ChelseaFan wrote:There have been several opinions posted on this forum about the merits of National League over ECNL. The most common theme has centered around National League being limited to teams that truly were of distinction vs the ECNL which pulled their teams based on the overall club strength. This argument has certainly had validity but now USYS is expanding the National League. In fact...they are sending out invitations to multiple teams around the country at each age group. See this exerpt from the letter of invitation:


"US Youth Soccer’s National League is being expanded. There will be opportunities for additional teams to enter the competition. Requirements for participation include the team’s participation in Premier League and National Cup. Certain teams, based on their finish in National Cup Regionals and the prior year’s National League are receiving invitations for the upcoming season. There is a possibility that there will be slots for additional teams. If you have a team that did not receive an invitation, participated in PLW and Natl Cup, and that you feel should be considered for the National League you should submit an application for that team to the NL."



[i]Is this direct solicitation for expansion a result of ECNL's growth and prominence or was this already planned and unrelated? I certainly believe there is heat under certain USYS National League Executive collars.[/i]