If you’ve been trying to figure out whether a soccer club can have both an ECNL team and an ECNL-RL team, the short answer is yes — and in fact, most ECNL clubs do. But the more useful question is what the difference actually means for your player, and how clubs structure these teams in practice.
Here’s everything parents need to know.
Yes, a Club Can Have Both ECNL and ECNL-RL Teams
This comes up constantly in soccer parent groups, and the confusion is understandable — the naming is genuinely confusing. ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) and ECNL-RL (Regional League) are two separate tiers of the same organization, and a single club can field teams in both.
In fact, according to ECNL’s structure, clubs that participate in ECNL National are required to also have an ECNL-RL team in a matching division. So if your club has an ECNL U15 team, they must also field an ECNL-RL U15 team. Some clubs go further and have multiple RL teams in different divisions — meaning a club could technically have an ECNL team, an ECNL-RL team at one level, and a second ECNL-RL team at another.
As one parent in our community put it: “At our club, ECNL is the top team. ECNL-RL is the 2nd team.” That’s the most common structure you’ll encounter.
What’s the Actual Difference Between ECNL and ECNL-RL?
This is the question most parents actually want answered. Here’s the breakdown:
ECNL National
- The top tier of the ECNL structure
- National travel footprint — your team will travel across the country for conference play and showcases
- Highest level of competition within the ECNL system
- Maximum college coach visibility — D1 coaches attend ECNL showcases heavily
- Higher cost due to travel demands
ECNL Regional League (RL)
- One step below ECNL National in competition level
- More regional travel — you’re generally playing closer to home
- Less travel cost and time commitment than ECNL National
- Still competitive, but the talent pool varies significantly by region
- Can exist at a club without ECNL National (some clubs only have RL teams)
One important caveat from parents who’ve been through it: “In many places, RL is NOT the second tier below ECNL — it’s more of a money grab for a base-level club experience.” This is a real regional issue. In some markets ECNL-RL is genuinely competitive. In others, the gap between RL and ECNL National is massive, and RL sits closer to a strong NPL team than to ECNL.
The lesson: don’t assume ECNL-RL means your player is one step from ECNL National. Talk to parents at the club, watch games, and evaluate what the RL actually looks like in your specific region.
Can a Club Have RL Without ECNL National?
Yes — and this is where it gets important. Clubs can participate in ECNL-RL without having an ECNL National team at all. You can’t go the other direction though: you can’t have ECNL National without also having ECNL-RL.
So when you’re evaluating clubs, you might encounter:
- Full ECNL clubs: Have both ECNL National and ECNL-RL teams (sometimes multiple RL teams)
- RL-only clubs: Participate in ECNL-RL but not ECNL National — these clubs are working toward or not yet at the national level
- Clubs with GA: Some ECNL clubs also field teams in Girls Academy (GA), adding a third tier within the same club
What This Means for Your Player’s Development Path
Understanding the structure matters most if your daughter is on the borderline between teams. If she’s playing ECNL-RL at a club that also has ECNL National, there’s a clear internal pathway — strong performance at the RL level can earn movement up to the national team, sometimes within the same season.
If she’s at an RL-only club, the pathway to ECNL National typically means switching clubs entirely, which involves tryouts and a fresh start.
Neither situation is inherently better — it depends on your player’s current level, the quality of coaching at each club, and her goals. A player thriving and developing at an RL-only club will often outperform a player sitting the bench at an ECNL National club.
We cover the bigger question of whether ECNL is actually worth the investment in detail here: Does ECNL Actually Help with College Recruiting?
The Cost Difference
ECNL National costs more than ECNL-RL — primarily because of travel. National teams travel across the country for conference games and showcase events. RL teams play regionally, which cuts hotel, flight, and time-off-work costs significantly.
If you’re comparing the two levels at the same club, expect ECNL National to run $2,000–$5,000 more per year once you factor in all the travel. For a full breakdown of what each level actually costs, see our guide: How Much Does Youth Soccer Cost? A Complete Breakdown by Level
Regardless of which team your player is on, make sure she has the right gear for year-round play. Travel teams play in all weather — a good set of cold weather base layers and quality cleats matter at both levels. If your player has wide feet, check our guide to the best soccer cleats for wide feet before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one club have both ECNL and ECNL-RL girls teams?
Yes — most ECNL clubs do. ECNL clubs are actually required to field ECNL-RL teams in matching age divisions. Some clubs have multiple RL teams across different age groups and divisions.
Is ECNL-RL the same as ECNL Regional?
Yes — ECNL-RL and ECNL Regional League refer to the same thing. You’ll see both terms used interchangeably by parents and coaches.
Which is better — ECNL or ECNL-RL?
ECNL National is the higher competitive tier, with more travel and greater college coach visibility. ECNL-RL is one step below, more regional, and lower cost. Which is better for your player depends on her current ability, goals, and what the RL looks like competitively in your region.
Can my daughter move from ECNL-RL to ECNL National at the same club?
Yes — if she’s at a club that has both, strong performance at the RL level can lead to movement up to the national team. This is one advantage of being at a full ECNL club versus an RL-only club.
Do college coaches watch ECNL-RL games?
Some do, particularly D2 and D3 coaches. D1 coaches focus primarily on ECNL National showcases. If your daughter is targeting D1 programs, ECNL National visibility matters more. For D2/D3, ECNL-RL combined with proactive recruiting outreach can absolutely work.
