Boys Elite Clubs National League
The Boys ECNL provides a top level, club-based development, training, and competition platform for youth male soccer players, with conference competition in six age groups (U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18/19) and 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 ENPL Playoffs, along with top teams from US Club Soccer’s NPLs.
About Boys Elite Clubs National League: Boys Elite Clubs National League (Boys ECNL) was founded to provide a top class, club-based development, training, and competition platform for youth male soccer players in the United States. 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.
MTA was one of the 40 founding clubs of the Girls ECNL in 2009.
MTA began competing in the Boys ECNL during the 2019-2020 season.
Minnesota Thunder Academy is proud to be the only Minnesota club selected
to compete in both the Boys & Girls Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).
| Eclipse Select SC | Oak Brook, Illinois |
| FC Pride | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| FC Wisconsin | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Indiana Elite FC | Crown Point, Indiana |
| Minnesota Thunder Academy | Richfield, Minnesota |
| Rockford Raptors FC | Rockford, Illinois |
| St Croix SC | Stillwater, Minnesota |
| Chicago Magic | Chicago, Illinois |
“We are very excited to welcome MTA into the Boys ECNL, and to have them as an ‘All-In’ ECNL club,” said Christian Lavers, Boys ECNL President. “The club’s history speaks for itself, and their addition to the Midwest Conference will make the conference better and stronger on the field and in many other ways.”
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 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 Frequency: 3-4 times per week.
Primary Locations: Academy of Holy Angels Turf (Richfield), Richfield High School
Please see the Boys Team Expectations page for more information on the current season.
Uniforms, team events, tournament registration fees, and travel expenses are not included in player fees.
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.
Why Choose MTA
Year-round training with the top talent in Minnesota.
Highly-qualified coaches with US Soccer & NSCAA accreditation.
Perfect for serious players who seek a high level of competition.
Gain visibility to collegiate scouts and national team coaches.
What Parents Say
MTA provides elite coaching and technical training other clubs cannot match. They also understand how to prepare the kids for the next level.
The kids that gravitate to MTA push each other to be better soccer players while being good people.
The coaching is consistent. It doesn’t matter who the coach is or what level—Each and every coach is teaching the players how to possess the ball and increasing their soccer IQ. We are always please with the methods.
The training, teaching of ball control and footwork, and knowledge of game strategy is hands above community clubs.
Training is great! If you want to play college soccer MTA is heads above everyone else.
As the years go by, our son is growing so much as a player and we are excited for his future with the club
Great coaching staff!
Challenging every player, at every level, thereby giving an equal opportunity to develop to anyone who wants it.
The coaching and training is excellent as well as the facilities for winter training.
MTA provides a safe and effective training environment. They provide top level coaching for the elite teams and challenge the players to develop their skills.
MTA provides opportunities for soccer players who are very dedicated to the sport through great coaching and playing opportunities.
My son’s coach truly cares about him and every player on his team.
Camps & Clinics
Minnesota Thunder Academy offers ThunderFoot training as well as various camps & clinics throughout the calendar year, open to MTA and non-MTA players. Participation in MTA camps and clinics provides an alternative to private lessons and private training.
