SANFORD, Fla. — Some of the nation’s top young soccer players are showcasing their skills this weekend in Seminole County as the Elite Club National League (ECNL) hosts its Florida tournament at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

What You Need To Know

  • The ECNL Florida Tournament brings 170 teams and over 300 college scouts to Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford

  • The event generates over $3.5 million in revenue for Seminole County through tourism and local business activity

  • The tournament provides elite competition and college recruitment opportunities, enhancing exposure for young athletes

The event, which began Friday, brings together approximately 170 teams from across the country, drawing thousands of athletes, their families, and fans to Central Florida.

Established in 2009 as a girls-only league and expanded to include boys in 2017, ECNL provides a platform for young players to compete and gain exposure to college recruiters.

“Our league play is is a good platform in terms of week in and week out, but ultimately these players want to achieve the next level," said Chris Leahey, ECNL Regional League Commissioner. "In order to do that, you bring everybody to one venue and that allows college coaches this weekend over three days to see, you know, 175 teams and you know, X amount of players on that as well So these events really provide an opportunity not only just to compete and have that experience, but to get that maximum exposure as well.”  

The tournament is expected to generate more than $3.5 million in revenue for the area, as visitors fill local hotels and restaurants. Seminole County officials note that the event is a significant boost to the local economy.

Pete Sadin, Girls ECNL Regional Director from North Carolina, brought four teams to the tournament. He highlighted the benefits of competing in Florida, particularly the opportunities for players to perform in front of scouts.

“There's been a ton of college coaches and great exposure for the players, the level of competition for each of the games we've been having as well has been top notch," said Sadin. "So for the teams through once or twice through the course of the year, just one in Florida, you get out of the cold weather in North Carolina, but just a great opportunity to see teams that we don't normally see in the level competition in."

Beyond the competition, players and their families are making the most of their time in Florida, visiting theme parks and enjoying the area’s warm weather.

Leahey emphasized the importance of Seminole County’s ongoing partnership with ECNL, calling Florida an ideal location for such events.

The ECNL Florida Tournament runs through Sunday, giving players three days of competitive matchups and invaluable opportunities to impress college scouts.