• u19 Netforce
• u17 ECNL Explosion
• u17 Courage 92
• u16 ECNL Cardinals
• u15 ECNL Hotspur
• u15 Courage 94
• u14 Freedom
• u13 Harkes United
• u12 Independence
• u10 Pride 99
• u10 Elite
• u9 FCV United

Elite Clubs National League and FV Virginia Question and Answer

Apr 19, 2009
What is ECNL?
The ECNL is the Elite Clubs National League, formerly known as the Red Bull League. This league is part of a pioneering effort to improve elite girl’s soccer in the United States.  The league is shaping up to be something very special with over 32 clubs committed and another 8 to join in the near future.

Why was the ECNL created?
The league was formed to give the best young players the opportunity to compete against each other year round and have a True National Champion – determined via league play, not a single-elimination tournament. Your daughter will get the highest level of competition in every game.

What clubs are participating in the ECNL?
Albertson Fury, New York-East;  Arsenal FC, Cal-South;  Atlanta Fire, Georgia;  Bethesda SC, Maryland;  Birmingham United, Alabama;  CASL, North Carolina;  CESA Premier, South Carolina;  Charlotte Soccer Academy, North Carolina;  Colorado Rush, Colorado;  Concorde Fire, Georgia; Connecticut FC, Connecticut;  Crossfire Premier, Washington; Eclipse Select, Illinois;  FC Delco, Pennsylvania-East;  FC Milwaukee; Wisconsin;  FC Stars of Mass, Massachusetts;  FC Virginia, Virginia; Freestate United, Maryland;  FSA SoccerPlus, Connecticut;  Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota;  Mustang SC, Cal-North;  Neusport FC, Nevada; Ohio Elite Soccer Academy, Ohio-South;  Ohio Premier, Ohio-South; PDA, New Jersey;  Pleasanton Rage, Cal-North;  Real Colorado, Colorado;  San Juan SC, Cal-North;  Sereno SC, Arizona;  St. Louis SG, Missouri;  Texas Challenge SC, Texas-South;  Virginia Rush, Virginia

How does the ECNL work?
There will be 40 club teams in each age group (u12 – u18) in 2009 – 2010, with u12 – u14 teams competing regionally, and u15 – u18 teams in a series of existing "Showcase" tournament events already being hosted by member clubs, or organize specifically by and for ECNL clubs. FCV teams will most likely attend PDA, Disney, the women’s Final Four weekend, and the ECNL National Championship in July 2010. U12 – u14 teams will compete under US Club Soccer passes at events only within our region, as well as arrange ECNL friendly weekends – all while allowing member players to continue playing for their home club.

Why is ECNL different than other development programs or leagues?
The ECNL was developed by some of the top soccer coaches and coaching directors in the country with a goal simply to do the best possible job at developing young players into elite athletes. The league is not simply a competition for great individual teams; it rewards and promotes clubs that develop one great team after another through a long-term player development program. This league is the first of its kind for female players and will give every player the chance to compete both regionally and nationally. The ECNL offers the best of the existing league options, plus the security of knowing your team will play in the top showcase events, the flexibility of US Club Soccer affiliation. ECNL also offers its own player ID program, guaranteeing the opportunity of being evaluated by national team staff.

How will my daughter benefit from participating in the ECNL with FCV?
Your daughter will benefit from year-round participation, consistently training and playing against great competition, in an environment with a long-term development plan. FCV offers a clearly defined development path, and fantastic staff of professional, successful coaches, who each answer to a single Director.

Under-12 through Under-14 have the added benefit of choosing to continue playing for their current clubs, while training and competing with FCV through our US Club Soccer sanctioning.

Why was the Football Club of Virginia (FCV) selected to participate in the ECNL?
FCV was selected to participate in the ECNL due to the demonstrated ability to develop elite female athletes over the years.  FCV Director Terry Foley has been involved in developing players and teams for the better part of 17 years in Northern Virginia, with teams appearing in 28 State Cup Finals, 6 Regional Finals include 3 Regional Championships.

Terry coached ODP for 12 years, was the Director of DC United Youth Academy, MPS McLean Youth Soccer, and was selected VYSA Coach of the Year in 2000. He has a UEFA A License and is also part of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Philadelphia franchise organization, where he serves as Director of Player Personnel.

What type of commitment is expected from the ECNL FCV team?
The FCV ECNL teams will participate in 3-4 elite tournaments over the course of the year, in addition to 3-4 weekends where the team may travel to play friendly games with other ECNL teams on the East Coast – some may be hosted by FCV or other DC Metropolitan Teams (FCV, Bethesda, Freestate – all TBD).

At the u12-u14 level, the focus is on more regional competition rather than the national travel expected at the older age groups.  For the older age groups (u15 – u17 – College Program), there will be a national league schedule set around major tournaments in the country culminating in a stand alone National Championship.

Can my daughter participate in her current club team and the FCV ECNL team?
u12-u14 players can play for FCV on a US Club Soccer roster for ECNL events and still remain on their club team and compete in local leagues, state cup, and even regionals. Players playing u15 and up will only be allowed to play for FCV.

What are the costs associated with being part of a FCV ECNL team?
Anticipated costs are TBD. However, FCV understands that for many girls, they will participate in both club and FCV teams and FCV expects to keep the costs as low as possible.

What is the schedule for tryouts, selection to a FCV ECNL team?
Tryouts for all FCV teams will begin in May and end in early to mid June. If you are interested in participating or need more information, please contact Terry Foley at Foley4socr@aol.com.  If your daughter is selected to join a team, practices will begin immediately, with several friendly games over the course of the Summer. Tryouts/Practices/Games for the FCV ECNL teams will be posted at the FCV website – www.fcvirginia.com.