Elite Clubs National League adds fourteen clubs, McLean and Strikers included

From the almost 90 clubs that applied for membership, the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) has announced the addition of 14 clubs for the 2011-12 season, increasing the total number of ECNL member clubs to 66.

The clubs granted membership for the 2011-12 season are:

Blue Valley SC (Kan.)
Colorado Storm SC (Colo.)
Dallas Texans SC (Texas)
Eagles SC (Calif.)
East Meadow SC (N.Y.)
Gwinnett Soccer Association (Ga.)
Las Vegas Premier SC (Nev.)
McLean Youth Soccer Association (Va.)
Penn Fusion Soccer Academy (Pa.)
Richmond Strikers (Va.)
So Cal Blues (Calif.)
Sockers FC (Ill.)
TSC Hurricanes (Okla.)
World Class FC (N.Y./N.J.)

The 66 ECNL member clubs will be separated into eight regional conferences as the ECNL expands to a full 25- to 30-game season in 2011-12. Conference alignments will be released in the coming weeks.

“For the second year in a row, we have added some tremendous clubs to the ECNL, each with great leadership and history in developing soccer players,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “We are very excited about the regional conference structure that is being created for the 2011-12 season for all of the ECNL member clubs, and feel it will have a tremendous impact on player development in all our markets.”

Acceptance decisions were based on a variety of different factors, including: 1) long-term club history in female soccer, 2) long-term history in development of female soccer players, 3) club leadership and management structure and 4) geographical considerations.

“These decisions are always very difficult, and there are a lot of very good soccer clubs and leaders in this country,” said ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken. “With the 14 clubs that we have added, and the expansion in our schedule, we feel that the ECNL is in a wonderful position to positively impact youth female soccer for years to come.”

“We are very excited about joining the ECNL for 2011-12,” said Hassan Naziri, Director of Coaching for the Dallas Texans. “The ECNL has created a competitive environment for talented players to develop even further. The Dallas Texans believe that the ECNL, with their sponsor Nike, will create an even brighter future for young women to become their best and reach their full potential.”

The full 2011-12 ECNL schedule, including dates and locations for the ECNL national events, will be released in April.