The BWP Football Academy, known for its dedication to developing top-tier talent, has officially been accepted into the prestigious Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) ecosystem and will compete in the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL). This marks a significant milestone for the academy, as it now joins an elite group of clubs and teams across the country that compete at the highest level of youth soccer in the United States.
A New Opportunity for Players
Being selected for the ECNL RL is a game-changer for the young athletes at BWP Football Academy. The ECNL is widely regarded as one of the gold standards in youth soccer development, providing players with an unparalleled platform to showcase their skills against the best in the country. The league’s competitive environment pushes players to continuously improve while also offering exposure to college scouts and even professional teams.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the ECNL RL,” said Academy Director, Steve Freeman. “This is a huge step forward for our players and coaching staff. It not only validates the hard work that has been put in over the years but also opens up new opportunities for our athletes to compete at the highest level. This is another step forward as we try to advance our players’ development to meet the demands of senior level soccer, collegiate and potentially beyond.”
What This Means for the Academy
Being accepted into the ECNL RL will significantly enhance the visibility of BWP Football Academy on a national scale. The academy’s players will now have access to some of the most competitive and well-organized youth soccer tournaments, including regional and national events that attract top scouts from across the country.
“Joining the ECNL RL is a testament to the growth of our program and the quality of players we have developed,” said Steve Freeman, head coach at BWP Football Academy. “Our commitment to player development, combined with the rigorous standards of the ECNL RL, will provide our athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed at the senior levels.”
Focus on Player Development
At the core of BWP Football Academy’s philosophy is a commitment to player development. The academy’s coaching staff, which includes experienced trainers and former professional players, has always prioritized nurturing young talent by focusing on individual growth and team success.
The acceptance into the ECNL RL is seen as a natural progression for an academy that has been steadily building a reputation for producing top-tier players. With the addition of the ECNL RL platform, players will receive further exposure to college coaches and scouts, potentially increasing their chances of earning roster spots in collegiate soccer.
Community Impact
BWP Football Academy has always tried to be on the “front foot” when it comes to innovation and reaching for access to the national standard for its players and staff. Having been an inaugural member of MLS Next Academy League (top tier) and affiliated with the Red Bull New York Academy – RBNYA during the pandemic-riddled 2020/21 competitive season, the Academy increased its weekly training periodization to four days a week. “We want to be at the highest level possible playing a club’s best team and top cohort of players,” stated Freeman. Unfortunately, the market may not have been ready for the Club’s ambitions, and unable to field two teams within MLS Next Academy (top tier), the Club was released from the platform, and a day later RBNYA dropped the affiliation with the Club. “It was a very tough time at the Club, and we even tried a merger with another club, a national brand, but it became clear after 4 months or so that we were not on the same page, so we severed ties at the end of the season in 2022,” said Freeman. The club was left with boys only, two age groups, and less than 30 players who wanted to train four times a week in 2022/23, and within a year was back on its feet offering programming in three age groups in 2023/24 and nearly 50 players. This past year, 2024/25 has seen the club grow even more as the enrollment is up to nearly 80 boys ages 12-18 years old. “I am extremely proud of our technical staff as we work as one – 5 adults working with each of its cohorts. This attention that we can provide our players is very different from most amateur youth clubs who rely on 1-2 staff members handling 1-2 teams, maybe even more teams depending on their structure,” Freeman continued.
The acceptance of BWP Football Academy into the ECNL RL is also a huge win for the local soccer community as well. Playing in the ECNL RL, which is the regional league for the ECNL will have BWP FA competing with other prominent youth clubs and their club’s first teams and top talent in the Northeast. As the academy continues to grow, its impact on the region’s soccer scene will be felt for years to come. Young athletes who dream of playing at the highest levels now have a clear pathway to follow, with BWP Football Academy serving as a beacon for talent development in the area.
Looking Ahead
With the future of the academy brighter than ever, BWP Football Academy is positioned to continue to grow and offer opportunities and access for its players to the national level of play. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with the support of the ECNL, the academy’s athletes are more equipped than ever to achieve their goals on the pitch.
For BWP Football Academy in year 30 of its existence, this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As they embark on their ECNL RL journey, the future looks incredibly promising for the players, coaches, and supporters alike.
Conclusion
BWP Football Academy’s acceptance into the ECNL RL is another great achievement that highlights the academy’s growth and re-commitment to developing its young talent. With enhanced competition, increased exposure, and access to national-level events, the academy is ready to build on this success and continue shaping the future of soccer in the 518, Upstate New York, the Northeast and the United States.For more information about BWP Football Academy and their upcoming ECNL RL season, visit www.blackwatchpremier.com.
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