This week, San Diego will play host to 344 high-level girls’ soccer teams competing for a national title.
The Elite Clubs National League, or ECNL, is the highest level of youth soccer in the United States for both girls and boys. Starting June 26 and lasting eight days, San Diego will host the ECNL Girls National Playoffs with thousands of soccer players from across the country competing.
And with them come their friends, families, and in this case, recruiters. The ECNL Girls National Playoffs bring in thousands of scouts each year, according to an ECNL press release. These scouts are on the prowl for players ready to move to the next level. With recruiters, players and supportive family members, ECNL expects the tournament to bring in tens of thousands of people to San Diego.
“There’s a significant economic impact that comes to the host communities from these types of sporting events: hotels, restaurants, local attractions, shopping, and more. We’re proud to be able to support local communities when the ECNL hosts events such as its National Playoffs and San Diego always repays us with wonderful hospitality,” said Blayne Fink, ECNL commissioner of events and event operations.
Fink said there are a variety of factors to consider when planning such a large event, including weather, infrastructure and family-friendly activities, because these trips are often vacations for the athletes and their families.
The tournament is in Del Mar at Surf Cup Sports Park, adding to the hustle and bustle of the area. Del Mar is already hosting the San Diego County Fair, and thousands of soccer players and fans alike now joining the fun.
“We are constantly evaluating venues across the country to provide ECNL athletes with the very best the youth sports sphere has to offer, and San Diego continually places at the top year in and year out,” Fink said.
A couple of teams in the tournament won’t be far from home, though. Seven San Diego teams are competing in the tournament. The San Diego Surf Soccer Club has five teams in the tournament. For the 2023-2024 season, the San Diego Surf won the ECNL Girls Overall Club Championship, which is awarded to the soccer club earning the most points from regular and postseason games.
According to the San Diego Surf Soccer Club website, the club has the No. 1 ECNL boys team in San Diego and is the No. 1 ECNL Girls club overall across the country.
For the 18- and 19-year-old girls age group, the national champion will be decided here in San Diego. Sixteen teams will compete in single-elimination play until the national championship is determined.
For the younger age groups, ages 13 to 17, pool play will commence to determine which teams will advance to the Girls National Finals in Richmond, Virginia, in July. Only eight teams will move to the next round in Virginia.
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