So ECNL has confirmed U13 teams for this fall. The DA should be following soon, right?
Here is the letter to ECNL clubs:
2017-18 ECNL Member Clubs,
Please read the below correspondence in regards to the ECNL U13 Division being introduced in the 2017-18 ECNL Season.
The ECNL U13 Division will be created as a formal ECNL competition age group beginning in the 2017-18 season. While the age group will be formally supported by the league (see below), participation will be optional due to the different travel demands across the country. Additionally, based on the age of the players and the philosophy of the league, there will be no national champion or championship event.
The ECNL U13 Division will provide an option for member clubs to introduce their U13 players to the ECNL structure and competition, while focusing on development and learning.
ECNL U13 Division Basics:
Participation in the ECNL U13 Division is optional. All clubs must submit a survey response to the league (see below) indicating their desire to participate. Based upon these responses, the league will create conference schedules. Once committing to participate, the commitment is binding and will be enforced as at other ECNL age groups.
Participating teams in the ECNL U13 Division must complete the ECNL U13 Division season in its entirety as laid out and approved by the league.
The ECNL U13 Division Team must be the “first team” of the club in the U13 age group.
The specific competition format for the ECNL U13 Division will be determined by the league. It may mirror the format of the U14 schedule, or be structured differently, based on participating clubs.
ECNL U13 Division players must be carded under the ECNL and will be subject to ECNL roster rules. Players can play for both the ECNL U13 Team and any other ECNL Team, provided all ECNL Rules and Regulations are followed.
ECNL U13 Division players may participate in any ECNL National Event for which they are age eligible.
There will be no standings or post-season competition for ECNL U13 Division teams.
ECNL Support:
The ECNL will support the ECNL U13 Division in the following ways:
ECNL will have a U13 Division schedule on the ECNL website
ECNL will host at least one optional (1) ECNL U13 Division Showcase during the season
Jen Winnagle
Commissioner
Elite Clubs National League