For Immediate Release:

ECNL Contact: Jacob Born; 804-904-2693 

ECNL REGIONAL LEAGUE - GREATER MICHIGAN ALLIANCE LAUNCHES THIS FALL – New league brings 10 clubs into the ECNL RL Boys and ECNL RL Girls –

RICHMOND, Va. (March 13, 2025) - The ECNL Regional League is proud to announce the launch of the ECNL RL - Greater Michigan Alliance for the 2025-26 season, kicking off with both boys and girls competition this fall with 10 new clubs in Michigan.

“The ECNL RL - Greater Michigan Alliance will support the great development work done by the best clubs in Michigan, and will deepen the impact of the ECNL RL in one of the talent hotbeds of the country,” said ECNL Regional League Commissioner Chris Leahey. “Clubs in Michigan are constantly competing for championships nationally in both genders, and this league will provide pathways and opportunities for more players, teams, and clubs from the state moving forward. These additions continue to strengthen the ECNL Regional Leagues and elevate the play of the platform across the country.”

Beyond access to ECNL Regional League regular season events for top performing teams, winners from the ECNL RL - Greater Michigan Alliance will qualify in the post-season for the ECNL Regional League Playoffs - Central in their chase for an ECNL RL championship. For the boys, teams from the ECNL RL - Greater Michigan Alliance will meet post-season qualifiers from ECNL RL - Chicago Metro, ECNL RL - Greater Lakes Alliance, ECNL RL - Heartland, ECNL RL - Midwest, ECNL RL - Mountain and ECNL RL - Twin Cities. For the girls, teams from the ECNL RL - Greater Michigan Alliance will meet qualifiers from ECNL RL - Greater Lakes Alliance, ECNL RL - Heartland, ECNL RL - Mid-America, ECNL RL - Mountain ,ECNL RL - Ohio Valley and ECNL RL - Twin Cities.

Below is more information about each club joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance.

Detroit City FC West Location: Canton, MI Founded: 1978

Since its founding in 1978, Detroit City FC West has accumulated numerous league titles, state cup championships, and tournament victories at various levels. That success has translated to a significant amount of alumni competing throughout the collegiate ranks.

“Since our founding in 1978, our club has remained committed to our core values of integrity, player development, and excellence,” said Director of Coaching Charlie Bell. “We have always strived to provide our players with the best possible growth opportunities, both on and off the field. Partnering with ECNL RL is a significant step forward, as the league upholds the highest standards in youth soccer and offers unparalleled collegiate exposure. We look forward to competing at this level and working alongside ECNL to continue developing the next generation of top players.”

Legends FC Michigan Location: Brighton, MI Founded: 2009

With two recent Michigan State Cup championships, Legends FC Michigan is excited to be joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance. The club currently has more than 30 alumni competing in college, and with more than 900 athletes in the club, Legends FC is ready to further challenge and develop its players.

"ECNL RL offers Legends FC and its players the ultimate level of visibility at collegiate showcase events while competing with the top clubs in Michigan," said ECNL Boys Regional League Director Ryan Carriere. “We are thrilled to be joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance and can’t wait to get started next season!”

Liverpool FC Michigan Location: Pontiac, MI Founded: 2016

The largest Liverpool international academy globally, Liverpool FC Michigan is home to more than 10,000 players representing more than 30 countries, which has led to great success within the ECNL. In 2024, the club had two teams reach the ECNL Girls Champions League playoffs, and another compete in the North America Cup. Meanwhile, its boys program has won a Michigan state title in three of the last four years, and its U14 squad finished as a finalist in the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs - Central in 2024. Liverpool FC Michigan is excited to continue to expand its footprint within the ECNL programming.

"As members of both ECNL Girls and ECNL Regional League Boys, we recognize the exceptional value of the league,” said ECNL Girls Director Demir Muftari. “We currently offer ECNL Girls, ECNL Regional League Girls - Heartland and ECNL Regional League Boys - Greater Lakes Alliance. This additional level complements our existing programs, creating enhanced opportunities for our players to compete at various levels and enjoy numerous game experiences."

