ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance to launch boys and girls divisions
RICHMOND, Va. – The ECNL Regional League announced the launch of the ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance for the 2025-26 season, kicking off with both boys and girls competition this fall with 10 new clubs in Michigan.
“The ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance will support the great development work done by the best clubs in Michigan, and will deepen the impact of the ECNL RL in one of the talent hotbeds of the country,” said ECNL Regional League Commissioner Chris Leahey. “Clubs in Michigan are constantly competing for championships nationally in both genders, and this league will provide pathways and opportunities for more players, teams, and clubs from the state moving forward. These additions continue to strengthen the ECNL Regional Leagues and elevate the play of the platform across the country.”
Beyond access to ECNL Regional League regular season events for top performing teams, winners from the ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance will qualify in the post-season for the ECNL Regional League Playoffs – Central in their chase for an ECNL RL championship. For the boys, teams from the ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance will meet post-season qualifiers from ECNL RL – Chicago Metro, ECNL RL – Greater Lakes Alliance, ECNL RL – Heartland, ECNL RL – Midwest, ECNL RL – Mountain and ECNL RL – Twin Cities. For the girls, teams from the ECNL RL – Greater Michigan Alliance will meet qualifiers from ECNL RL – Greater Lakes Alliance, ECNL RL – Heartland, ECNL RL – Mid-America, ECNL RL – Mountain ,ECNL RL – Ohio Valley and ECNL RL – Twin Cities.
Below is more information about each club joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance.
Detroit City FC West
Location: Canton, MI
Founded: 1978
Since its founding in 1978, Detroit City FC West has accumulated numerous league titles, state cup championships, and tournament victories at various levels. That success has translated to a significant amount of alumni competing throughout the collegiate ranks.
“Since our founding in 1978, our club has remained committed to our core values of integrity, player development, and excellence,” said Director of Coaching Charlie Bell. “We have always strived to provide our players with the best possible growth opportunities, both on and off the field. Partnering with ECNL RL is a significant step forward, as the league upholds the highest standards in youth soccer and offers unparalleled collegiate exposure. We look forward to competing at this level and working alongside ECNL to continue developing the next generation of top players.”
Legends FC Michigan
Location: Brighton, MI
Founded: 2009
With two recent Michigan State Cup championships, Legends FC Michigan is excited to be joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance. The club currently has more than 30 alumni competing in college, and with more than 900 athletes in the club, Legends FC is ready to further challenge and develop its players.
“ECNL RL offers Legends FC and its players the ultimate level of visibility at collegiate showcase events while competing with the top clubs in Michigan,” said ECNL Boys Regional League Director Ryan Carriere. “We are thrilled to be joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance and can’t wait to get started next season!”
Liverpool FC Michigan
Location: Pontiac, MI
Founded: 2016
The largest Liverpool international academy globally, Liverpool FC Michigan is home to more than 10,000 players representing more than 30 countries, which has led to great success within the ECNL. In 2024, the club had two teams reach the ECNL Girls Champions League playoffs, and another compete in the North America Cup. Meanwhile, its boys program has won a Michigan state title in three of the last four years, and its U14 squad finished as a finalist in the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs – Central in 2024. Liverpool FC Michigan is excited to continue to expand its footprint within the ECNL programming.
“As members of both ECNL Girls and ECNL Regional League Boys, we recognize the exceptional value of the league,” said ECNL Girls Director Demir Muftari. “We currently offer ECNL Girls, ECNL Regional League Girls – Heartland and ECNL Regional League Boys – Greater Lakes Alliance. This additional level complements our existing programs, creating enhanced opportunities for our players to compete at various levels and enjoy numerous game experiences.”
Michigan Burn
Location: New Baltimore, MI
Founded: 2006
The Michigan Burn was founded in 2006 with the commitment to grow and develop Michigan’s elite soccer players by offering them the ability to play and compete at the highest levels possible. With a mission to provide the best training and playing environment, joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance reinforces that commitment.
“This is a great moment for The Michigan Burn and we are thrilled to join the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance,” said Director of Coaching Joe Gallagher. “The ECNL RL platform supports our initiative to offer more opportunities to our players, while giving them access to high level competition and exposure during ECNL RL showcases and events. We look forward to competing in the 2025-26 season and being a part of the continued growth of the ECNL.”
