Over 1,000 ECNL Class of 2017 players commit to NCAA Div. I programs

RICHMOND, VA (Via ECNL) – Today, while players across the country sign their National Letters of Intent to continue their soccer careers in college, the 2017 graduating class of the Elite Clubs National League showed why the ECNL is the top youth female development platform in the world. More than 1,300 graduating seniors from the ECNL will go on to play soccer at the collegiate level this fall, with 1,058 in NCAA Division I programs alone.

“The unparalleled number of ECNL players continuing their playing careers beyond club soccer speaks to the level of play in the league, and the increased quality of youth development from the member clubs and coaches in the league” said Jen Winnagle, Commissioner, Elite Clubs National League. “ECNL athletes have raised the standards in youth soccer, and they will continue to raise standards in the game as they continue their careers in college and beyond.”

Now in the eighth year of the league, ECNL graduates are beginning to impact the NWSL professional league, as documented by the 75 percent of the 2017 NWSL draftees being ECNL Alum.

The class of 2017 is comprised of Amazing Young Women who will be playing at multiple collegiate soccer levels:

• ECNL Class of 2017: 1,671
• Total Players Playing Collegiate Soccer: 1,391
• Division I: 1,058
• Division II, III, NAIA: 348
• Undecided: 247

*Information above is based on individual member club submissions as of January 31, 2017.

ECNL Class of 2017 Commitments