Michigan Burn Location: New Baltimore, MI Founded: 2006

The Michigan Burn was founded in 2006 with the commitment to grow and develop Michigan’s elite soccer players by offering them the ability to play and compete at the highest levels possible. With a mission to provide the best training and playing environment, joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance reinforces that commitment.

"This is a great moment for The Michigan Burn and we are thrilled to join the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance,” said Director of Coaching Joe Gallagher. “The ECNL RL platform supports our initiative to offer more opportunities to our players, while giving them access to high level competition and exposure during ECNL RL showcases and events. We look forward to competing in the 2025-26 season and being a part of the continued growth of the ECNL."

Michigan Rangers FC Location: Hudsonville, MI Founded: 1993

Founded in 1993 and undergoing its most recent rebrand in 2022, Michigan Rangers FC has been a staple in the Michigan state tournaments, clinching a girls U17 and U19 title in 2024 and winning nine championships across the boys and girls divisions since 2020. The club averages more than 30 college commitments every year, and has two alumni currently playing in the NWSL. By joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance, the club is excited to continue to strengthen its player pathway.

"We are very happy to begin our journey on the ECNL pathway,” said Technical Director Stuart Collins. “As always we strive to align ourselves with like minded clubs and platforms that facilitate providing the best opportunities for player development and player exposure. The National Event access was really appealing to us and was a key feature for us and our players. It was really important that we could see a clear pathway within the ECNL through the formation of this league on both the boys and girls sides. We are excited by the journey in front of us and look forward to competing to take the next step."

Nationals SC Location: Shelby Township, MI Founded: 2016

In 2024, Nationals SC sent four teams to the ECNL Boys National Playoffs and another team to the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs - Central. This season, the club stands to send two teams to the ECNL Boys National Playoffs and at least one club to the Regional League Playoffs - Central, with three more within one spot of a playoff qualification. Its girls’ side is seeing even more success, as all six teams are currently in a playoff position for the ECNL Girls Regional League Playoffs - Central, including four teams in first place in the East Division.

"I’m thrilled that Nationals Soccer Club will have the opportunity to expand into the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance for both the boys' and girls' programs,” said Director of Coaching Henry Steinwascher. “This is a significant milestone for us as we launch this Regional League in Michigan, offering our players national exposure to support their growth and development. We are deeply grateful to the ECNL organization for providing us with this incredible opportunity."

Nationals SC - Capital Area Location: Lansing, MI Founded: 2016

Nationals SC - Capital Area had a great showing at the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs - Central in 2024, with four of its six age groups qualifying for the competition. In 2025, three teams are currently in a playoff qualification position and more are within striking distance of a playoff spot. By joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance, the club can continue its success on the boys side while bringing its girls programming into the fold.

“We are excited to add the ECNL Regional League for our elite girls’ teams and the level of competition, exposure, and development this conference will bring,” said Nationals Director James DeCosemo. “This platform aligns with our goal of providing opportunities to allow our players to reach their goals. We can't wait to get started in the fall!”

Plymouth Reign Location: Plymouth, MI Founded: 2003

Plymouth Reign has seen a great deal of success recently within Michigan, as the club has won four state cup championships within the last five years, representing Michigan three times at the Midwest Regional Championships. That success has translated into incredible growth for the club, and joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance will allow the club to continue its upward trajectory.

“We are honored and excited to be invited to participate in ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance,” said Club Director Miki Djerisilo. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, families, and staff. As ECNL is the nation’s leading standard in youth soccer, we look forward to the opportunities and exposure this will bring to our players, club, and community.”

Portage SC Location: Portage, MI Founded: 1985

Portage SC has seen a string of recent successes on the pitch, with three current age groups bringing home four total Michigan state titles, including its 2012 girls team that finished as a USL-Y National Finalist in 2024. That success has also extended into the collegiate ranks, with more than 20 members playing or coaching at the Division I level. With a player pipeline designed to compete against the best possible competition, Portage SC is thrilled to be joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance.

