A mere days after the ECNL announced the launch of the first-ever national event series for the ECNL Girls Regional League, The Gallagher organization (St. Louis Scott Gallagher MO & IL / Kansas City Scott Gallagher) celebrates the conclusion of its first year competing in the Elite Clubs NL - Regional League Platform (ECNL-RL). In addition to a successful completion of a full slate of games, as members of the Heartland Conference, the U13-U19 squads from each division found a stable and competitive environment for development with the added bonus of college coach exposure. In these most uncertain of times, having the opportunity to compete in front of college coaches has been a rarity for these student athletes. Yet for the Gallagher program, the RL platform has aided thirty-three (33) RL Gallagher players find a college/university to continue their studies and soccer career. An astonishing number that the club is incredibly proud of. The club is incredibly proud of this astonishing number.

The latest announcement regarding the RL and it’s new National Event Series, has excited the club even more about what the future holds for our players. “The RL is giving more players access to the top collegiate recruiting platform in the country and fulfilling its mission to be the best youth sports platform in America.” stated the ECNL. The ECNL’s press release went on to say, “The series will feature two showcase national events, each running concurrently with existing ECNL Girls National Events. Between these events, thousands of ECNL athletes will gain exposure to hundreds of college coaches and scouts and experience top competition and an atmosphere not seen in any other platform. “

The ECNL Girls Regional League has expanded to include nearly 200 clubs nation-wide, bringing a total of more than 1500 of the country’s best teams into the ECNL. The creation of Regional League National Events further establishes the nation’s top players, teams and clubs into one platform to raise standards in all areas of the game.

Jarius Holmes, SLSG RL - White Director, has nothing but great things to say about the ECNL-RL and its impact on the Gallagher organization. “I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to direct/coach in the ECNL Regional League. The girls I was fortunate enough to work with, they represented our shield values on and off the field and have a bright future ahead of them.”

As different leagues and tournaments did their best to navigate the varying State health protocols, Directors and coaches of the clubs in the Heartland Conference collaborated weekly to make the season work for the players. “I was impressed with how much each respective club in the conference was willing to give to make the season work for the players and their families” said SLSG Navy Director Maggie Richard. “It was truly inspiring to be a part of and I look forward to the future of this conference.”

And the future is bright. With thirty-three college commitments from the RL Programs alone, adding the new showcase series will only help to increase the exposure of the clubs players on a national scale. “Playing in these showcases, will bring together the best female soccer clubs in the country to compete against each other.” said Dan Naidu, KC Scott Gallagher, Girls Director of Coaching. “With the ECNL adding the Regional League platform to their already first class National Showcase series, it shows their vision and dedication to all clubs and players within the platform. We are very excited to be a part of the future with ECNL.”

The new showcases that the RL platform can choose to participate in are listed below:

• National Event: ECNL Regional League – Florida - January 7-9, 2022 | U15-U18/19
• National Event: ECNL Regional League – Arizona - April 1-3, 2022 | U15-U18/19

“In years past, the ECNL Florida event has hosted more coaches than we can count”, said SLSG ECNL Director Ralph Richards.  “For our RL programs to have the opportunity to join us is just incredible. I’m so excited for the club as a whole, and now with the news of the conference expansion, the opportunity for an even better experience is on the horizon." The expansion Richards is referring to is the recent ECNL announcement that the Heartland Conference would be including no less than eight (8) new clubs for the 2021/22 season. Shawn Hewitt, SLSG IL Director was all smiles at the news of the Regional League expansion. "We are really happy about the new clubs that the league has announced. These clubs have a history of developing players and helping them reach their goals in the game. Each of these new clubs will help to raise the overall competitive level and positive culture that has already been established."

About the ECNL - The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.

The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.

The ECNL Commitment:

We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.

Click here for a complete list of the RL committed players.