ECNL Contact: Jacob Born; 314-440-0644
Press Contact: Erica Bates; 917-559-4984
RICHMOND, Va. (March 22, 2022) – ECNL Boys is excited to announce the addition of six new clubs into Club Competition for the 2022-23 season: Beach FC (VA), Chicago Magic (IL), FC Prime (FL), Kings Hammer (OH), Parkland SC (FL) and United PDX (OR). Beach FC (VA) will join the Mid-Atlantic Conference, Chicago Magic will join the Midwest Conference, FC Prime and Parkland SC will join the Florida Conference, Kings Hammer will join the Ohio Valley Conference, and United PDX will join the Northwest Conference.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming these six clubs into ECNL Boys Club Competition for the upcoming season,” said Jason Kutney, ECNL Boys Commissioner. “Each of these clubs has performed very well in a variety of different youth platforms over the past years, including three that emerged as top performers in ECNL Regional Leagues. These clubs will help ECNL Boys continue our mission to bring together the best clubs in the country, while creating opportunities for players in new locations in the country. The league and its membership have never been stronger.”
Beach FC (VA)
Virginia Beach, VA
Beach FC (VA) was a highly-successful club in the ECNL Boys Regional League and will bring proven quality to the Club Competition. Timed perfectly with the club’s 40th anniversary, Beach FC (VA) becomes the first club from the Virginia Beach market to join the ECNL Boys. With a dedication to skill development, team building and community involvement, Beach FC (VA) is ready to be an “all-in” club.
“Beach FC couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining ECNL Boys,” said Steve Danbusky, Beach FC Executive Director. “Joining the Club Competition has been a goal of ours for a number of years now and we look forward to the new challenges that await us. We are extremely proud of our players, coaching staff, parents and others who have helped us reach this stage and to have the opportunity to represent our community as a whole.”
Chicago Magic
Chicago, IL
Chicago Magic was established in 1989 with the mission to develop the best athletes in the region through expert coaching in an environment where players excel. Throughout the years, Chicago Magic has won numerous state, regional and national titles across all age groups. Now, Chicago Magic will be joining the ECNL Boys to continue its mission of placing its athletes in the best environment possible, presenting new challenges and excellent opportunities for growth.
“The Chicago Magic staff and players are very excited to be a part of ECNL Boys platform,” said Bato Radoncic, Chicago Magic Club Director. “We are looking forward to bringing a high level of soccer talent into the ECNL and to showcasing our teams in front of the many college coaches at national events and league competitions. As an organization, our goal is to provide our players the best possible path to the college and pro levels, and we are looking forward to the great competition ahead of us.”
FC Prime
Sunrise, FL
FC Prime joins ECNL Boys at the Club Competition level after cutting its teeth in the ECNL Boys Regional League – Florida. From its inception, the club’s players and teams competed very well in a variety of competitions, and when players from all of their multiple sites in South Florida were brought together for the first time the quality was superb.
“We are delighted to be joining the ECNL Boys and competing against the top clubs in the country,” said Alan Hough, FC Prime Executive Director. “The league will provide national-level competition and unrivaled collegiate exposure for our boys. Our goal is to unite the elite player in South Florida and showcase the incredible talent we have here. I’ve been part of national leagues for the last 12 years and nothing compares to the opportunities the ECNL provides for players.”
Kings Hammer
Covington, KY
Kings Hammer has a history of success in its boys program, and will be continuing that legacy in ECNL Boys this upcoming season. Drawing in the best athletes in the region, the club has significantly expanded its footprint in Ohio and Kentucky throughout the years, which will make it a premier club for the Ohio Valley Conference. The organization aims to provide soccer and educational opportunities to young players and to encourage, inspire and empower each player and coach to be able to reach the highest level possible within the game and their lives.
“Kings Hammer Soccer Club is delighted to be accepted into the ECNL Boys platform for the upcoming season,” said Paul Nicholson, Kings Hammer Technical Director. “Our goal as a club is to create a player pathway that provides the best opportunities for all our players. The addition of ECNL Boys aligns perfectly with this goal as we are now able to compete at the highest level in the country with both our boys’ and girls’ teams. We look forward to working with the league and the clubs within it to create a positive environment for everyone involved.”
Parkland SC
Parkland, FL
Founded in 2015, Parkland SC has quickly risen through the ranks of the youth soccer world. Over the past several years Parkland SC has proved itself as one of the best clubs in the ECNL Regional League – Florida. With a vision to provide its top players an environment that challenges them with opportunities to grow, Parkland SC joins the ECNL Boys Club Competition with the desire to develop the person and the player through the creativity, spontaneity, and experimentation that the game of soccer naturally provides.
“Parkland Soccer Club could not be more excited to be joining ECNL,” said Roger Thomas, Director of Club and Coaching Development for Parkland SC. “We believe that joining the ECNL, an incredibly prestigious national league, will have huge advantages and opportunities for our club’s players. The players from our community have an opportunity to compete and develop their talents in an elite, national-level environment, have access to top training opportunities, and unmatched college exposure. I would like to thank our club board, team managers, coaching staff, our parents, and most of all, our players, for sticking with us to make
this success a possibility.”
United PDX
Portland, OR
United PDX has been showcasing Portland’s soccer youth since the mid-80s and will become the first organization from Oregon to join the ECNL Boys Club Competition. With more than 2,700 athletes and nearly 50 licensed coaches throughout the program, United PDX is dedicated to player development, fostering a lifelong love, understanding, passion and appreciation for the game of soccer.
“We’re excited to join ECNL Boys as the platform continues to differentiate the player experience at United PDX,” said Brandon McNeil, United PDX Sporting Director. “To compete against the top competition both regionally and nationally will make for an amazing experience for the top Oregon players across all age groups. College coaches and national scouts are flocking to ECNL League games and flooding the sidelines at National Events, which will assist our player’s along their journey beyond their youth soccer experience. The stacking of meaningful games and big-time events is how every top player aspires to compete.”
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and
celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and
enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their
potential.
The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible
environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to
constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief
in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
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