ECNL Boys accepts trio of new member clubs for 2021-2022 season

RICHMOND, VA – The ECNL Boys announced that Bayside FC (RI), Skyline Elite Soccer Club (VA) and South Carolina Surf (SC) will join the league for the 2021-22 season.

The addition of these three clubs will elevate competition within the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast conferences, respectively. ECNL Boys is now set to include more than 140 of the best clubs in America for the 2021-22 season, creating the next wave of leaders on and off the field in both established and new markets.

“Welcoming Bayside FC, Skyline Elite and South Carolina Surf continues our mission of bringing in the best possible clubs to continue to add to the level of competition in three different conferences,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “We are excited for these teams to begin their journey in the ECNL, and for the players to experience not only the high level of competition in conference matches and national events but also new programs like the Super Cup, designed to further extend the pathway for elite-level development. The ECNL embraces the demand for continuous innovation to ensure a constantly increasing standard of excellence that challenges the nation’s best.”

Bayside FC
East Providence, RI

Bayside FC, established in 1997, is a highly successful premier club from East Providence, Rhode Island. With over 475 players in the program, the club is built on a strong foundation of player development and success. Bayside FC has graduated numerous players to the collegiate ranks, have had seven players represent the program at US Youth National Team camps, and have had multiple alumni sign MLS contracts, including two recently with the New England Revolution.

“Bayside FC is excited to be participating in the ECNL Boys for the upcoming 2021-22 season,” said Chris Clarke, Bayside FC Director of Coaching. “The ability to play high-level competition is vital for the development of our players, and ECNL Boys is able to provide this competition on a regional and national level.”

Skyline Elite Soccer Club
Charlottesville, VA

Formed in 2015 as the top-tier platform of players from Augusta United and SOCA and rebranded as Skyline Elite in 2020, the Charlottesville organization provides soccer programming for athletes of all ages and attracts some of the best players in the west-central region of Virginia. With the belief that competition is healthy and essential for player development, Skyline Elite provides a superior training and player development environment for elite soccer players and competes in the most prominent leagues, tournaments and showcase events around the country.

“Skyline Elite SC is excited to join ECNL Boys,” said Jimmy Tharpe, Skyline Elite Director of Coaching. “ECNL Boys has quickly established itself as the best boys league in the nation through its innovative approach and commitment to high standards. We are dedicated to providing the best developmental experience for the best players in the western region of Virginia. Having the ECNL Boys platform provides our players with the ability to compete against some of the best players in the region and nation. We are eager for this opportunity and are confident our players and coaches are up for the challenge.”

South Carolina Surf
Charleston, SC

South Carolina Surf Soccer Club is the leading soccer club in Charleston, South Carolina, serving players in the Charleston area and surrounding Lowcountry. Along with a development program for U7 – U12 players, South Carolina Surf offers a wide range of competitive avenues for players to create ‘best of the best’ experiences. SC Surf strives to offer opportunities for youth soccer players at all levels with the goal to unify our communities through our club’s development pathway, and to foster the physical, mental and social development of our players to enable them to reach their full potential in life. A top-performer from US Club Soccer’s South Atlantic NPL, South Carolina Surf’s addition to the ECNL stretches the league into the Lowcountry for the first time in history.

“South Carolina Surf Soccer Club is excited to be awarded membership into the ECNL Boys family,” said Matt Parmer, South Carolina Surf Director of Soccer. “This honor is an accumulation of hard work from many people over the years. The ECNL platform will provide tremendous opportunities for the growth and development of our players. We look forward to establishing great relationships with the top clubs in the country for years to come.”