IEFC & BLFC
We have partnered with Indiana Elite Soccer Club to provide our Bloomingdale players more opportunities and exposure to high-level soccer. As part of this partnership, all Premiership players will have the opportunity to play at the regional level in the ECNL. Participating boys could additionally be called upon to play at the national level for league games and tournaments. For girls, our selected players will play at the regional level.
WHAT IS THE ECNL?
The Elite Club National League is one of the highest ranked platforms in the country. They offer competitive games for girls and boys from ages u12 through u18. They are well known for college recruitment for players in high school. To play in the ECNL, clubs must be invited or affiliated with an ECNL official member. Additionally, the ECNL offers some of the best college showcase events in the country. This is critical for our academy players u16 and above.
We are proud to be one of the few select clubs to have this opportunity in our area. For more information about the ECNL,
click here.
WHO GETS CONSIDERED?
All Players currently on a Premiership roster will receive the opportunity to play in the ECNL with Indiana Elite. Other players in our club can be recommended by a coach or request an evaluation. Once a player has been accepted, an official letter will be sent with instructions.
We will continue to practice in Bloomingdale and on occasion travel to Indiana to compete against other top ECNL teams in training and tournaments.
Your current Lightning coaches are now part of IEFC and will remain with their teams for training, coaching and organizing.
UNIFORMS
Accepted players will be required to purchase a uniform from IEFC. The cost for the kit will be paid direct to IEFC. Players must wear this uniform at all ECNL hosted events, no exceptions. We will post the link to purchase the kit here when it becomes available.
It is important to understand that this opportunity provided to us is unique. When playing in the ECNL, we are part of Indiana Elite and must take full accountability for representing their brand with pride. They offer a professional full Adidas kit that players will appreciate.
LEAGUE GAMES
Boys: Most of our players will start off by competing at the regional level. Games will be played in the midwest region with several games being in the local area such as Libertyville, Rockford, Indiana, Naperville and Wisconsin. The league will consist of 10 to 12 games to be played between September and May. For high school players the regular season will run between November and May.
Girls: Very similar except they will play a total of 14 games starting in September and play scheduled games until June.
Qualifying teams will play in a Regional Championship in mid Juan and a National Championship in mid-July. Locations tbd but expect to travel.
SHOWCASE PLAYER
IEFC has both regional and national opportunities for the boys. Boys that play on a regional team will have the opportunity to play with the national select team on occasion or fulltime. There is no further financial commitment but will require a player to travel to additional events and practices at their own expense. Accepting a position at this level is optional but recommended if selected. It is part of our partnership to support any/all Indiana Elite teams whenever called upon.
For the girls, IEFC is working hard on getting a bid into the national league. We are excited to help this process and we are offering them our full support.
SHOWCASE TOURNAMENT
The ECNL is well known for their showcase tournaments. At these events, players will benefit from top level competition, college scouting and a professional atmosphere. This year for boys U16, U17 and U18, we will be submitting applications for events across the nation. States include Texas, Florida, Virginia and South Carolina. We are excited to be competing against other top academies across the country.
No showcases events for u13 & u14 this year for boys or girls.
TRAINING
Players competing at the regional level will not be required to travel to Indiana to train. We will organize training here in Bloomingdale for players competing at this level. No additional training fees will be charged.
Showcase players will be required to practice with IEFC at their home base in portage on occasion. IEFC will communicate which days of the week are preferred. Expect the unexpected! When time permits, we will travel to Indiana to practice and play as a team.
PRICING
Players accepted into the ECNL by IEFC and BLFC will be required to pay additional fees and are not a part of your regular Lightning membership fees.
- Yearly player card registration fee
- Regional League fee
- Uniform cost tbd
- Tournament fee. Covers ECNL showcase tournament and coaching. Only applicable to teams attending showcases.
Prices will vary. Please inquire with your coach regarding the costs.
