PRE-ECNL

PRE-ECNL

The Pre-ECNL is a developmental soccer league that prepares young players for future Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) participation. It is an introductory platform for younger age groups, ranging from U12, offering high competition and training to help players develop the skills needed for success in the ECNL.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • ECNL Boys – Golden State Conference. 
  • ECNL Girls – NorCal Premier Conference. 
  • Available for U13 through U19
  • High Level Competition
  • National showcases across the country 
  • College Pathway

Pre-ECNL is geared toward younger players, focusing on foundational skills, technical development, and understanding of the game. The league emphasizes player growth and prepares players for the more competitive environment of the ECNL.

Pre-ECNL offers a competitive environment where players can test themselves against strong opponents. This helps to build the competitive spirit and resilience required at higher levels.

Pre-ECNL teams are part of ECNL clubs, providing continuity in training philosophy and coaching standards as players progress through the ranks. This integration ensures that players receive consistent development throughout their youth soccer journey.

The Pre-ECNL is organized similarly to the ECNL, with teams divided into regional conferences. This structure allows for regular competition against top teams in the region, fostering a competitive yet developmental environment.

Pre-ECNL is a stepping stone to the ECNL. Players who excel in Pre-ECNL move on to play in the ECNL as they age out of the younger age groups, continuing their development in a more demanding setting.

Players in Pre-ECNL benefit from coaching that aligns with the standards of the ECNL. This early exposure to high-quality coaching helps accelerate their development and prepares them for the challenges of higher-level competition.

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WHY CHOOSE VALLEY SURF?

No matter how advanced a club’s philosophy or how ambitious its vision, success on the field ultimately comes down to the quality of its coaching staff.

 

At Valley Surf, we are proud to feature one of the most accomplished and diverse coaching staffs in the region—bringing experience from the youth, collegiate, professional, and international levels of the game.

 

Our coaches hail from over six different countries, each bringing a unique background, perspective, and approach that reflects the global nature of the sport. From grassroots to the highest levels, their combined insight helps shape players in a well-rounded, adaptable way.

 

We also feature coaches with NCAA collegiate coaching experience, providing unmatched guidance for players preparing for the next level. Whether navigating the college recruitment process or aiming for identification opportunities, our coaching staff equips players with the tools to reach their goals.

We believe better coaches equals better players and we believe we investing in both.

River Islands Sports Complex is the proud home of Valley Surf, serving as the heart of our club’s operations.

 

Located in the master-planned River Islands community in Lathrop, this top-tier facility features high-quality Bermuda grass fields and a layout designed to support both player development and an exceptional experience for families and visitors. It provides the ideal environment to train, compete, and grow—both on and off the field.

 

The complex regularly hosts major events including Surf Cup qualifiers, college ID camps, and league showcases, while also serving as a day-to-day home for our training sessions, club matches, and Surf programming. Its central location within one of the fastest-growing areas in the country makes it easily accessible for families across the Central Valley.

 

One of the greatest advantages of calling River Islands Sports Complex home is the consistency it offers. With club-managed access and scheduling, families know exactly where and when they’ll train—months in advance. This reliability allows our players to focus on their growth and allows families to plan their lives with ease and confidence.

ECNL features top youth soccer clubs from across the country. The league is known for its competitive environment, where the best young players compete regularly against each other.

Throughout the course of the season, our Elite Clubs National League and Regional League teams travel to compete in national events that are hosted in different states. At these national events, our teams are matched up against first-class competition located in various regions of the United States – each of which represent some of the best clubs that youth soccer has to offer.

 

For a list of national events that our Boys ECNL & ECNL RL and Girls ECNL RL could participating in visit the links below: 

 

Our goal is give high school-aged players and their parents with the necessary tools to navigate the uncharted territory of college recruiting. Our core philosophy of our recruiting program takes into account:

 

  • The applications and application process associated with applying for academic scholarships;
  • The application process and required  documentation that is associated with applying for financial aid;
  • The process associated with choosing the best two-year and four-year institutions for your player so that their athletic and academic aspirations are met.
  • Taking into account the environmental needs of each player so that their targeted schools best suit their individual, personal needs. 

 

Valley Surf will be with membership throughout this process, providing helpful resources on guidance and what type of mindset a player and parent needs when considering college programs.

 

College is more than a name on a diploma and we want players to know that this is about YOU.

The impact of Valley Surf reaches far beyond wins and trophies.

 

We believe our true purpose lies in serving our communities—using soccer as a tool to connect, uplift, and inspire. From River Islands (Lathrop) to Stockton, Manteca, Tracy, and beyond, we’re committed to creating access to the game through camps, clinics, and community outreach.

 

At the heart of our philosophy is the development of young people into strong, thoughtful individuals. Our programs are designed to build better people first—who in turn become better players. Through meaningful relationships, leadership opportunities, and service-driven experiences, Valley Surf empowers youth to grow, lead, and make lasting contributions in their communities.

Valley Surf Soccer Club proudly uses BYGA as the club’s preferred centralized platform for membership communication.

 

BYGA is Silicon-Valley designed revolutionary club management software that has transformed the way youth soccer clubs are managed. What sets BYGA apart from competitors is its powerful features that are intelligently connected, resulting in new-found management efficiencies that help families plan with less stress and club’s operate with more efficiency. 

 

The BYGA Difference provides families with some of the following advantages: 

 

  • Game schedules and training schedules automatically populate on the web and to users smartphones. 
  • Club-based communications are streamlined and sent out to the masses in a centralized form.
  • BYGA allows for users to utilize a photo-sharing function that can be used to distribute in-game action shots and team-centric content. 
  • Team chat functionality allows players, managers, and coaches to better communicate with one another to avoid any future miscommunications or mishaps.
  • BYGA is both web-based and mobile application-based, brining the ease of accessibility to your home and when you’re on-the-go.

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