RICHMOND, VA (April 28, 2021) – The ECNL Girls is thrilled to announce details for the 11th annual ECNL Girls National Playoffs and ECNL Girls National Finals, bringing together thousands of athletes for the nation’s top soccer competition. The ECNL Girls National Playoffs will take place in Lakewood Ranch, FL, at the Premier Sports Campus from June 30 – July 7, while the ECNL National Finals will be held at West Creek Soccer Complex in Richmond, VA, on July 17-18.
“Each year, the ECNL National Playoffs and ECNL National Finals bring together the best athletes and teams in America in an incredible environment, and with the league’s continued growth, qualifying for these events is even more difficult and impressive,” said ECNL Girls Commissioner Jen Winnagle. “Hosting the ECNL postseason at Premier Sports Campus and West Creek Soccer Complex will provide thousands of athletes the opportunity to play on some of the best fields in the country.”
This season, more than 350 teams will qualify for the ECNL Girls National Playoffs across six age groups, further extending the club and player pathway to new heights. Teams will qualify from every conference based upon performances in both conference play and play at ECNL National Events in the 2020-2021 season.
The ECNL Girls Nationals Playoffs will feature five divisions of play in some age groups: the Champions League, North American Cup, Showcase Cup A, Showcase Cup B and the Open Cup. The number of teams in each division varies by age group, with all teams guaranteed a minimum of three games. To learn more about ECNL Girls Postseason qualification, click here.
Premier Sports Campus is home to 23 full-sized fields, many featuring lights for night games. The facility has hosted numerous amateur, collegiate, professional and national events throughout its 10-year history. The postseason is timed after the end of the NCAA Dead Period for Division I coaches to maximize the scouting opportunities for players and clubs alike.
“We are ecstatic to have been selected as the host for the 2021 ECNL Girls National Playoffs,” said Elliott Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to welcoming the hundreds of teams and providing their players, coaches and family members with an incredible experience at our world-class facility and our beautiful beachfront community. The entire Bradenton Area is looking forward to welcoming them this summer.”
The ECNL National Finals will stretch from July 17 – 18, bringing the league’s top-performing teams from across four age groups and nine Conferences to one of the top soccer facilities in the country. West Creek Soccer Complex – a 38-acre, 8-field facility will host the semifinals, finals and third-place contests in the two-day event.
“Richmond Region Tourism is delighted to once again welcome the ECNL National Finals to Richmond this summer,” said Jerrine Lee, Director of Sports Development with Richmond Region Tourism. “Soccer is incredibly popular in the Richmond region and we are grateful for the strong partnership we have established with The ECNL.”
A date and time for the ECNL Girls National Playoffs draw will be announced at a later date.
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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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