ECNL Boys licenses VPSL as new Regional League in Virginia

Fairfax, VA – The Virginia Premier Soccer League (VPSL) has reached agreement with the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) to join the Boys Regional League and manage the ECNL Regional League – Virginia beginning fall 2021. VPSL member clubs have participated in the Girls Regional League since 2019.

“Welcoming high-level clubs into the ECNL Boys Regional Leagues has become a major focus for our league,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “Virginia has always been a hot-bed for soccer and the VPSL has consistently driven competition levels and player development higher every year. Our relationship with the VPSL aligns great clubs and leadership within the ECNL pyramid, in a highly competitive environment that will provide a tremendous experience and, ultimately, will serve as a ‘proving ground’ for future ECNL Club Competition consideration.”

“We have been working with ECNL for a few years to implement a collective vision to align the pathway and eliminate confusion in the market for both players and clubs, “said Mike Cullina, VPSL President. “This decision is a result of a successful two-year pilot with the ECNL Girls Regional League and expansion throughout the country which will increase showcase opportunities and promote vertical alignment for our players, teams and clubs that aspire to play in the ECNL.”

Loudoun Soccer Club, Virginia Legacy and Fredericksburg FC have been accepted as new members of the ECNL Regional League – Virginia beginning fall 2021, bringing the league to 12 member clubs currently. The league continues to review new member applications and may announce additional clubs in the future.

Loudoun Soccer, a member of the Boys and Girls ECNL, joins Richmond United (Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers) and Virginia Development Academy (Prince William Soccer and Virginia Soccer Association) as full members of the unified platform.

The addition of Virginia Legacy (Williamsburg, VA) and Fredericksburg FC (Fredericksburg, VA) helps grow the league in important markets and further promotes the league’s priorities of more meaningful games and reduced travel.

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“Loudoun Soccer is excited to be uniting our elite travel programs under the ECNL banner by joining the ECNL Regional League for fall 2021 for boys & girls. In addition to our existing membership in ECNL National (U13-U19) Mid Atlantic Conference, we are delighted to add the ECNL Regional League platform that will provide our Red teams pathways to play high level competition not only in the state but regionally and nationally. The ECNL is the top organization in soccer nationally and we are happy to add our top travel teams to their regional platform with their professionalism and standards in order to enhance the experience of our boys and girls.” Loudoun Technical Director – Mark Ryan

“Virginia Legacy is excited to be uniting our boys and girls programs with the ECNL Regional League. The ECNL platform will provide our club pathways to play high level competition not only in the state but regionally and nationally. The ECNL is emerging as a top organization in soccer nationally and we are happy to align with their professionalism and standards in order to enhance the experience of our boys and girls.” Virginia Legacy Technical Director – Bobby O’Brien

“We were looking for a more streamlined pathway to national competition opportunities for some of our travel teams, while also looking for a league schedule that complimented a more ambitious tournament schedule we have planned for the upcoming 2021-22 season. This decision was then also made to provide a more accommodating travel schedule, one aligned with Virginia-only clubs, so that our high school seasons are completely aligned.” Fredericksburg FC Technical Director – Grover Gibson

“The additions of Loudoun Soccer, Fredericksburg FC and Virginia Legacy are well-respected clubs with forward-thinking leadership. They are tremendous additions for our league and member clubs and align perfectly with our established priorities while also providing clarity in the Virginia soccer landscape.” VPSL President – Mike Cullina