Elite Clubs National League (BOYS)

The ECNL Boys program provides a top level, club-based, development, training, and competition platform for male youth soccer players in the United States. The ECNL provides conference competition in six age groups (U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18/19), and provides maximum collegiate exposure through multiple Boys ECNL National Events.

In addition to the competition platform, the Boys ECNL offers player identification and development opportunities for top players, as well as unique coaching education and club development programs. Top teams from every Boys ECNL conference qualify for the post-season ECNL Playoffs, along with top teams from US Club Soccer’s NPL leagues.

The mission of the Boys ECNL is to improve the landscape for players in the United States through innovative, player-centered programming that raises standards of quality and improves the player experience in all aspects of the game. The Boys ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer.

Play on your HS team
Play high level, nationally
Maximum college exposure – ECNL regional & national events draw hundreds of college coaches from across the country.
Broad path to college & professional soccer with systematic scouting and identification programming.

Meaningful, competitive games
National ECNL Playoff structure
Very strong regional and national competition
Top notch, highly licensed, professional coaching staff.
3-4 high-quality training sessions per week

TEAM

Training

Fees

Events

League

Team

ECNL teams are based in the Twin Cities metro area. Players include those from hometowns in the Twin Cities as well as out-state Minnesota.

Please see the Tryouts / Boys Team Expectations page for information on the current season.

MTA fields a Boys ECNL team at all ages included in the league:

U13
U14
U15
U16
U17
U18/19

+ U12 Pre-ECNL team

Training

Training Frequency: average 3-4 contacts per week.

Training Locations: Academy of Holy Angels (Richfield) and MTA Winter Park Training Facility (Eden Prairie)

All ECNL players are strongly encouraged to sign up for Performance Training with Training HAUS, powered by Twin Cities Orthopedics. MTA players are offered discounted registration, and can train with TrainingHAUS before or after team training at our Winter Park facility.

Fees

Please see the Boys Team Expectations page under the Tryouts menu for current season information.

Uniforms, team events, tournament registration fees, coach travel and personal travel expenses are not included in player fees.

National Events

MTA Boys ECNL teams typically participate in 1-4 ECNL National Events per year in addition to ECNL Midwest Conference league play and ECNL post-season play (if the team qualifies).

Boys ECNL National Events are typically held in November, December, January, April, and May. Past locations have included Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, California & Pennsylvania.

The Boys ECNL post-season includes the National Playoffs and National Finals.

League

The Boys ECNL Midwest Conference encompasses 8 clubs spanning 4 states: Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The conference competition season is September-June (U13/U14) or late October-June (U15-U19).

FC Pride	Indianapolis, Indiana
Eclipse Select SC	Oak Brook, Illinois
Indiana Elite FC	Crown Point, Indiana
FC Wisconsin	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
St Croix SC	Stillwater, Minnesota
Chicago Magic	Chicago, Illinois
Rockford Raptors FC	Loves Park, Illinois
Minnesota Thunder Academy	Richfield, Minnesota

WE ARE THUNDER

Learn more about Minnesota Thunder Academy

MTA Camps and Events take place throughout the year

Camps Events

The ECNL Parent Experience

” I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate the MTA program. As a father of a player who is working towards playing collegiate soccer, I wanted to give him the best opportunity to get first be coached by the best coaches in MN and secondly get some national exposure through ECNL. I believe that he has gotten both. I cannot say enough about Mark Yueill, who is not just a great tactician, but has also showing the value of attitude and hard work.”
Don R. – MTA Parent

” There is no doubt that Joe made his biggest improvements as a soccer player while at MTA. He was taught tactical as well as technical things that have served him increasingly well as he developed. Perhaps more importantly, his coach Mark Yuiell placed an equal importance on being a good team mate, respecting the officials and your opponents and being dedicated to your team. This is often overlooked, but character development was a central tenet of Joe’s education at MTA and we are thankful for the balance Mark demanded. ”

Matthew H. – MTA Parent

” My daughter has not only improved her skills since being part of the MTA program, she has gained confidence and I cannot express how amazing it is to see her comfortable in an environment with her teammates, coaches and friends and free of anxiety and worries. It is truly a safe space for her and has been an incredible blessing to see her excited, happy and excelling. .”

Amanda Jane F. – MTA Parent

” If you want to play college ball, especially outside of the midwest then MTA would be a great option”

Anny C. – MTA Parent

” The costs are up front, but you know what you are getting and have consistently high-quality facilities to train in, strong coaches available when training is to happen and focused on players’ success and expectation that post-club play is what all players want.”

Michelle G. – MTA Parent

” The chemistry on my son’s team is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced and we feel much of that is due to the example set by the coaches and club directors. We didn’t know this kind of youth soccer existed in Minnesota and only wish we’d made the move earlier.“

Ashley B. – MTA Parent