The Boys ECNL is the most elite arm of our club’s boys programming. Competing against some of the country’s biggest clubs, best players and in front of some of its most prestigious collegiate programs, participation within our ECNL program is reserved solely for those who display both the ability and mentality to #AlwaysBeMore.
The program is overseen by club Technical Director Tom Shields, and consists of multiple staff with USSF A & B Licenses along with many who have experience across every level of the NCAA landscape. Zack Roth, our club’s dedicated full-time Director of Goalkeeping, also works specifically with all of the goalkeepers within the program helping ensure the quality of development witnessed is exemplary.
Participation within STA’s Boys ECNL teams is by invitation only. Our coaches are constantly working to identify the most talented players in our state, both within and outside the immediate STA network of clubs and High Schools, in an effort to continue to produce teams capable of competing for titles on both a regional and national level.
Boys ECNL teams begin at the U13 age group with league play for the U13-U14 groups taking place across the fall and spring seasons and progressing into the summer should teams advance to the National Playoffs or National Finals. U15-U19 groups return to training and competition at the completion of their respective high School season and therefore, begin competition during the late fall/early winter, continuing into the spring and again through the summer should they advance to National Playoffs/Finals.
All ECNL teams compete within six tournaments per year. These are typically some of the most prestigious on the East Coast (Jefferson Cup, Bethesda, EDP Fall/Spring, etc.) but can include opportunities such as the Dallas Cup. Beyond this, ECNL National Events occur for the U15-U19 groups in a 1-2-2-1 ratio ensuring that across the year (typically in both Richmond, VA and Sanford, FL), the opportunity to participate against other ECNL member clubs from across the country is apparent, irrespective of whether or not postseason qualification is achieved.
Heavily supported by college, professional and USYNT scouts, these events provide a wonderful opportunity for our boys to showcase their talents on some of the country’s biggest stages.
Encompassing 142 of the country’s biggest boys clubs, the Boys ECNL is one of the pre-eminent youth leagues in the United States. With admittance possible through application and assessment only, the league’s guiding principles of; Innovation, Excellence, Opportunity, Respect and Development have helped ensure that it is now home to some of the brightest talent in the country.
As a proud member club of the Northeast Conference, STA plays a club v club competition schedule with other programs from across the region ranging from MA, to PA and DE to NY. With High School participation supported, players are able to represent their towns and local communities, enjoying the social benefits this brings, before returning to club competition upon the completion of their seasons.
As part of a 17 team conference, STA teams play a 14 game annual league schedule which sees a handful of occasions where all of the teams U13-U19 will both host or travel together helping forge an unparalleled allegiance and brotherhood amongst clubmates.
With some of the country’s biggest club’s coming together, the level of competition, visibility and opportunity that Boys ECNL players receive is exceptional.
With over 400 college coaches attending the 2021 National Playoffs, the National Selection Games drawing further interest from collegiate and professional coaches and All-Conference and League honors highlighting individual excellence, the platform for players to elevate their game is a significant one.
STA players Ryan Friedberg (U19 ECNL) and Charles Taliano (2005 Boys ECNL) alongside STA Technical Director Tom Shields (West Team Head Coach) took center stage in a hotly contested battle between Team East and Team West during Florida’s inaugural Boys ECNL National Selection Game.
A fierce contest ended 0-0 only for team East to prevail in penalty kicks. The game played in front of over 2,000 spectators and 200 more college coaches was a wonderful experience for all involved and we are very proud of our guys for their efforts.
To get a glimpse into the night click here.
Held annually and becoming the most elite boys identification event in the country, approximately 90 of the nation’s top male youth soccer players are invited for one weekend to participate in training and competition.
The ECNL National Selection Program is free of charge for the players; the ECNL and PUMA Soccer cover all of the costs associated with the camp, including hotel and ground transportation, meals, coaching, facilities, and equipment. The only cost for players is transportation to and from the camp. During the camp, the players have the opportunity to compete in front of top colleges from around the nation, are trained by some of the top youth coaches in the country, and learn from a series of off-field presentations from experts.
