BOYS ECNL

What is the ECNL?

The ECNL was founded in 2009 as a challenge to the status quo of youth soccer, with a vision to be better. In its first years, the league supported only girls programming, but that was to change.

As a result of grassroots collaboration and innovation driven by youth soccer leaders all around the country, the ECNL quickly rose to national prominence – and ultimately to be the top level of competition and player development in the country. Each step was fueled by a shared commitment to elevating the youth soccer experience.

From inception, the ECNL consistently developed in alignment with the needs of its member clubs, always seeking opportunities to lead and provide more, no matter the challenge or adversity. The four letters “ECNL” have become the embodiment of collaborative innovation, opportunity, respect, development, and excellence in youth soccer, as the once-radical idea of clubs having a voice to determine their future proved to produce results never before seen in youth soccer. Unrivaled numbers of female players, of constantly improving quality, began moving on to the collegiate, professional, and national team levels as the ECNL impact changed youth soccer.

In 2017, the landscape again demanded more and the ECNL Boys was founded, setting the stage for an amazing period of rapid growth, increasing quality and further change in youth soccer. Starting with 57 of the top boys clubs in the country, the creation of the Boys ECNL once again demonstrated how a total commitment to improving the experience of players, coaches, clubs, and the environment in which they develop, can change everything.

Today, the ECNL represents the epitome of excellence in youth soccer, for boys and girls, as the league and its clubs, players, coaches, and everyone involved seeks to constantly “Raise the Game” for the future.

ALBION SC Colorado is proud to be a member of the ECNL boys and will continue to be a pioneer in player development.

ALBION SC ECNL Boys Program Goal

To develop world-class players and coaches in an effort to place them at the college, professional and National team levels.

 

Program Objectives

To provide the best environment to help each individual player realize their potential. We commit to:

  • Putting the players first
  • Hiring and developing the best coaching staff
  • Developing a winning mentality
  • Staying on the forefront of innovation
  • Playing attractive soccer
  • Teaching the game in a holistic way
  • Being transparent
  • Doing what’s right
  • Improving every day
  • The future and constant innovation

 

Core Values

 

We offer a progressive pathway for players at the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U19, and semi-pro level. Through this structure, we have the ability to fast-track player development and promote youth players. With a commitment to innovation and high-performance, along with optimal structure and resources, we are the model club for player and coach development in the United States.

 

Vertical Integration

The ECNL is connected and aligned with the other areas of the club in order to facilitate proper player development. This requires a consistent training curriculum and methodology. Our coaches collaborate and create the ideal training and game playing scenarios for each player in the program.

 

Professional Staff

ALBION SC hires and attracts experienced coaches that have played and coached at the most elite levels. These coaches are all credentialed with a US Soccer A, B, or C license and are experienced with elite level programming and team management. Our staff includes the following positions:

  • Technical Director
  • Academy Director
  • Academy Administrator
  • College Placement Director
  • Head Coach
  • Goalkeeper Coach

 

Philosophy

We believe in an age-based developmental philosophy that can be defined as follows:

Train to Learn.
U13-U14. At this stage players are primed for the long-term demands of the 11v11 game. During this period, there is heavy emphasis on technical and soccer IQ components of the game. Our teaching is geared towards perfecting our game model and style of play. We strive to develop a winning mentality every day.

Train to Compete.
U15. At this stage players are better prepared for the physical and mental demands of the 11v11 game. While we continue to perfect our game model and style of play, we will  introduce different tactical elements that give us the competitive advantage over our opponents. We compete every day and exude a winning mentality in everything that we do.

Train to Win.
U16-U19. At this stage players are ready to compete and must show the desire to win at all times. We will showcase our players and teams at the highest levels possible.
 

Resources and Initiatives

  • Financial assistance for players that qualify
  • Position-specific training
  • Age-based developmental model
  • Comprehensive curriculum and teaching methodology