About the Program
Elite Club's National League (ECNL) is a proven and nationally recognized elite soccer program, and offers our top players the best training and development opportunities available in the country. Coached by our paid ECNL coaching staff, teams train 3 times a week and compete in 1-2 National Showcase events per year.
Arkansas Rising is the only Central Arkansas soccer club that offers players an opportunity to play in the ECNL Regional League.
Quick Facts:
- Offered to top level players from U11-U19
- Teams train 3x/week at Maumelle or Burns Park
- Attend 1-2 National Showcase events
- Regionalized Competition
- Events - Experiential and Recruitable
- Robust Playoff and Championship Structure
- Dedicated and Full-time League Support
- Performance-Based Opportunities
- Best Brand in American Youth Soccer
- Club Resources
- 276 Girls Clubs
- 20 Girls Leagues
- 30,000+ Girls Players
- 6 ECNL RL Girls Recruitable Events
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PRE-ECNL PATHWAY
Starting with U11 and/or U12 players, our Pre-ECNL platform provides teams the opportunity to compete in the North Texas Conference, serving as a crucial developmental stage for players aspiring to join the next level up, our ECNL RL (Elite Clubs National League Regional League) teams in the Texas Conference. This program offers a stepping stone for young athletes to gain experience, develop essential skills, and prepare for the challenges of ECNL RL competition. Selected players for this team will be chosen during our tryout process by our Arkansas Rising Girls Coaching Staff.
Key Features of the Arkansas Rising Pre-ECNL Program:
- Developmental Focus:
- Prioritizes technical skill development, tactical understanding, and holistic player growth.
2. High-Level Competition:
- Provides competitive opportunities against top clubs in the North Texas Conference, fostering a competitive mindset and preparing players for future ECNL RL matches.
3. Pathway to ECNL RL and Beyond:
- Prepares players for a smooth transition into ECNL RL play within the Texas Conference, ensuring they are ready to excel at the next level.
4. National Recognition:
- Participation in a nationally recognized program can provide exposure to college recruiters and open doors to other future opportunities.
The Arkansas Rising Pre-ECNL program serves as a feeder system for our ECNL RL teams, ensuring our players are ready to thrive in competitive environments. This platform mirrors the structure and expectations of the ECNL RL pathway, supporting both personal and team growth while preparing athletes for elite soccer competition.
ECNL REGIONAL LEAGUE
PATHWAY
Our top-tier Girls teams compete in the ECNL Regional League (ECNL-RL) within the Texas Conference, offering a professional, club-based environment that fosters individual development through meaningful competition. The ECNL RL ensures consistency and professionalism across all Regional Leagues, encouraging collaboration between clubs and levels of play, while providing players with a structured pathway to succeed at the highest levels of youth soccer. Selected players for this team will be chosen during our tryout process by our Arkansas Rising Girls Coaching Staff.
Key Features of the ECNL RL Program in the Texas Conference:
- Individual Player Development:
- Emphasizes refining technical and tactical skills through high-level training, meaningful games, and competitive match-day experiences.
2. High-Level Competition:
- Provides challenging matches against top-tier opponents within the Texas Conference, creating an environment that prepares players for the demands of collegiate play.
3. Pathway to Post-Season Play:
- Players have opportunities to compete in the ECNL Regional League Championship Series, a two-stage post-season event culminating in the ECNL RL Finals, held alongside the ECNL Girls Post-Season.
4. College Exposure Opportunities:
- In addition to showcase events, college coaches often attend league matches, giving players valuable exposure during regular-season games.
The ECNL RL platform at Arkansas Rising offers a pathway that combines elite training, competitive league play, and showcase opportunities, ensuring players receive the support they need to reach their fullest potential. With a focus on meaningful competition and college exposure, our athletes are well-prepared for both club and future collegiate opportunities.
Alongside our Pre-ECNL program in the North Texas Conference, Arkansas Rising provides a comprehensive development pathway. These platforms ensure players are equipped to excel in ECNL RL competition, laying the groundwork for long-term success on the field and beyond.
Why ECNL?
01
The best competition and showcasing platform in the country.
02
The proven pathway to college and the pros.
03
The best players, teams, and clubs in the country.
The future of women's soccer.
ECNL released this 15-Year Anniversary Video to commemorate the impact of the ECNL, the clubs, the coaches, and the players that have led the league from being a small idea and project in 2009 to an organization transforming every facet of the youth game in 2025. This video is a celebration of the work of hundreds of players, thousands of leaders, and tens of thousands of players. Arkansas Rising is excited to be a part of the journey and this league!
Players interested in our ECNL Regional program must create an account in PlayMetrics to register for tryouts that are held in the summer. Parents or guardians should create an account in their name and add each child as a participant.