ECNL Contact: Jacob Born; 314-440-0644
Press Contact: Erica Bates; 917-559-4984
RICHMOND, Va. (April 25, 2022) – Today ECNL Girls announced a conference realignment in the west to create the new Northern Cal Conference, a brand-new conference for 10 clubs to kick off in the 2022-23 season. The Northern Cal Conference will be the home for eight northern California clubs currently playing in the Northwest Conference: Davis Legacy, De Anza Force, Marin FC, Mustang SC, MVLA, Pleasanton Rage, San Juan SC and Santa Rosa United.
In addition, the Northern Cal will welcome Bay Area Surf and Placer United as new clubs into the ECNL Girls for the 2022-23 season, rewarding both clubs’ performances in the ECNL Regional League – NorCal this year.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Bay Area Surf and Placer United to the ECNL Girls platform for the 2022-23 season and the creation of the Northern Cal Conference,” said Jen Winnagle,
ECNL COO and Girls Commissioner. “This new conference will provide fantastic games with much-reduced travel for all teams, allowing an even better experience for players to develop to their full potential. The creation of a new conference recognizes the depth of talent in the region, and the addition of Bay Area Surf and Placer United increases the competition level across the board.”
Bay Area Surf
Sunnyvale, CA
- Founded in 2017; joined the Surf brand in 2021
- More than 35 club graduates playing collegiate soccer
- Multiple players in various USYNT pools from U15-U19
“Bay Area Surf is extremely excited to be invited as a new member club in Girls ECNL,” said Heath Piper, Executive Academy Director. “Our goal has always been to look for the best competition for our program locally and nationally. The ECNL platform has proven over the years to be the top girls league in the country and it’s an honor for our program to have been selected to represent the ECNL brand. We look forward to the competition and the opportunities for our players to showcase their talent at the highest level each week. We know that this will only further enhance their opportunities collegiately and beyond.”
Placer United
Rocklin, CA
- Founded: 1982
- Placer United Indoor Training Facility is the largest indoor training facility for youth soccer in the Sacramento area
- More than 400 alumni playing collegiate soccer since 2010
“We are absolutely delighted to be accepted into the ECNL Girls platform,” said Ron Benjamin, Director of Coaching. “This acceptance is a reward for years upon years of hard work and dedication, trying to make our club one of the prominent youth soccer organizations in northern California. We look forward to playing in the ECNL competition and enhancing our college recruitment process and opening up even more avenues for our female athletes.”
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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’s 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.
Girls FB: /ECNLGirls | Girls IG: @ECNLGirls | Girls TW: @ECNLGirls
“I am excited to announce my commitment to Saint Mary’s College of California. I can’t wait to continue my journey as a Gael! I want to thank all my coaches throughout my years that have helped me get to where I am today, Coach Paul O’Brien for being there for me since the start, and Coach Jason for helping me throughout this process. I am also beyond grateful for my family and friends who have pushed me to get to where I am today. Without them, none of this would have been possible.” —Hector Serrano-Martin 
“I am super excited to share my commitment to Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, to further my academic and soccer career. I want to thank my family, teammates, and coaches throughout the years. I couldn’t have done it without them. Especially Coach BJ for helping me throughout my recovery, and Coach Todd DeCarlo for all the support and guidance in these final years at Placer. I am super excited about the opportunity! Go Pride!” —Sammie Miller 
