Michigan Soccer Training
Team Sheet
Pick your position — the armband marks where you are.
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A real level below ECNL — with an all-Michigan league that keeps travel in-state.
The ECNL Regional League is a separate, lower competition than full ECNL — the jerseys look similar on purpose, but the level and exposure differ. In 2025-26 the ECNL-RL Greater Michigan Alliance launched with ten all-Michigan clubs, deliberately keeping league travel in-state. Top teams reach regional playoffs, and whole clubs can be promoted into full ECNL.
Calendars generally avoid the relevant MHSAA season for each gender.
The parent takeaway
'We play ECNL-RL' is not the same as 'we play ECNL.' It's a strong second tier with a promotion pathway — just know which one you're being sold. All ten founding Greater Michigan Alliance clubs are listed above; if your club is in it and missing here, tell us and we'll add it.
Tier 1
MLS NEXT Homegrown
The top of the boys pyramid — where MLS academies and youth national teams scout.
Tier 2
MLS NEXT Academy
Same platform, second tier — and the one where high school soccer is allowed.
Tier 1
ECNL
The gold standard on the girls side — and a top boys league whose Michigan lane looks different.