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ECNL RL - TwiN CITIES

2026-27 Divisions & Postseason Qualification

ECNL RL Rules Handbook

Referee Resources

The ECNL was founded in 2009 and today represents the highest levels of youth soccer in America. 

In 2026-27 there are 26 boys and girls ECNL Regional Leagues throughout the country.

ECNL Regional League-Twin Cities sits atop the National 1 League, and provides an opportunity for deserving clubs to qualify for the top league in Minnesota, while competing for coveted spots in the annual ECNL Regional League postseason. Furthermore, U16-U19 teams have access to ECNL college showcases, where hundreds of college coaches have historically attended.

Clubs that perform consistently and at a high level within the ECNL Regional League will be evaluated for invitation to the ECNL (National) club competition.

Club and team qualification into the N1 and ECNL Regional League-Twin Cities is based on on-the-field performance from the previous soccer year.

The ECNL Regional League-Twin Cities and National 1 League aims to provide a practical, club-centric, annual schedule. In general, teams play one meaningful season throughout the full soccer year. The benefit to this structure is utmost flexibility for clubs, and appropriate training to match ratios which are in the best interest of player development.

 TOTAL MATCHES (EST.)FALL SEPT-OCTWINTER DEC-MARCHSPRING APRIL-JUNE
U13-U1418-204-64-68-10
U15-U1914-16n/a4-68-10
The top two ECNL Regional League teams will advance to the Central Playoffs in June, 2027.
    • U13-U17: two-stage (Playoffs, followed by Finals if a team were to advance).
    • U19: one-stage (Playoffs; there is no second stage for U19 teams).

The “next best” (i.e. third place team) will advance to the ECNL Conference League playoffs.
  • U13-U17 ECNL RL teams only. There is no third-place advancement for U19 teams.

ECNL RL Boys Age Group Advances To Stage Structure Timing
1st & 2nd Place U13-U17 Central Playoffs Two-stage: Playoffs → Finals (if advancing) June 2027 (St. Louis, Mo.)
July 2027 (TBD)
1st & 2nd Place U19 Central Playoffs One-stage: Playoffs only (no Finals round) June 2027 (St. Louis, Mo.)
3rd Place U13-U17 ECNL Conference League Playoffs Two-stage: Playoffs → Finals (if advancing) June 2027 (St. Louis, Mo.)
July 2027 (Atlanta, Ga.)
ECNL RL Girls Age Group Advances To Stage Structure Timing
1st & 2nd Place U13-U17 Central Playoffs Two-stage: Playoffs → Finals (if advancing) June 2027 (St. Louis, Mo.)
July 2027 (TBD)
1st & 2nd Place U19 Central Playoffs One-stage: Playoffs only (no Finals round) June 2027 (St. Louis, Mo.)
3rd Place U13-U17 ECNL Conference League Playoffs Two-stage: Playoffs → Finals (if advancing) June 2027 (St. Louis, Mo.)
July 2027 (Atlanta, Ga.)