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RICHMOND, Va. – The ECNL is proud to announce Delaware FC, Philadelphia Ukrainians, PSA Monmouth, and South Jersey Elite Barons (SJEB) will all be promoted into the ECNL Boys North Atlantic Conference for the 2025-26 season. With these additions, the North Atlantic will now sit at 12 teams, improving the schedule and game structure of the conference as well as adding depth and quality through performance-based promotions from the ECNL Regional League.
“When the ECNL speaks about a proven pathway for clubs and players, these four clubs are a perfect example,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “Each of these clubs embraced the process, competing to demonstrate their quality over multiple seasons in the ECNL Regional League. As a continuation of our announcements over the past several weeks, this growth in the North Atlantic Conference is concrete evidence of the merit-based opportunities in the ECNL. This is the basis of strong, stable leagues and clubs for the long-term.”
Below is more information about each club joining the ECNL Boys North Atlantic Conference.
Delaware FC
Location: Hockessin, Del.
Founded: 1989
Delaware FC had an impressive 2024 club campaign, where the organization sent its U13 squad all the way to the ECNL Boys Regional League Finals, finishing as the national runner up, and also had its U14s place second in the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs-East. This season, the club currently has its U13s once again in a playoff position, sitting atop the ECNL Boys Regional League-Northeast’s South Division, and multiple other teams clawing their way into the playoff picture. With their addition into the ECNL Boys North Atlantic Conference, Delaware FC is primed to be the destination club for athletes in the Blue Hen State.
“Delaware FC is extremely excited to be invited into ECNL Boys for the upcoming season,” said Sporting Director Scott Mosier. “By providing opportunities for players to compete at the highest levels in the country, our club’s mission of ‘Soccer for All’ is further advanced. We look forward to being a strong partner in the ECNL platform.”
Philadelphia Ukrainians
Location: North Wales, Pa.
Founded: 1950
The reigning U15 ECNL Boys Regional League National Champions, Philadelphia Ukrainians had an impressive 2024, which saw the club send three additional teams to the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs-East. This season, the club’s U16 squad is once again pacing the pack, leading the South Division of the ECNL Boys Regional League-Northeast. With multiple other age groups knocking on the door of a playoff qualification position, Philadelphia Ukrainians is primed for another successful postseason ahead of its jump into the ECNL Boys North Atlantic.
"We couldn't be more excited to join the ECNL Boys,” said President Bobby Andrews. “We want to extend a huge thank you to Jason Kutney, Chris Leahy, and the ECNL staff for their professionalism, support, and belief in our coaches and players as we make this transition. The ECNL aligns with our core values and the mission of Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals Soccer Club. This platform is an incredible pathway for the players in our club, providing them the opportunity to compete in the most premier recruiting events and against some of the best clubs in the country. We are incredibly grateful to the ECNL and its leadership and look forward to the many great years ahead."
PSA Monmouth
Location: Tinton Falls, N.J.
Founded: 2018
PSA Monmouth currently is in first place in the U17 age group for the ECNL Boys Regional League-Northeast South Division, with its U16s nipping at the heels of Philadelphia Ukrainians. This comes off a 2024 season where the club won the U18/19 ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs-East, had their U16s in the ECNL Boys Regional League Finals, placing in the top 4, and a playoff appearance in the U13 age group. PSA Monmouth is ready to translate the success of its past two seasons into even more success in the ECNL Boys North Atlantic Conference.
“Gaining promotion to the ECNL Boys League is a tremendous honor and a step we are extremely grateful to be taking,” said Boys Director of Coaching Dan Lawson. “Whilst promotion is an exemplification of our membership’s commitment and dedication each and every day, we are excited to see our club compete at the highest level of youth soccer in the United States from the 2025-26 season.”
South Jersey Elite Barons
Location: Pitman, N.J.
Founded: 1996
In 2024, South Jersey Elite Barons (SJEB) had three teams qualify for the ECNL Boys Regional League Playoffs-East, two of which advanced all the way to the ECNL Boys Regional League Finals. This season, SJEB’s U14s and U18/19s currently lead the South Division of the ECNL Boys Regional League-Northeast, with others right in the thick of a playoff race. With the ECNL Boys North Atlantic on deck, SJEB is ready to finish the season strong and bring that momentum into next season.
“SJEB FC is honored and excited to be joining the top tier of the ECNL Boys,” said Executive Director Don D’Ambra. “Our selection is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, staff and board and a very beneficial move for everyone at our club. We fully trust in ECNL Boys to provide the platform and competitive structure to aid us in developing top players who are given maximum opportunities and exposure. We thank the ECNL for the invitation and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
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.
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