October 22 – The Elite Club National League (ECNL) has announced its 2026/27 postseason, with three playoff paths that it says will constitute the biggest end-of-season competition in US youth soccer history.
Nearly 2,500 teams will qualify for the ECNL Playoffs, the ECNL Regional League Playoffs and the new ECNL Conference Playoffs, a competition with the National 1 League.
“The June and July 2027 postseason events will provide some of the most exciting moments in youth soccer as these expanded and integrated playoffs create an unprecedented opportunity for competition, exposure and inspiration for players across America,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers.
“Not only will champions be crowned at every level and lifelong memories made, but these events provide opportunities for clubs to demonstrate their quality and gain further opportunities for league placement and events in the future.”
The top-tier playoffs return to Seattle for the boys and San Diego for the girls from June 25 to July 2, 2027, with more than 300 teams in each event. U13 to U17 teams play a group and knockout stage to reach the quarter-finals at the ECNL Finals in July.
At the U18/19 level, the boys’ teams are divided into a national championship and a North American Cup, while the girls play quarterfinals through to a final in San Diego. The women’s event also includes the North American Cup and two Showcase Cups for U15 to U17.
The Regional League Playoffs are expanded to six regional events, adding opportunities and reducing travel for families. The U13 to U17 winners progress to the regional league finals in July, while the U18/19 champions are crowned on site.
The new Conference League Playoffs combine the Regional League Playoffs with the best teams in the National League 1, with group stages and playoffs at four regional venues. The winners advance to the conference league finals in July. In the U18/19, eight National League 1 teams per event compete for titles decided on the spot.
The expansion comes as competition among US youth platforms intensifies, with MLS NEXT also announcing record numbers for its 2026-27 season.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at (email protected)
