The ECNL launches 2020 season with new brand identity

Richmond, VA – The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) has kicked off the 2020 season by unveiling its new logo and overall brand identity, along with a new website.

The new ECNL season launches with the nation’s deepest pool of players, including more than 200 clubs and 47,000 players competing in either The ECNL Club Competition or The ECNL Regional Leagues.

“The ECNL has been one of the primary driving forces helping to make soccer better over the last decade, and as players and teams begin to return to the sport, we are excited to launch a new identity that celebrates the league’s leadership and history while also looking forward to where the sport can go in the future,” said Christian Lavers, President of The ECNL. “Our mission is to make the game better, and in partnership with the fantastic clubs that support our league and work with the players every day, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”

[+READ: ECNL shares positive results from study on safety of youth soccer amid COVID-19]

The New ECNL Identity:

The ECNL’s new aspirational brand identity is described by the league through the following symbols:

• The strong and modern player icon at the center of the badge symbolizes the player’s position at the center of every ECNL program.
• The motion and upward focus of the icon represent the league’s innovative programs and philosophy to constantly change and improve the sport.
• The classic badge shape reflects the league’s strength and history of leadership transforming youth soccer.
• The unique color schemes reflect the modernization of the league, with tailored programming and structure for each gender, but both united under one identity.
• The new league identity captures the symmetry of excellence and humility, exclusivity and accessibility, and freedom and community that is necessary to lead the sport forward.

The development of the new identity was anchored by a guiding philosophy inspired by the league’s founding and past: “Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.” 

This philosophy recognizes the history of the league which has forever changed the sport and captures its foundational mission to Raise the Game for all players. Today, the league also launches a new website, www.theecnl.com.

The ECNL in 2020 and Beyond:

With the addition of a Chief Medical Advisor, a Mental Performance Advisor and a growing library of resources to help clubs create better and better development environments, The ECNL is aiming to support the needs of players, coaches and parents as everyone in sport, particularly through the impacts of COVID-19.

The ECNL has pledged to:

• Continue to provide education and development services for coaches and directors to grow and improve to help tomorrow’s players be even better.
• Continue to support the advancement of referees to ensure the future infrastructure of the game remains prepared for the growth and increasing quality of the nation’s youth players.
• Continue to support the tremendous growth in the youth soccer talent pool through the growth of The ECNL Regional Leagues, now providing a proving ground for more than 1,000 teams and nearly 20,000 players to reach their potential.
• Continue to support a philosophy of holistic development and personal development programs that create game-changers who live well, long after cleats are unlaced.