ECNL announces launch of two new Pre-ECNL leagues for 2024-25 season

The ECNL has announced the formation of two new Pre-ECNL leagues for the 2024-25 season, one for the ECNL Boys and one for the ECNL Girls. This fall, the inaugural season of the Pre-ECNL Lake Michigan will expand player pathways for clubs in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

With matches in the fall and spring, the league will provide meaningful competition for U12 Pre-ECNL players throughout the year to help prepare them for a full ECNL and ECNL RL schedule when they reach the U13 age.

On the girls’ side, the league’s first season will feature seven clubs playing six games in the fall and six games in the spring. Chicago Inter, Evolution SC, FC Wisconsin, Indiana Elite FC, Libertyville FC, NWI Lions, and Rockford Raptors will participate in the league in its initial season.

“We are incredibly excited at this new opportunity for our U12 players to be part of a Pre-ECNL league,” said FC Wisconsin ECNL Director Andy Lee. “Exposing our players to the ECNL at this age group will give them a great competition platform, a consistently high level match-day environment, and will undoubtedly help us prepare for the ECNL at U13 and above.”

(Rosters selected for 2024 ECNL Girls Conference Cup, featuring top U16-U18 players)

On the boys’ side, the inaugural season will feature Chicago City, Chicago Inter, Chicago Magic, Crystal Lake Force, Indiana Elite, Galaxy SC, Libertyville FC, Rockford Raptors, and a new club added to the ECNL Boys Regional League – Chicago Metro in advance of the 2024-25 season, Bloomingdale Lightning FC.

“We are excited to be part of the new Pre-ECNL for the U12 age group,” said Chicago Magic Director Bato Radonic. “Pre-ECNL will help our younger players prepare for a full ECNL program that starts at the U13 age. Chicago Magic is always looking forward to providing the best competition and environment for our players and families, as well as a direct path to the college and professional level.”

“The Pre-ECNL Lake Michigan will provide great matches and environment for players in both ECNL and ECNL Regional League clubs, enhancing their development experience in these important ages,” said ECNL Commissioner Ralph Richards. “This platform will grow and expand around the country as clubs commit to continue to improve the training and competition environment for players of all ages.”