal moment for our club,” said Technical Director Gerardo Flores. “The ECNL Regional League provides a platform that aligns with our vision—giving players access to high-level competition and exposure while continuing to build a culture of excellence. We look forward to competing, growing, and showcasing the talent we have at Union 10 FC.”