“Portage Soccer Club remains committed to prioritizing player development over winning, and our teams continue to excel in both skill and results,” said Director of Coaching Wayne Harpenau. “We believe that by focusing on development, our players, their parents, the club, and the Kalamazoo/Portage community will always achieve our primary goal of supporting youth in reaching their fullest potential. Competing in the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance offers a player development pathway that will serve our athletes well as they continue to grow. We are excited about the upcoming opportunity and look forward to what the future holds."

TKO Premier SC Location: Kalamazoo, MI Founded: 1983

One of the oldest clubs in the state, TKO Premier SC is proud to be joining the ECNL Regional League - Greater Michigan Alliance. The club has seen recent success in the Michigan state tournament, with two age groups bringing home a trophy in 2024 and another in 2023. With more than 750 players in the club currently, and plenty graduating to college throughout the years, the club is excited for what the future holds.

"We are very excited to be part of a league that provides our players with such a strong player development platform and college exposure opportunities,” said Director of Coaching Rich Labadie. “The philosophy of allowing clubs to have input and earn advancement through merit is a great approach that our players and coaches are ready for."

###

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.

www.TheECNL.com

ECNL FB: @TheECNL | ECNL IG: @TheECNL | ECNL X: @TheECNL

The Michigan Burn Soccer Club is proud to announce our exclusive partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings in Michigan! Buffalo Wild Wings is a well-known national brand and community leader and we couldn't be more excited about their involvement with the Michigan Burn!

“The partnership between Buffalo Wild Wings and the Michigan Burn seemed like it would be the perfect fit. Both Bdubs and the Burn are local and are heavily involved within the community. Buffalo Wild Wings wanted to do something to support the many families who are a part of the Michigan Burn so we felt that this partnership would be a great opportunity to do so.”

Brian Carmody, President, JKT Wings

Along with branding in and around The Sports Academy and on the field, benefits for Burn families include a rewards program for kids, discounts at all Michigan Buffalo Wild Wings, use of Bdubs for parties and team get-togethers in and out of state as well as Michigan Burn Club advertising in Bdubs restaurants. And just wait till you see the new uniforms!

"We are so excited to bring Buffalo Wild Wings on board at The Burn. The Club has been growing and thriving and this is just another example of our commitment to our players, our families and our community. Bdubs brings its visibility, brand recognition and community support to the Burn and will provide many benefits for our players and our facility."

Joe Gallagher, President, The Michigan Burn Soccer Club

The Michigan Burn Soccer Club is excited to announce that it will be deploying the Veo Camera System beginning with the 2021-22 Soccer Season. These cameras, once deployed, automatically track and record the entire game without a cameraman. 

"One of the immediate benefits of our partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings will be to supply the Club with Veo Cameras, all the tripods and the software for the entire soccer year," says Joe Gallagher, President of the Michigan Burn Soccer Club.

"And The Blanchett Insurance Group is partnering with us to cover the platform subscription costs for the year as well. We really have outstanding corporate partners for the 2021-22 season!"

Veo will give Burn coaches the ability to review video footage of all of their games, home and away, to then share with their teams, make highlight clips, and cover areas of the game that need to be improved or that are being done well. The system will also have the ability to tag players in highlights from games.

"Having used a camera system the past couple of seasons, the benefits for the players, families, and coaches are extremely valuable. What I really like about the new VEO System, and I'm sure the parents will too, is the camera runs itself! Basically, set up the camera and hit go. That's it. The new system also makes it easier to record practices, which only benefits the teams that much more. I'm excited to see that with the help of Buffalo Wild Wings and The Blanchett Insurance Group, now more players and coaches will have access to an important tool for individual and team development." - Chris Graczyk, Michigan Burn Technical Director/Coach

Veo is the ideal solution to automatically film Soccer matches. The camera films with two 4K lenses and records 180 degrees, so it captures every single moment of the match in great video quality. One of the main features of filming with Veo is that the two cameras record the full pitch throughout the game so you’ll never miss a moment. And you don’t rely on a skilled cameraman who can stay concentrated and trace the ball for a whole match without ever losing sight of the ball. It's all automatic.