Second wave of ECNL Boys member club acceptances announced for 2025-26

RICHMOND, Va. – The ECNL Boys announced the promotion of AC Connecticut (New England), East Coast FC (New England) and Scorpions Soccer (New England) from ECNL RL Boys to ECNL Boys, and to welcome Louisiana Fire (Mid-America) and St. Louis Stars (Heartland) into ECNL Boys for the 2025-26 season.

Each promotion from the ECNL Regional League to the ECNL was earned through consistent performance and professionalism from the club across multiple age groups over an extended time period, and reflects the ECNL’s commitment to reward both developmental quality and competitive performance.

“The ECNL’s growth has been fueled by performance in the ECNL Regional League as well as identifying the best youth soccer clubs in the United States,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “Merit-based decisions, and rewarding clubs for what they do on the field, is the best way to increase the quality and depth of soccer across the country. With these promotions, the league will continue to serve the best athletes in the country and provide the best platform for every club, team, player, parent and coach.”

Below is more information about each club.

AC Connecticut
Location: Newtown, CT
Founded: 2012

AC Connecticut has had a strong start to the 2024-25 Regional League season, as the club’s U13 and U14 teams are currently in a playoff qualification position in the tough Regional League – Northeast and the club has two more within striking distance. This all comes following last season where the club had four teams qualify for the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs – East. With a strong player pipeline, AC Connecticut is primed to leverage its success in the ECNL Regional League into an already strong New England Conference in ECNL Boys.

“We’re extremely grateful and proud to be promoted into ECNL Boys for the 2025-26 season,” said General Manager Robin Shuppert. “This is testament to our past players who have raised the standard of our club, but also a huge opportunity for our current and future players to develop in the nation’s leading youth soccer platform. The goal of our club is to create opportunities and the best player pathway, and the promotion to ECNL Boys aligns perfectly with this mission. We truly believe that the ECNL platform, coupled with our USL Academy and USL League Two programs, provides our players with the best possible environment to develop and compete in our region.”

East Coast FC
Location: Long Island, NY
Founded: 2016

In just its second season in the ECNL Boys Regional League – Northeast, East Coast FC is leaving its mark, with three teams currently in playoff qualification positions, including its U14 and U15 teams on top of the North Division, and another team just one spot out of post-season qualification. With a player-first developmental pathway, East Coast FC is thrilled to be joining ECNL Boys to provide the best platform for its athletes.

“We are excited and honored that East Coast FC have been accepted into ECNL Boys,” said Boys Director of Coaching John Kokkoris. “This promotion is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and commitment from our players, parents and coaches. The prestige of the ECNL platform provides great opportunities for our players to compete against elite level competition and offers extensive exposure to collegiate and professional scouting.”

Louisiana Fire
Location: Kenner, LA
Founded: 2010

The Louisiana Fire Soccer Club was established in 2010 with the aim of developing the soccer landscape in the greater New Orleans area and providing a pathway for all players in the club. Louisiana Fire SC is currently home to more than 1,500 players and since its inception it has developed over 75 players who have gone on to play collegiate soccer and over a dozen alumni going on to play professionally in Europe and the US.

“We are delighted to be joining ECNL for the upcoming season. It is a great milestone for Louisiana Fire Soccer Club to be the first and only ECNL club in our state,” said Boys Director Keir Hannity. “The ECNL provides a platform that aligns with our club’s vision—allowing our players to compete week in week out in a truly elite National league. The opportunity for us to join such a prestigious and well-established National league, solidifies our commitment to providing the highest level of competition, exposure, and player development opportunities for our players.”

Scorpions Soccer
Location: Wrentham, MA
Founded: 1998

Serving elite athletes from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Scorpions Soccer leads the ECNL Boys Regional League – Northeast North Division in the U17 age group and is in the thick of the playoff races at every age group. A club with a storied history and one that graduates athletes to the college level every season, Scorpions Soccer is primed to join ECNL Boys and continue to build on the success it’s seeing this season.

“Developing student athletes for the collegiate ranks is a core value that Scorpions believes in, and we are thrilled to further align those opportunities for our players within the ECNL,” said Director of Coaching Evan Burokas. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our staff, teams, and community, guided by the leadership of Boys Director Correy Couch, who has driven this journey from the beginning. Our on-field success secured this promotion, and we are truly grateful for this leap forward as it will elevate our members and the communities around us.”

St. Louis Stars SC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Founded: 2021

Founded in 2021, St. Louis Stars SC has quickly risen to prominence in one of the soccer hotbeds in the United States because of its developmental quality. St. Louis Stars has seen success throughout its age groups, with three teams winning city championships, including one state title in 2024, and another team primed to head to the USYS National League Championships in 2025. With a culture dedicated to developing players through a strong soccer foundation, St. Louis Stars is ready to join the elite company of the ECNL.

“Joining ECNL Boys is a defining moment for St. Louis Stars SC,” said Sporting Director Will Eskay. “This promotion is a testament to the dedication of our players, coaches, and families who have built a strong, competitive culture in just a few years. Our mission has always been to provide the best development opportunities for our athletes, and ECNL offers the elite competition and exposure needed to take our players to the next level. We are excited to represent St. Louis on this platform and look forward to the challenge ahead.”