Michigan Rangers FC
Location: Hudsonville, MI
Founded: 1993
Founded in 1993 and undergoing its most recent rebrand in 2022, Michigan Rangers FC has been a staple in the Michigan state tournaments, clinching a girls U17 and U19 title in 2024 and winning nine championships across the boys and girls divisions since 2020. The club averages more than 30 college commitments every year, and has two alumni currently playing in the NWSL. By joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance, the club is excited to continue to strengthen its player pathway.
“We are very happy to begin our journey on the ECNL pathway,” said Technical Director Stuart Collins. “As always we strive to align ourselves with like minded clubs and platforms that facilitate providing the best opportunities for player development and player exposure. The National Event access was really appealing to us and was a key feature for us and our players. It was really important that we could see a clear pathway within the ECNL through the formation of this league on both the boys and girls sides. We are excited by the journey in front of us and look forward to competing to take the next step.”
Nationals SC
Location: Shelby Township, MI
Founded: 2016
In 2024, Nationals SC sent four teams to the ECNL Boys National Playoffs and another team to the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs – Central. This season, the club stands to send two teams to the ECNL Boys National Playoffs and at least one club to the Regional League Playoffs – Central, with three more within one spot of a playoff qualification. Its girls’ side is seeing even more success, as all six teams are currently in a playoff position for the ECNL Girls Regional League Playoffs – Central, including four teams in first place in the East Division.
“I’m thrilled that Nationals Soccer Club will have the opportunity to expand into the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance for both the boys’ and girls’ programs,” said Director of Coaching Henry Steinwascher. “This is a significant milestone for us as we launch this Regional League in Michigan, offering our players national exposure to support their growth and development. We are deeply grateful to the ECNL organization for providing us with this incredible opportunity.”
Nationals SC – Capital Area
Location: Lansing, MI
Founded: 2016
Nationals SC – Capital Area had a great showing at the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs – Central in 2024, with four of its six age groups qualifying for the competition. In 2025, three teams are currently in a playoff qualification position and more are within striking distance of a playoff spot. By joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance, the club can continue its success on the boys side while bringing its girls programming into the fold.
“We are excited to add the ECNL Regional League for our elite girls’ teams and the level of competition, exposure, and development this conference will bring,” said Nationals Director James DeCosemo. “This platform aligns with our goal of providing opportunities to allow our players to reach their goals. We can’t wait to get started in the fall!”
Plymouth Reign
Location: Plymouth, MI
Founded: 2003
Plymouth Reign has seen a great deal of success recently within Michigan, as the club has won four state cup championships within the last five years, representing Michigan three times at the Midwest Regional Championships. That success has translated into incredible growth for the club, and joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance will allow the club to continue its upward trajectory.
“We are honored and excited to be invited to participate in ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance,” said Club Director Miki Djerisilo. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, families, and staff. As ECNL is the nation’s leading standard in youth soccer, we look forward to the opportunities and exposure this will bring to our players, club, and community.”
Portage SC
Location: Portage, MI
Founded: 1985
Portage SC has seen a string of recent successes on the pitch, with three current age groups bringing home four total Michigan state titles, including its 2012 girls team that finished as a USL-Y National Finalist in 2024. That success has also extended into the collegiate ranks, with more than 20 members playing or coaching at the Division I level. With a player pipeline designed to compete against the best possible competition, Portage SC is thrilled to be joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance.
“Portage Soccer Club remains committed to prioritizing player development over winning, and our teams continue to excel in both skill and results,” said Director of Coaching Wayne Harpenau. “We believe that by focusing on development, our players, their parents, the club, and the Kalamazoo/Portage community will always achieve our primary goal of supporting youth in reaching their fullest potential. Competing in the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance offers a player development pathway that will serve our athletes well as they continue to grow. We are excited about the upcoming opportunity and look forward to what the future holds.”
TKO Premier SC
Location: Kalamazoo, MI
Founded: 1983
One of the oldest clubs in the state, TKO Premier SC is proud to be joining the ECNL Regional League – Greater Michigan Alliance. The club has seen recent success in the Michigan state tournament, with two age groups bringing home a trophy in 2024 and another in 2023. With more than 750 players in the club currently, and plenty graduating to college throughout the years, the club is excited for what the future holds.
“We are very excited to be part of a league that provides our players with such a strong player development platform and college exposure opportunities,” said Director of Coaching Rich Labadie. “The philosophy of allowing clubs to have input and earn advancement through merit is a great approach that our players and coaches are ready for.”
