RICHMOND, VA (April 14, 2020) – The ECNL Boys is excited to announce that Arsenal, FC Golden State, Pateadores, Real So Cal, San Diego Surf, and Strikers FC will join the league in the 2020-2021 season as members of the Southwest Conference.

“The addition of these clubs, along with our current members, will make the Southwest Conference of ECNL Boys the pre-eminent competition in the region,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “Creating this incredible level of localized competition through the willingness to work together with other clubs for the benefit of the sport will provide a great spark for the youth game overall.”

Founded in 1986, Arsenal FC includes 27 teams and more than 300 boys players. Club alumni have made a significant mark on the national and international stage, including US National Team Captain Carlos Bocanegra, Champions League Spartak Moscow’s Yura Movsisyan, El Salvador International Gerson Mayen, MLS All-Star and US International Nick Rimando, MLS All-Star Hector Jimenez, US National Team Captain Aaron Long and US International Paul Arriola. “Year after year, I have seen our Arsenal ladies achieve success and earn thousands of dollars in college scholarships through the opportunity afforded them by playing in the Elite Clubs National League,” said Director PJ Brown. “I am excited to bring our boys teams into the ECNL and position them for the same success now and for their future.”

FC Golden State includes over 900 players in a pathway from youth to professional with LA Force in the NISA. FC Golden State has developed players for multiple professional American clubs, including Harold Hansen (Portland Timbers), Diego Lopez (Atlanta United), and Jonathan Perez (LA Galaxy), as well as numerous college players to top programs across the country. “FC Golden State is excited and honored to have the privilege of competing in ECNL with our top teams,” said Director Jimmy Nordberg. “The league will provide a tremendous platform for all of our players to compete and showcase their talents, and we are confident that this will be a terrific move with like minded clubs, in a club-centered league where players, coaches and staff grow and develop together.”

Located in Costa Mesa, CA, Pateadores has more than 220 boys and girls teams. The club has had four #1 MLS draft picks since 1996, with their most recent #1 draft pick Frankie Amaya in 2019. A long list of professional stars have come through Pats, including John Thorrington, Danny Calif, Maurice Edu, Matt Reis, Luis Gil, Luis Silva, and Frankie Amaya. “Pateadores are very excited to work with ECNL and the many talented and quality current clubs in the league, and to uphold the ECNL’s principles and initiatives,” said Director Teddy Chronopoulos. “Our players will have the opportunity to train and compete under the same guidelines, standards and expectations set forth by our club.”

Real So Cal was founded in 2000, and includes 28 boys teams and more than 400 players. The club has won six National Championships since its inception, and includes a staff with more than 15 “A” and “B” licensed coaches. “Real So Cal is excited to be part of the Boys ECNL,” said Director Alberto Bru. “We are looking forward to what the league provides our players, including the opportunity to compete for a national championship, exposure at college showcases, and high quality competition.”

San Diego Surf was founded in 1977, and includes 35 boys teams and more than 500 players. In its history the club has won 11 National Championships and 26 Regional Championships. “San Diego Surf has been at the forefront of youth soccer for more than 40 years and has consistently ranked as a top program regardless of platform or league,” said Director of Coaching Josh Henderson. “Our mission is to create the best opportunities and experiences for our players, and our dedication to this mission is even more apparent as we are honored to join the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). We are beyond thrilled to compete in what we believe will be the best boys league in the nation.”

Founded in 1984, Strikers FC currently operates 30 competitive boys teams with over 500 players. The club was home to two of the country’s youngest professional soccer players, Francis Jacobs (14) and Shane Kaemerle (15), and has seen eight alums go on to play for the US Men’s National Team. “I am excited for this new chapter for our club,” said Executive Director of Soccer Don Ebert. “Strikers FC has always tried to embrace change, as we believe that real growth can only happen if you are willing to change. I have no doubt that moving to the ECNL Boys will be a very positive step for all our players and families.”

“A platform based on club collaboration, aligned by core values, and where top level competition comes with reduced travel, is critical to the future of the game,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “The Southwest Conference is modeling the future of the youth game, and we will continue to work to fulfill our mission to raise the game and make the ECNL better for every player, club, and coach involved.”

Additional new clubs for the ECNL Boys 2020-2021 season will be announced in the coming days.

