ECNL: Coastal Rush, Tennessee United SC Earn Promotion to National Tier for 2026-27 Season
- Staff Writer
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
RICHMOND, Va. — The ECNL Boys has officially announced the promotion of Coastal Rush and Tennessee United Soccer Club from the ECNL Regional League to the ECNL Boys National League for the 2026-27 season. Both clubs are set to join the Mid-America Conference next year following a period of sustained dominance in the regional ranks.
The move serves as the latest validation of the ECNL’s merit-based pyramid, which utilizes the Regional League as a proving ground for clubs aiming to compete at the highest level of youth soccer in the United States.
"Coastal Rush and Tennessee United have shown tremendous performances, and we are extremely excited to welcome both of these clubs," said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. "Pathways are earned and proven, and these two promotions are great examples of clubs showing they can compete at a high level and being rewarded for it."
Coastal Rush, based in Pensacola, Florida, has seen a meteoric rise since its founding in 2021. After an impressive stint in the Florida Regional League—which included a U15 trip to the National Finals—the club transitioned to the newly formed Gulf Coast division for the 2025-26 season. The results have been undeniable; the club currently boasts a combined 37-6-3 record across all age groups, with four of its six teams remaining undefeated.
The promotion marks a major milestone for a young club built on decades of local leadership experience. "ECNL raises the standards for our entire program," said John Guidroz, Coastal Rush Director of Coaching. "All of the credit goes to the consistent effort of our players, coaches, and families. We look forward to representing our community on the national stage."
The club’s technical staff emphasized that the move to the Mid-America Conference will further their mission of collegiate placement, an area where the club has already seen record-breaking numbers during its short history.
Joining Coastal Rush in the jump to the National League is Tennessee United SC. The Hendersonville-based club has been virtually untouchable this season in the ECNL Regional League - Mid-America, posting a staggering combined record of 53-4-6. Five of the club’s six age groups (U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18/19) currently sit in first place.
Tennessee United is no stranger to high-level success, having previously captured the 2022 U19 NPL National Championship alongside multiple state titles. Executive Director and Founder Jonathan Wayland noted that the professional environment of the ECNL will provide essential exposure for players looking to advance to the collegiate and professional ranks.
"This is a testament to the hard work of our players, families, and administrative team," Wayland said. "We look forward to the possibilities and accept the challenge of being among the best clubs in the nation."
Both clubs will finish their current campaigns with the goal of reaching the ECNL Regional League Boys Finals before officially making the transition to the ECNL Boys Mid-America Conference this fall.
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